My 50 Years of Photo Processing

May 8th, 1974, marked the beginning of an incredible journey for me. At just 17 years old, I stepped into the world of work, brimming with excitement and determination. On my first day, I wore my best white blouse and a navy and white skirt with pink slides in my hair. I had embarked on what would become a lifelong passion.

On that memorable first day, Bill, my employer, unexpectedly sent me home early, sparking worry in my father’s mind. He feared the worst, thinking I’d been let go. Little did he know, it was the start of an enduring career that would shape my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

For the next 24 years, I called Bury Park home, immersed in the hustle and bustle of the bustling neighbourhood. But as our operations expanded, the need for a larger space became inevitable. Thus, the move to Hastings Street ensued, marking a new chapter in our journey.

The years flew by, filled with camaraderie, hard work, and countless memories. However, as the digital age dawned, the landscape of our industry shifted. The rise of digital technology brought unprecedented change, ultimately leading to the decline of traditional labs. Despite pouring heart and soul into my work for 32 years, the inevitable happened, and I faced redundancy.

Yet, from the ashes of adversity, a phoenix rose. Determined to chart my own course, I took a leap of faith and purchased the minilab from Bill, embracing entrepreneurship with open arms. The road ahead was anything but smooth, marked by trials and tribulations, including navigating the tumultuous waters of the credit crunch and weathering the storm of the Covid pandemic.

Three relocations later, I found myself nestled within the walls of Luton Camera Repair Services nine years ago, a sanctuary where my passion for photography continued to thrive. Despite the passage of time, the fire within me burns as brightly as ever, and the love for my craft remains undiminished. Fifty years may have come and gone, but it feels like I embarked on this remarkable journey only yesterday.

As I reflect on the twists and turns that have shaped my life, I am grateful for the opportunities, the challenges, and the unwavering support of those who have walked alongside me.

Here’s to the next chapter, brimming with endless possibilities and the promise of new adventures yet to unfold.