Area Photographers Create Lasting Images: Edwards Photographic Studios

"The people, definitely the people," said Ron Jones Sr. when asked what he enjoys most about his photography business, Edwards Photographic Studio. He continued, "I look forward to working with them during their sittings and then seeing their reactions when I present them with the final product."

"focused" on his customers since 1968 when he first came to Edwards Studios for a year and a half of training from then owner, Edward F. Hicks, who started the business in 1961. After Jones' training, Hicks asked him to stay as an employee and the two became partners in 1978. When Hicks retired in 1985, Jones bought the business. Today, Edwards Photographic Studios continues to flourish as Jones, his son Ron Jones Jr., and his son's wife, Sarah, keep busy with senior pictures; family portraits; wedding photography; and karacter kids, children's portraits with props, holiday themes and outfit changes.

Jones explained, "We offer membership cards for karacter kids, which offer benefits to parents who regularly use the service."

Jones is proud of the quality work done by Edwards Photographic Studios. He says his customers know they can count on superior service and

an excellent product. "Not only do we maintain the highest photographic standards, but we also keep up with the latest technology. We do almost everything digitally, and it streamlines the whole process. People no longer have to wait for their proofs. Often, they can choose their portraits right after they are taken. We can either view pictures on the computer screen or project them onto a wall screen. Using state-of-the-art systems, we can also restore photos more easily and with better results than we were able to do with older methods."

He went on, "We serve many families for years, taking baby pictures all the way up through graduation and wedding pictures. We even have customers who have moved out of Lansing who still come back to have us take their pictures, Being part of our customers' lives in this way is very rewarding."

Jones is active in state, regional and national photographic circles. He is a

Certified Professional Photographer and is a member of the Professional Photographers of America, Professional Photographers of Michigan, Michigan Triangle Professional Photographers Association, and the Michigan Photographers Society. He has served as state chair of the Professional Photographers of Michigan. Jones has won local, state and national awards for photographic excellence.

Ron Jones Jr. joined Edwards Photographic Studios in 1997 and became vice president in 2001. He is a Certified Professional Photographer and a member of the Professional Photographers of America, Professional Photographers of Michigan, Michigan Triangle Professional Photographers Association, and Wedding and Portrait Photographers International.

Sarah Jones joined Edwards Photographic Studios in 1999 after graduating from the Lansing Community College photography program.

You can see samples of their technical excellence as well as a display of their creative skills at their newly developed website, www.edwardsstudio.net.