You`re familiar with the feeling: the rush of anticipation as you open the envelope and pull out the prints-then the big letdown. What in the world could have happened to those award-winning snapshots you thought you`d gotten? Larry and Nancy Backe want you to know that failed photos often are the fault of the film processor, not your film or camera. The owners of Lakeview 1 Hr. Photo said they analyze each negative carefully and add or subtract color as needed.
”We print it the very best possible way,” Nancy said. ”If you have a nice, clean negative, there`s no reason why you can`t have a nice photo.”
A love of photography is what makes the Backes so discriminating about every picture that goes out of their shop. During the years Larry worked in the music business, he frequently took photos to use as a marketing tool. When his children were born, the interest became more personal. He and Nancy began doing studio portraits in their home. Then four years ago they opened the store.
Said Larry: ”We saw there really was not a one-hour lab anywhere that was full service.”
The front part of the store is where you drop off film and browse through the picture frames and computer-generated photo novelties. The portait studio is to the rear. A session costs $35 and includes a minimum of 15 exposures, which are developed immediately. You can make your selection before you leave. Also worth noting, as animal lovers, the Backes regularly welcome dogs and cats as photo subjects in their studio.
Recently Larry`s interest took another turn. He has begun experimenting with impressionistic photography, the altering of an image so that it closely resembles a painting.
In addition to the photo lab and studio, the Backes offer commercial and location photography for weddings, parties, holidays and family gatherings.
”That`s the neat thing about this too,” Larry Backe said. ”We`re involved in the good times of most people`s lives.”
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Lakeview 1 Hr. Photo and Portrait Studio, 133 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich, is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Phone 708-540-6100.
