Fresno is diverse in culture and rich with various contributions from many individuals who continue to shape the city. Local businesses also play a vital role, offering a wide variety of services that serve the community’s interests.
As the interest in digital and film cameras grows, the presence of a local and specialized camera store becomes valuable to the community.
Horn Photo, located on Nees and Blackstone avenues, is the only brick-and-mortar specialty camera retail store in the entire Central Valley and has been around since 1937. The store is more than just a “buy gear shop.” Horn Photo offers a full range of camera and photography services, including sales, rentals, photo finishing, printing and film developing to photographers of all skill levels.
Horn Photo’s rental program allows customers to try out equipment before making a purchase. This is great for beginner photographers.
Keegan Witte, the president of Horn Photo, highlighted how the store is supporting the local photography community.
“It gives photographers of all levels and abilities in all devices, from cell phones to digital SLRs (single-lens reflex cameras) to mirrorless cameras, the opportunity to get a new experience shooting something that they might not otherwise traditionally experience,” Witte said. “If you really like a particular product, we will apply one day’s rental fee towards the purchase of a new product.”
This makes photography accessible and encourages photographers to learn more. Not only are cameras part of the equipment, but also lenses, accessories and flashes.
Alicia Verduzco, a Fresno State film and media arts major, explains how Horn Photo has been relevant to her degree and how she was first introduced to the camera retail store.
“I heard about Horn Photo because my photography teacher in community college recommended it,” Verduzco said. “I made sure to keep that in mind when I came to Fresno State. As a media, communications and journalism major, Horn Photo has tons of camera equipment that students will find useful.”
Verduzco also shares that photography is one of her hobbies, so it’s quite relevant to both of her classes and interests. Verduzco shared that she participated in the photo walk in Visalia, which Horn Photo participated in.
“I’ve bought film, a film camera and developed my film there,” Verduzco said. Horn Photo offers a film developing service, where you can either drop it off or mail it in. Their lab processes film of color and black and white negatives.
It can be a great source for students around the Valley who are interested in the camera world, especially if you love film photography.
Mai Vang, a sociology major, at Fresno State shares how Horn Photo has contributed to her photography journey.
“I was interested in learning how to shoot film,” Vang said. “They are experienced in photography and videography and showed me the ropes. I just enjoy shooting film photography in my free time.”
You don’t have to be an advanced photographer. Just doing something that you enjoy can lead you to discover a creative passion. Most of the events are free, but some come with a price as a few of the classes can be advanced and spots fill quickly.
These events are a great way for the local photography community to connect, learn and grow.
Horn Photo also collaborates with other organizations across the Valley. One group is the Central Valley Camera Club, which hosts photo walks every so often in different areas of the Valley. These events are open to photographers of all skill levels, and it’s free of charge.
“I went to a photo walk in Visalia where Horn Photo was participating,” Verduzco said. “I definitely try to go to any events they have that are close by.”
Horn Photo continues to prioritize its customers’ best interests as their leaders are active and engage on the store’s Instagram and Facebook, sharing tips and updates on community events.
Horn Photo is located in the Villaggio Shopping Center.
For those that are photographers or aspiring photographers in the Central Valley, Horn Photo can be a resource center and a place to grow their passions.
