HAMPTON — Chuck’s Camera Plus is the last remaining camera store in all of Hampton Roads, according to its owner, Chuck Marshall.
Opening in 2014 after a five-year stint with Canon working with IT services and flipping houses after that for extra money, Marshall was able to purchase the space he needed for his store.
This is the third camera store he has owned.
He chose the Downtown Hampton location after deciding that the draw of the Air and Space Museum as well as the Marina would bring some clientele.
His shop isn’t the only place you can buy his equipment, though.
Marshall also sells his camera equipment on Ebay, Amazon and on his website.
In addition to selling his camera equipment, Marshall has been a freelance photographer for 35 years.
He works with clients and photographs weddings, parties, headshots and more.
Marshall said he has photographed more than 1,000 weddings and contributes that to his steady clientele.
“People tell me that they hope I stay in the business,” he said.
Marshall sells all major camera brands as well as lights but he doesn’t just sell his equipment.
He said he will answer any questions his customers might have, show them how to use the equipment and if they need anything repaired he refers them to H&S Camera Repair based in Norfolk.
Being able to come in and see how a new lens might fit a camera, or seeing how a strobe light works in the studio is what people enjoy about his shop, Marshall said.
Photographers who are looking for accessories are the most common customers he gets, but people will also come in for his freelance studio work or visit his website.
Marshall’s goal for his shop is to sell it to someone else in the business so that he can take a step back.
“I’ll never retire though,” he said.
To learn more about Chuck’s Camera Plus, visit the store at 555 H Settlers Landing Road or go to its website.
