Five Decades in a Flash
By Ava Bourbeau
Are you even an analog photographer if you shoot film and then develop your photos at a national drugstore chain? Studies say no.
An original home of 1-hour film developing in South Florida — Hey! It’s even in the name — this family-owned printing hub is a watering hole for local analog-heads for a reason. For more than five decades, 60 Minutes Photo has been known for its exceptional work and mom-and-pop roots.
Richard Hutchings, an entrepreneur at heart, started the business when photography became more accessible to hobbyists. Photographers frequented their four locations — from Boca Raton to Jupiter — for developing film and printing photos, and the business saw huge success.
However, as the art and the cameras evolved with the digital age, 60 Minutes Photo, like many other labs, was put under strain. The business survived to today partly because of their willingness to adapt by adding services geared toward digital photography, but they never gave up on the art of film photography. These days, they operate out of their Jupiter and West Palm Beach locations.
They still offer a full range of film services, including converting any format of photo into a digital file, and the quick turnaround for developing film that they’re known for.
Two generations later, Hunter Hutchings, Richard’s grandson, is now at the helm of the establishment after being passed the responsibility of the family business from his father Harold, and uncle, Jim.
“My role with the company over the last decade has been where my father started before me, that of management with overseeing the services we provide with our employees, and being involved with our customers to make sure we hold up the quality that’s kept us alive all these years. Our customers like dealing with the local mom-and-pop shop we are versus a chain drugstore or online company. It’s all about the customer service and working with a familiar face,” said Hunter, whose familiar face even you non-photographers may recognize from a beloved local band: Spred-the-Dub.
Hunter grew up surrounded by cameras, as you probably guessed, and his love for photography is closely entwined with his love for music. Sometimes, he’ll even both play and photograph an event.
60 Minutes Photo has spanned generations, and yet, you’ll still always find a Hutchings behind the counter — or at least one not too far off. Hunter runs the Jupiter location, his mom is in their south office, Jim is in West Palm, and Harold is always on call for anything they throw his way.
“We’ve catered to many local families for many generations, I love hearing stories about how someone remembers visiting our shop as a child, and now they are in our lobby with their children printing their family memories. It’s rewarding to hear from our customers that they’ve been driving past our signs for as long as they can remember, some who have shopped with us for years, some who have visited for the first time and can’t believe all we have to offer. I’m always seeing familiar names come across my desk. We have a great batch of regulars who are always happy to mention they are so glad we are still here, even some of the winter visitors who claim they have nothing like us where they are from,” Hunter said.
We suspect the photography industry will keep changing, but 60 Minutes Photo has nailed the balance between adapting with the times and maintaining their roots. They have the latest technology and tools for modern photography, but also machinery for analog photography that is no longer even in production. Not to mention, they are adaptable to any and all requests that come through their doors. Whether you’re a professional photographer wanting a print made, or you’re wondering how to transfer photos off your old digital camera, 60 Minutes Photo is ready to help.
As for the future of Hutchings? Well, Hunter and his wife just welcomed their first child into the world this year, so passing on the legacy is looking good.
You can take a photo, but it may not last longer than this Palm Beach County institution.
