Mathieson & Hewitt Photographers Ltd. tells a story of over 50 years of capturing the life and work of Calgarians.
A native Calgarian, James Mathieson's first job was as a summer delivery boy for Myers Photo Studio, where he also dabbled in amateur photofinishing. Looking for something to call his own, Jimmy opened his own photofinishing business, Mathieson Photo Service, on May 2nd, 1948, with only $200. Despite a disastrous flood only a short time later, Jimmy was undeterred. He started again in downtown Calgary...at the back of a chicken restaurant. The restaurant failed, but Mathieson didn't, establishing a successful photofinishing operation.
From photofinishing, Mathieson rapidly moved into commercial photography and portraiture. Earning numerous awards and honours, he established a reputation as one of Alberta's most respected photographers. Another all-important boon to Jimmy's success was his endearing wife, Elsie, always at his side, whose friendly smile helped to put customers at ease in the studio. By 1994, Jim and Elsie were ready to retire, and were looking to find the right photographer to inherit their legacy.
Enter Bob Hewitt, who had just made the move to Calgary with his wife Carol. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Hewitt had started his photography career in 1976 and operated a studio in North Battleford. By 1985, he was the Canadian Photographer of the Year. Ready for greater challenges, Hewitt was looking for a fresh start in Calgary. So when the Mathiesons sought retirement 1994, Bob was there to step in, and the Hewitt name was added to the well-respected Mathieson Photo Studio, making it Mathieson & Hewitt Photographers.
Hewitt's vision brought forth exciting new changes to the studio. He immediately brought in Kodak's latest electronic previewing technology, catapulting it ahead of other Calgary studios. Not long after, he began the transformation of the traditional film and paper based technology over to what is now Calgary's leading high resolution digital photographic technology.
James Mathieson's original vision was to match sound business principles with quality photographic services. Hewitt carries on this vision by embracing digital technology, which continues to offer unparalleled flexibility and image quality. The Mathiesons & the Hewitts remain close friends to this day, and the studio thrives on, leading the industry into the next fifty years.