Business of the Week: Pro Image, Inc.

Sandy Harrison is not used to being in front of the camera, but that's just where he belongs this week for Patch's Business of the Week- in the spotlight.

Although Harrison's been in the photography and custom framing business for 16 years, his work spans beyond the usual family portraits, sports team photography and guidon framed gifts. Through his selfless service to the 82nd Airborne Division and their families, he is the man who provides all the enlarged photos of the paratroopers killed for their memorial services. Not only that, Harrison goes above and beyond on his own dime to provide each family with a complimentary portrait package of their loved one.

Unfortunately, business has been up these past few years and he has sent out over 200 packages.

The Pro Image studio is currently located adjacent to the Fort Bragg Club, though he has quickly outgrown that space with his booming business.

Soldiers in uniform were coming in and out getting their pre-deployment photo made, and some opted to have one matted and framed for 'the Mrs.' as a gift before leaving.

Other service members and their family were waiting in the wings ready to change, in the make shift space, for their portraits as they browsed through the shop selecting sizes and framing materials to coordinate with their decor.

Harrison specializes in quality portraits, photo finishing and enlargements and takes appointments. You might have seen him at most of the military balls as well. He is dedicated to Fort Bragg which typically puts him working seven days a week.

Unfortunately, many eager soccer moms have embraced photography as their hobby and he said he doesn't schedule nearly as many kids portraits or dancing school sessions as before.

"It's a shame because only a trained professional with the right equipment, from lighting to various lenses can produce quality work over many of the places in town that simply copy and enlarge prints off a zip drive," said Harrison. "My packages and affordable and I'll be scheduling for senior portraits very soon."

The special photo papers, matting and glass options available in the Pro Image studio can preserve photos for years making them a family treasure.

To book your appointment, call 910-436-8095.