Ron Nelson-photographer. Ron started shooting in 1956 with his first 35mm camera at Elkhart Lake's Road America. Almost from the first roll he later found a classic image that is now sold as a limited edition fine art print. After 4 years in the Coast Guard, Ron returned to Chicago to the Bracken Studios on Michigan Avenue. He bought an MG-TD and started to go to the races, camera in hand. His early work caught the attention of Competition Press and he was signed on as a midwest photographer. At about the same time he shot some Chicago Bear photographs from the left field seats at Wrigley Field and went to show them to who ever would take a look at the Bears office on Madison Street. Rudy Custer, the business manager liked what he saw and handed Ron a side line pass for the next game. After that tryout he shot for the Bears on the sidelines and captured many classic images of the top NFL stars of that era. He met Ben at Astra in 1958 and learned the value of quality workmanship. Today, Ron sells prints from the old negatives. His work is in the permanent displays at Soldier Field and at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, in 4 books on the Chicago Bears and 4 books on Auto Racing. For more images visit - www.prairiestreetart.com Thanks for looking.

Ben Lavitt co-founded Astra Photo Service, the first custom photo lab in Chicago in 1955, and is looked upon as the "Grandfather" of the industry. He sold his lab and took the reins for twenty-one years as president of Gamma Photo Labs, Chicago's largest commercial photo lab. Based on his many years of experience in advertising and photography Ben has served on numerous photo-judging panels, conducted seminars, and is sought after as a consultant by publishers and writers on the uses of photography in their publications. Beyond his proven ability to run a business, Ben is blessed with a keen eye for composition and pictorial content. He developed that eye as a master printer for many of the country's top photographers, corporations, and entrepreneurs. Ben made superlative prints for such famous names as Ansel Adams, Burt Glinn, and Alfred Eisenstadt - (Thanks, Ben for saving my life!) He designed and published a coffee table book "The Divine Dance; Prayers From The Heart", a compilation of nondenominational prayers, illustrated by some of his photographic art as well as the images of several of Chicago's prominent photographers coupled with text by Susan Roos Bockwinkel, a noted author. After leaving Gamma, he consulted in the photographic arena and other companies for several years. Recently, Ben made the decision to leave the minding of corporate affairs behind to devote more time to his photographic-art; he has integrated traditional photography and digital into his art. Additionally, he uses his images and talent for commercial applications.

The Art of Jacqueline Patinkin a contemporary Chicago Artist. Contact us for useage rights.

Flowers in our Lombard Illinois yard.

Fishing the Midwest in 2006 and 2007.