Company Profile

“Direct Digital Imaging” is the ability to create a first generation digital image. Chris Ireland. DDI UK Ltd.

I have had involvement in this industry for over 25 years, gaining knowledge and experience that I can now share with you.

It all began at the Dixon’s Group, then, in 1987 I became a Professional Photographic Consultant and Hire Manager for Leeds Camera Centre. My experience and knowledge developed from hiring and servicing; Elinchrom flash, a huge range of cameras from 35mm to 10x8. I accumulated the biggest collection of wide angle camera’s in the country, from 35mm Widelux to 6x24 Art-Panoramic and Alpa Rota.

In 1995, as Manager for H.A. West, Leeds, I opened a new Professional Photographic store. The branch grew into one of the biggest service centers for the Pro Photographer in the north with 8 staff with a knowledge of thousands products. During this time digital cameras came onto the market, such as the original Sony Pro Mavica, Canon Ion, still video cameras with very small sensors and slow operation. Then came the high end scanning cameras such as Dicomed, Phase One and Kodak DCS backs. Digital photography was fast becoming a powerful medium for the future.

In 1998, six of my clients purchased high-end digital cameras, three being Phase One. Installation of the Phase One unit's was very easy and the output fantastic. They proved to be durable, reliable and long lasting. Demonstrating the high quality of the product.

Later that year at Photokina, Phase One announced the Light Phase, 6-mega pixel, one shot digital back and we have never looked back since. Over the last eight years I have supplied over 250 systems. I provide professional on going support to all my clients. This is not a hard task as the reliability of the Phase One systems mean very low maintenance.

I work, as a digital consultant, on location all over the world, with British catalogue companies. In 2000 I was consultant on the first European high-end digital shoot in Lisbon with Kevin Peschke and Freeman’s.To day, my company, Direct Digital Imaging supply and hire all Phase One products, hardware and software.
I demonstrate, install, train and support the systems.

DDI recognize the growing need for: training in color management, technical support, Digital Photography and Capture One Pro.

I run regular seminars and workshops for anyone who wishes to expand their knowledge in the application of the product.

DDI also supply other leading photographic products such as Linhof, Elinchrom, Mamiya, Climpex and many more that are compatible to the market leaders in digital backs.

I look forward to hearing from you soon, Chris Ireland.