Austin Camera & Imaging

Photo by Joe Lanane

Former Wolf Camera employee opens his own shop

A new camera shop on Burnet Road aims to attract avid photographers and newcomers alike.

Matt Cohen, a former employee of longtime Austin business Wolf Camera and Adorama in New York, branched out with his wife, Pamela, to start Austin Camera & Imaging in October.

"Being part of a liquidating company toward the end at Wolf, we tried changing the ways we did some things in the 11th hour, and in doing that we learned a lot," Matt Cohen said. "We want to be more a place people can go and experience—like more of a boutique store."

The store sells new, used and vintage cameras as well as lenses, accessories and other equipment. It also provides a wide range of printing services, and, starting in April, will expand its one-on-one training courses to include group lessons.

The couple, who tied the knot in 2013, said they complement one another on day-to-day duties.

"I had the business background," Pamela Cohen said. "We couldn't have done this without the other."

New photographers and students are a large part of the customer base so far. Vintage polaroids and classic 35 mm cameras have proven popular, he said.

"They want to learn from the beginning rather than just hit a button on a phone or buy a camera that does everything for you," Matt Cohen said.

5350 Burnet Road, Ste. 8, 512-407-9280, www.austincamera.com