Well after driving by it for years and wondering what amazements were hidden behind the gates… I can officially say that I have been on a Canon CPS Tour and loved every minute of it!!
For those that don’t know, CPS otherwise known as Canon Professional Services is a service provided for full-time photographers. Being a CPS member you receive exclusive 24/7 email and phone support (which has really come in handy!!), expedited and discounted equipment maintenance and repairs (We get our cameras cleaned twice a year!!), Equipment Evaluation Loans (Who doesn’t like trying the latest and greatest gear before you buy!?), on-site support at select events and shows, discounts on Canon Live Learning seminars and workshops, and ton more!
Now that you know what CPS is, you can totally understand what kind of excitement it would bring to a photographer! Fortunately for us, Rach’s friend from High School worked at the Newport News location. After some communication with Jennifer, we were all set to take 8 of our fellow Outer Banks Photographer friends/CPS Members on a Canon CPS tour/field trip. After entering through security checks, we met up with Jennifer and her Boss for the official tour. We started out in the cleaning room which is where all of our dirty gear is sent to be checked and cleaned and then sent back. It was really neat to see what our cameras undergo in the clean and check process. From here, we moved into the repair area where repairs on both lenses and camera bodies are done. (We weren’t allowed to take photos here that’s why there is a lack of, and for 10 photographers that was extremely hard!) Finally we made our way to the mecca of all areas, the Evaluation/Loaner Equipment Area… We all felt like kids in a candy store! There were cabinets upon cabinets of various lenses and camera bodies all just sitting pretty waiting to be checked out! (All photos via iPhone)
This was great experience and we’re all talking about wanting to go back in the near future for another visit! Big thanks to our dear friend Jennifer for the extreme hook up, we loved every minute of that trip!!
