THE HISTORY OF PETERS PHOTOGRAPHY
Originally established as a wedding photography studio and occasionally offering portrait sessions, Peters Photography has a rich history that traces back to its roots as Main Street Photography in 1974.
Founded in the living room of Larry and Karen Peters' home, Larry, a full-time teacher at West Jefferson High School, decided to start his journey to become a skilled photographer. He maintained an evening and weekend business as a photographer and continued to work to become educated in improving his craft in photography. It took 15 years for Larry's dream of a 9-to-5 portrait business to materialize.
Peters Photography became a trailblazer, being the first studio in Ohio to offer outdoor senior portraits, a style that gained widespread popularity. By 1981, it became necessary to add a separate entrance for clients to the existing studio, which was still the Peters’ home.
Larry's commitment to innovation led to the studio's recognition as a leader in senior portraiture by 1982. Larry began touring and giving seminars to educate other photography studios on his methods and studio practices. Since then, Larry Peters has lectured in 46 U.S states and internationally. He is recognized as the father of contemporary senior portraiture.
In 1984, Larry and Jack Farish, a life-long friend, co-founded JL Originals, known for unique wooden creations like the first commercially available giant numbers for senior photographs. And of course, the patented "Eyelighter," a widely acclaimed lighting tool. Larry's commitment to creativity continues, with new ideas introduced each year, such as the enduringly popular High Contrast Black and White Glamour photographs introduced in 1986.
While upholding a steadfast commitment to creative photography, Larry expanded Peters Photography with two additional studio locations. In 1990, a studio in Centerville, Ohio, was established, followed by a Dublin, Ohio, studio in 1996, quickly becoming a favored choice for Columbus-area seniors. Larry, along with a team of 7 specially trained photographers, captures clients' moments at all three studios, ensuring each senior experiences a unique and memorable session. In 1999, Peters Photography inaugurated its production lab, ensuring clients the highest quality color and retouching under Larry and the dedicated staff's meticulous supervision.
Remaining true to its family-oriented roots, Peters Photography credits Karen Peters, Larry's wife and business partner, for her pivotal role in sales and marketing.
Janine Peters Killian, their daughter and an award-winning Master Photographer, specializes in children and family photography. Brian Killian, Janine's husband and also an award-winning Master Photographer, excels in senior, children, and family portraits, earning the Senior Portrait Artists' coveted "Most Creative Folio" Award two years consecutively.
Peters Photography's recent innovation includes incorporating real underwater portraits for seniors and children, setting them apart as the only Ohio studio offering this creative session. Larry Peters and Peters Photography are pioneers of innovation in Senior Photography, with techniques often emulated nationwide. The studio has spearheaded numerous photography trends over the years, consistently producing new and stunning portraits to this day.