A Legacy of Quality Photography in Michiana
McDonald Studio has been a cornerstone of the Michiana community for over 150 years. Founded in 1861 by Albert McDonald, the studio has witnessed generations of families celebrate life's special moments through the lens. Now in its fifth generation of ownership, McDonald Studio stands as a testament to the enduring power of professional photography.
A Family Tradition
From its humble beginnings, McDonald Studio has been guided by a spirit of family. Albert McDonald passed the torch to his son Edwin, who later welcomed Raymond and Beulah Patnaude as partners. Their son, David, and his wife Ann continued the legacy, ensuring that the studio maintains its tradition of excellence. Today, McDonald Studio is led by a dedicated team of highly skilled photographers, digital design artists, and customer-focused professionals.
Preserving Your Precious Moments
McDonald Studio offers a comprehensive range of services to capture life's significant milestones. From stunning portraits to awe-inspiring wedding photography, from vibrant family sessions to elegant business headshots, we have the expertise to tailor your photoshoot to your unique needs. We also offer:
- Custom-designed photo booths for unforgettable events
- State-of-the-art digital lab for exceptional photo editing and printing
- Creative consultations to help plan your photoshoot and achieve your desired results
Beyond the Studio Walls
Our passion for photography extends far beyond the four walls of our studios. Our talented photographers love to explore unique settings, capturing the beauty of:
- Outdoor locations: Lake Michigan, local parks, Notre Dame campus, and beyond
- Your home: Creating a personal and intimate atmosphere in your own surroundings
- Custom-designed destinations: We are open to your creative visions and will travel to any location that holds special significance for you.
A Commitment to Quality and Client Satisfaction
At McDonald Studio, we take pride in delivering exceptional quality and personalized service. We stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and offer ongoing consultations to ensure your complete satisfaction. Our dedication to our clients has earned us recognition as the "Favorite Photographer" in the "Readers' Choice Awards" for ten consecutive years.
Studio Experience
Many reviewers praised the studio for taking high-quality pictures. Adrienne Lee gave 5 stars and mentioned that the studio took "awesome pictures" for her daughter's senior portraits, which were also used as a prop in the studio. Phil Patnaude also gave 5 stars and appreciated the photographer's focus on skill and composition.
However, not all reviewers had a positive experience. Sue Gigi gave 2 stars and was disappointed with the unkempt appearance of the studio and the fact that her usual photographer, Peter, was no longer there. Olivia D. also gave 2 stars and reported unsatisfactory service, including a long wait between appointments and issues with receiving proofs.
Service Issues
Some reviewers experienced significant issues with the studio's service. Olivia D. mentioned that she never received her proofs and had to go through each printed picture to select her final images. The studio's internet was also down during one of their meetings, which added to the inconvenience.
Missed Opportunities and Memories
Rebecca Thomas gave 1 star and was extremely disappointed that the studio did not capture her proposal, the main reason they were hired. The proposal was not included in the final edited images, and the studio was unable to recover the missing pictures.
One Exception
In contrast, Rebecca Bohn-Simmons gave 5 stars and praised the studio for taking "absolutely remarkable" senior pictures for her daughter.

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