The store quickly established itself as a vital service to the community, but unfortunately the “death knell” that is digital photography turned the industry on its head.
“I tried to sell the business ... I’m 73 at Christmas, and I sadly lost my darling wife about three years ago to pancreatic cancer, so I thought, right, that’s it, I’ve had enough,” Mr Bugg said.
“I’d rather sell, having not worked in the business properly for about 10 years, I don’t want to go back and start again; to have to relearn everything.”
Mr Bugg quickly learned interest in the photography business was not what he pictured.
With no potential buyer on the horizon, he had no choice but to announce the closure of Shepparton Camera House, estimated for the end of January.
“(The closing down) will be a bit of a tragedy for the population of Shepparton, because there’s lots of knowledge in this building with the experienced staff,” Mr Bugg said.
“Graham has been with me for 35 years, Chrissy about 32 years, Ryan’s well into 22 years.
“There’s a lot of photographic knowledge that will disappear, and a lot of services, like the video transfers and copies of old tapes on to DVD, that will disappear out of the town too.”
Mr Bugg recalls a time when everyone had a film camera and the store would process up to 2500 rolls of film a month.
“Back in the old days, we had three people employed in the film processing section,” he said.
“With the advent of digital imaging and the disappearance of film, the two jobs went.
“The income you earn from that section of the business goes downhill quickly.”
Like many things that come full circle, film photographs have enjoyed a resurgence on social media feeds among the younger generation — an online trend that developed like a roll of film.
However, the revenue from the revitalised market is not enough to salvage the business, with staff attrition also forcing Mr Bugg’s hand.
Since 1978, Camera House’s 24 stores across Victoria have slowly dwindled.
After the Shepparton branch officially closes its doors, there will be only four left.
When asked what he enjoyed most during his career, Mr Bugg said community connections were particularly fulfilling.
“It’s all about the people you meet and the relationships you form with your staff and with the suppliers,” he said.
“Providing a service and having customers come in and say this is a wonderful place to shop is very worthwhile.”
After decades of rewarding careers at Shepparton Camera House, staff will be relocating and finding new jobs.
As for Mr Bugg, he simply “need(s) to enjoy what time is left”. but he leaves the business community with these final words of wisdom:
If you look after good people, good people will look after you.
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