About Us |
Pro Photo ImagingPast to Present James H. Cheyne founded Pro Photo Imaging in Lakeland, Florida. Mr. Cheyne worked in a local studio for some time honing his skill as a professional photographer and developer. During this time he developed a keen interest for photography and print enlarging which led him to open a lab for professional photographers.
Circa 1950 (est) The original lab was opened in 1923. It was located in a converted chicken coop with only a single enlarger and a few trays of chemicals. It was financially backed by a $25.00 cash gift from his aunt. The business continued to grow at this location for about a year, and then it moved to a two-room house. This two-room facility was eventually replaced in 1943 with four abandoned World War II Army Barracks which Mr. Cheyne attached to his home. The first developing tanks that were used in this facility were constructed using cedar wood frames and tar lining. This was the beginning of a truly monumental effort to enter the professional film developing industry. As the industry grew and developed, so did Pro Photo. Mr. Cheyne focused on using new automated technology to produce black & white prints. Pro Photo Imaging was one of the first automated processing laboratories in the nation. To ensure consistent tone and quality, Pro Photo utilized density contolled printing devices and continuous roll paper processing. In 1957 Pro Photo Imaging moved into a new plant. At this time, Mr. Cheyne began to guide the business into the new color processing industry. This would expand the product offering from Pro Photo Imaging to include more than traditional black & white products. Eastman Kodak was introducing automated color printing to our industry and they invited five labs across the country to attend their technical training seminars. Pro Photo Imaging was one of the labs that Kodak chose to invite to take advantage of this new technology. |
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