Support Shutterbug Camera Shops Recovery

With heavy hearts we share the news that Shutterbug Camera Shops has been the victim of a second robbery in under two weeks.

You may have heard about the first incident in the Press Democrat, or through word of mouth in our photo community. On March 20th, after ramming through the front doors of the shop, destroying the storefront and the security gate; 9 people came through the store smashing display cases and loading camera equipment into trash cans. In under 3 minutes they had gotten away with $100,000.00 worth of equipment, and left tens of thousands of dollars in damages in their wake.

There was such an outpouring of support as we cleaned up, boarded up, and opened our store to continue serving this wonderful photo community. We truly feel lucky to have been a part of your stories. From new photographers and students choosing their first cameras, to professionals with a lifetime of adventures. We share in your milestones, your celebrations, and your heartbreaks.

Now it is our heartbreak we share with you. Last night at around 3am, 10 criminals in 3 stolen cars came to the front of the store with a large chain ready to break in through the front of the store. After finding that the boulders in front are cemented in place, and that the windows remain boarded up; they headed to the rear entrance. After several minutes they were able to gain access. We are still assessing the damages and losses from this attack. We are devastated, as you can imagine.

Shutterbug will remain open while we regroup and repair. We are working with insurance, but the list is long, and we do not expect everything to be covered. Our immediate needs are replacing our storefront and entrance, replacing broken fixtures, displays, and equipment, upgrading security, and restocking the inventory that was stolen and damaged.

Many of you have asked how you can help.

Donate: Every contribution, no matter the size, is significant to us.

Share: Spread the word to help us reach others who may want to help.

Support Our Store: We are open! Our storefront is boarded up, and it may not look especially welcoming, but we are here- we still have products to sell, the lab is open, and our classes and private lessons are happening as scheduled.

Shutterbug isn't just a camera store. It’s a community, a space for building connections, learning and sharing. If Shutterbug has been a part of your photographic journey, or helped you share your story, we ask for your help now—so we can continue to be here for you for years to come.

Your support truly means the world to us-

With gratitude,

Mike, Stephanie, and the Shutterbug team