So here is a good idea: While you’re heading out to your favorite coffee spots, instead of surfing the web or gasp, READING, try checking out one of the new places popping up all over the country : Kiosk Cafes. Have a cup, print your pix, and read your free copy of Laura Oles book.

The other day I discussed the other book that is a great learning tool. Well here is a different approach to the same subject but with a much more enriched result. A full service kind of book told with a friendly style that just makes all of the explanations of a seemingly complex subject….right, a definitely complex subject, with all of the info you need to get you on the right path.

HIGHLY reccommended as a compliment to a digital camera gift.

Oh yeah. I said free. AND Laura has offered another bonus: a cool tote bag to drag all of your stuff to the cafe.

More info at the end of the article. Take it away Laura…………

Have you ever noticed that your favorite retail store isn’t really just a store? You feel comfortable walking through its doors and at ease when searching for that special item. In fact, unlike most of our shopping experiences, you may choose to linger rather than make a mad dash for the checkout counter. The people are knowledgeable, the environment is warm and inviting, and they always have that particularly hard-to-find item. Perhaps many of your friends like to visit the same location.

If you haven’t added your local photo store to your A-list, it’s time to reconsider. Kiosk cafés are popping up in photo shops around the country. Kiosk cafes are essentially designated areas with several touch-screen operated digital imaging systems that are capable of doing everything from cropping and correcting red-eye to providing photo printing, image CDs, party invitations and even photo books. You can take a seat, enjoy a beverage, insert your digital camera card and play to your heart’s content.

Kiosk cafes are designed specifically to allow guests to enjoy the experience of enhancing their pictures and printing their favorites. Like the host of regulars that line up at the local Starbucks® for caffeine and conversation, kiosk cafes are designed to offer a similar ‘sit and stay awhile’ experience. Some even offer a section designed specifically for kids and come decked out with video screens, art supplies and train tables to keep little ones occupied while Mom finishes ordering her pictures.

For those women who are looking for a place to meet new friends or meet up with old ones, a kiosk café is a fun way to connect with others while having a bit of fun with your digital camera. It can also take a bit of the pain out of getting those pictures off to Grandma, who keeps lobbing comments such as “I can barely remember what my grandchildren look like” your way.

To find a kiosk café in your area, check with your local retailer or go online and search in your hometown. This store design is growing in popularity with shops of all sizes, as they are looking for new ways to help you enjoy your digital pictures while giving you the comfort of community as well.

A few retail stores are even offering special events and workshops in their kiosk cafes. Similar to a scrapbooker’s ‘crop night,’ you may find a digital camera 101 course or a ‘coffee and questions’ session with your local shop owner.
It’s certainly a lot more fun than reading the manual.

–Laura Oles is a photo industry journalist and the author of Digital Photography for Busy Women: How to Manage, Protect and Preserve Your Favorite Photos

And today we are offering the first person to contact us by email a FREE copy of her outstanding book
And Thanks to Laura for also offering a free tote bag to bring you books to the coffee/photo kiosk.

So email us at :damonw@photoinduced.com, “Laura ” in the subject line and we’ll send you a copy of Laura Oles book AND a free totebag, courtesy of Laura.
Cheers to that!

Damon Webster

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 13th, 2006 at 1:39 am and is filed under Photo News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.