Business Profiles: Focus on Photography

By Ronald E. Childs

Central Camera Co. store-front

This month we are featuring two sponsors of the SLN Photo Contest & Show: Central Camera Co. and Victor Powell Photography:

Among the many historical distinctions of the South Loop is that our neighborhood is home to Chicago's oldest camera store, Central Camera Company, now 110 years old and located at 230 S. Wabash Ave.

The company is currently marking its third generation of same-family ownership and staff. It was founded by Albert Flesch, a Hungarian native who had left his home at age 13, alone and bound for Chicago. Flesch started his work career in the camera department of one of the large downtown department stores. With this initiation to photography, he opened Central Camera in a storefront at 31 E. Adams St. in 1899. The year marked the 60th anniversary of the invention of photography. George Eastman had revolutionized the market with easy-to-operate Kodak box cameras, first introduced in 1888.

Albert Flesch offered the innovative service of commercial developing and print processing at his store in 1900 and also introduced a mail-order catalog. By this time, Chicago had built the first generation of skyscrapers, and the elevated tracks already defined the "Loop."

Central Camera prospered and, after a move to another location on Wabash Avenue, settled in 1929 at its present location, in what had been a piano store. Albert's two sons, Stanley and Harold, had started in the business by then. Harold's son Albert "Don" Flesch, the current owner, started working in the store as a schoolboy in the 1950s.

The family has handed down a great deal more than a livelihood; it has handed down a tradition of expert service and quality equipment. To this day, the store offers one of the most extensive selections of new and vintage cameras, lenses and accessories, film, and digital and related equipment.

The store's website proudly posts a copy of letter from Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, written on the occasion of the store's 100th anniversary. Daley writes, "Many things have changed in Chicago in the past century, yet the first destination for amateur and professional photo enthusiasts alike remains the same."

When asked about his sponsorship of the South Loop Photo Contest & Show, Don Flesch said, "We've been a part of the Loop all of our lives. Our customers have supported us all of our lives, and we want to be sure we support them."

Central Camera: 312-427-5580; www.centralcamera.com

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Victor Powell's enthusiasm is still apparent, even after over 31 years in the photographic industry. Says Powell: "If I'm right, and I know I am, you don't settle for second best. Anyone can capture what you look like. I want to get what you feel like. That makes all of the difference and sets you apart."

Born and raised in Chicago and now both living and working in the South Loop, Powell's original goal was to become an electronics engineer. But after being taken under the wing and mentored by the nationally known photographer, John Tweedle - the first African-American on staff at the former Chicago Daily News, Victor's life and vocation was forever changed. He was literally taught "at the feet of the master" by Mr. Tweedle and was able to obtain an education that money could never buy. Besides his tutelage under John Tweedle, Powell is basically a self-taught photographer and businessman.

By the time he was 21 years old, Powell was the owner of his own studio specializing in portraits, PR and event photography. Powell Photography, located at 531 S Plymouth Ct., offers services that include high quality photography, digital imaging, graphic design, photo composition and graphics pre-production.

In a world where competition is rampant, Powell believes in friendship and alliance. He is always eager and available to share his knowledge and resources with other photographers, be they amateurs or pros. For example, last year, Powell served as a judge for the SLN Photo Contest & Show, and this year he is a major sponsor.

Powell says, "It's one of the on-going goals in my life - not only to give back to those in the creative fields but to reach back and pull up as many others as possible. Someone showed me the possibilities and recognized that I had a talent, and it changed my life."

Powell Photography: 312-922-6366; www.powellphotography.com

Victor Powell, photographer