About Watson's fotosource

The business known today as Watson’s fotosource was first opened as One Hour Photo in 1980. One Hour Photo was started by Robin’s brother Lyn Watson and his partner, Bob Matula.

It all began when Lyn attended the Photo Market Association convention, in Miami, where he saw, on display, a Noritsu. The Noritsu is a one hour photo lab and this was the first of its kind to be made available and on display. During the convention Lyn listened to a speech by the president of Kodak and the president of Fuji, both of whom insinuated that “one hour photo will never make it.” However, not to be deterred, and in foresight, Lyn made up his mind to purchase the equipment right then and there.

Following the purchase, and by joining forces through an affiliation with John Asa and Japan Camera, One Hour Photo opened for business in the Towne Center Mall shortly thereafter. This affiliation continued for a number of years while the business operated in the Towne Centre Mall.

In the early days the business experienced an average of 7 to 9 rolls of film a day. Quite suddenly, it vaulted to 300 in one day and from that point on, and for the next year, the store processed an average of 200 rolls a day. A daily high of 540 rolls of film were processed during the Hot Air Balloon Championships.

During the second year in business other One Hour Photo labs were opening in a number of locations. Considering this influx in the market place the decision was made to branch out and offer additional valuable services for the customer. This resulted in camera equipment being made available, along with the One Hour Photo services.

In 1981 Robin Watson came on board as Bob made the move to Fort St. John to open another One Hour Photo. As the years passed Robin bought into the business and Bob transitioned to having his own store in Fort St. John. As well as opening another store called Create a Portrait, which operated in the Prairie Mall for over 10 years, One Hour Photo operated in the Towne Centre Mall for a total of twenty two years.

When the decision was made to re-locate One Hour Photo so, too, was the desire to create a unique identity; especially considering how many other labs were calling themselves One Hour Photo. In 1992 Robin and Lyn joined forces with Image Check, a buying Kodak group, which really helped the business. This was followed with joining the fotosource buying group in 1994; which allowed for better buying and therefore better prices. As a result of being involved with fotosource, and the timing of the move, the new business name became what it is known as today, Watson’s fotosource.

Watson’s fotosource has grown into the business it is today by catering to the amateur, day to day and professional photographer. They strive to work with, and help, everyone while ensuring great customer service and satisfaction. The business Mission Statement sums it up: “When you come into Watson’s fotosource we want you leaving feeling happier when you leave than when you came in. In other words, “we aim to please.”

Watson’s fotosource is staffed with a diverse team who are very capable of meeting the needs of the valued customer. This has created a unit of very dedicated staff with years of experience which, as of 2012, includes: Carey 24 years, Debbie 20 years, Sandy 25 years (print lab manager), Georgia 12 years, Doug 30 years, Carrie 11 years and Christine and Bonnie joined the team in 2011. Part-time employees, including students, who intend to stay for a few months regularly, end up staying for a few years.

In Watson’s fotosource the customer is treated to friendly and knowledgeable staff. For example, Georgia was top Nikon salesperson in all of Alberta in 2010. In addition to owning his own photography studio for a period of time Doug has a teaching degree and a great wealth of technical knowledge. Doug regularly teaches three photography courses at the Grande Prairie Regional College. Carrie specializes in printing, including canvas and enlargements up to 44 inches by 60 inches. Local professional photographer Tanya Sedore worked for Watson’s fotosource as well as teaching photography courses. Angie Patterson, along with Wendy Nurcombe, teaches classes designed for the beginner photography with in-store sessions, workshops, field trips and classes at the Centre for Creative Arts.

Throughout the years Robin and Lyn have been, and continue to be, innovators. This includes being the first One Hour Photo, the first to incorporate daylight enlarging printing and the capability to copy prints; all in addition to opening their own private studio prior to Create a Portrait. They’ve always been on the leading edge of technology and willing to take the extra step to be leaders in the industry. In addition to being leaders in technology Watson’s fotosource continues to support their customers through their willingness to cater to the film photographer with film sales and film developing. Also, with the availability and advances in digital the store offers a wide variety of cameras, in addition to printing from digital files. All printing is done on Fuji archival paper which is important for providing the customer with a better, richer quality product.

Watson’s fotosource is a Sigma Pro Dealer providing the customer with a vast array of lenses and is the third largest Nikon dealer in all of northern Alberta. They continue to grow in the camera accessories department and recently joined with Pro Master in order to provide quality products while saving the customer money.

In addition, Watson’s fotosource is an extremely generous and major supporter of numerous events within the community. They were the official photographer for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games with sixteen amateur and professional volunteer photographers covering numerous events every day, all day. Other sports events include Senior Games, CCAA National Basketball, CCAA National Volleyball and Soccer.