Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Professional Photography Services in Harrisonburg, VA
Since 1909, our studio has been dedicated to capturing life's most meaningful moments through the art of photography. As a family-owned business spanning three generations, we have preserved the legacy of excellence established by John and Frank Gitchell, who founded our studio in Charlottesville, VA, before relocating to Harrisonburg in 1934. Our expertise encompasses portrait photography, wedding documentation, sports photography, and digital media conversion, serving clients across the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. We pioneered film processing in Virginia during the mid-20th century and seamlessly transitioned into the digital age under Christa Gitchell's Photography leadership since 1986. Our commitment to technical precision and artistic storytelling remains unwavering, whether creating heirloom portraits, documenting athletic achievements, or producing professional headshots.We maintain historic continuity while embracing modern techniques, offering services like passport photography and online galleries to meet contemporary needs. Our physical studio in downtown Harrisonburg continues to operate Monday-Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with weekend appointments available by arrangement. This century-long journey has allowed us to witness and record generational changes in photography while maintaining our core mission: preserving personal and community histories through visual storytelling.
Services
Wedding Photography
Portrait Sessions
Sports Photography
Passport Photos
Photo Restoration
Digital Media Conversion
Family Portraits
Senior Portraits
Online Galleries
Wedding Albums
Details
- Year established: 1909
Highlights and features
- We have over 115 years of continuous experience in professional photography.
- Our family legacy ensures consistent quality across three generations.
- We offer comprehensive services from portraits to sports photography.
- We provide digital media conversion for preserving historical photographs.
- Our studio maintains traditional values while embracing modern technology.
Services
Wedding Photography
Our wedding photography captures the emotional and ceremonial aspects of your special day. We combine traditional and photojournalistic styles to document every moment from preparation to reception. Clients receive high-resolution images and complete coverage of their entire wedding day.
Portrait Sessions
We offer professional portrait photography for individuals and families in studio or on location. Services include senior portraits, business headshots, and family photography with customized settings that reflect personal styles and milestones.
Sports Photography
Specializing in youth sports photography for over 30 years, we capture team and individual moments with high-quality images. Our services include online ordering options and satisfaction-guaranteed photo packages for schools and athletic organizations.
Passport Photos
We provide official passport and immigration photography services meeting international standards. No appointments are required for these services, with photos available while you wait at our Harrisonburg studio location.
Photo Restoration
Our studio offers digital conversion and restoration services for historical photographs, slides, and negatives. We create modern digital versions while preserving the original character of cherished family memories.
Questions
What photography services do you offer?
We provide wedding photography, portrait sessions, sports photography, passport photos, and photo restoration services. Our studio also offers digital media conversion for preserving historical images.
How long have you been in business?
Gitchell's Photography Photography has operated continuously since 1909, making us one of Virginia's longest-established photography studios with three generations of family ownership.
Do you offer online photo ordering?
Yes, we provide online ordering for sports photos with digital delivery options. However, we recommend using printed order forms on picture days to avoid processing fees.
Can you help with passport photo requirements?
We produce both U.S. and international passport photos meeting official specifications. No appointments are needed, and photos are ready while you wait at our Harrisonburg studio.
What wedding photography packages are available?
Our wedding packages include complete day coverage, high-resolution images, and custom-designed albums. We offer both local and destination wedding photography options with personalized service.
How do you handle photo restoration?
We convert slides, negatives, and prints into digital formats while maintaining original quality. Our restoration process preserves image integrity while enhancing clarity for modern use.
Reviews (4)
P. J.
Feb 06, 2022
Report
I dont know if this old lady is miserable or was racial profiling, most likely both. I went in for a passport photo and the entire time was treated rudely. I was nothing but kind and this woman couldnt have given worse service. I wish I got her name so i could save you all from an experience like mine. GET YOUR PASSPORT PHOTOS AT WALMART!
Emmy Smith
Nov 08, 2020
Report
You're not going to find a better photographer or someone who cares more about helping you capture your memories. Simply the best!
Whittney Shaver
Mar 13, 2019
Report
Gitchell's is absolutely amazing to work with! Our pictures turned out so amazing, even though we were battling nasty weather! I cannot say enough great things about Gitchell's! They were quick and efficient, while also producing amazing pictures! Thank you Gitchell's!
Rebecca Kurihine
Apr 19, 2014
Report
I can't thank Gitchell's Photography enough for our AMAZING wedding photos! After a year and half of marriage, I still can't get over the awesome job that Christa and crew did for us. I can't image using anyone else to document our special day. Thank you again!
