GK Vale: A journey of hundred years
Canon's DreamLabo 5000 was launched in Bengaluru on 17 December. During the press conference, the Canon team was at pains to describe it as a solution for "wholesale photo finishers" who are seeking to switch from silver halide technology to digital.
04 Jan 2014 | 21284 Views | By Samir Lukka
Case in point is: G K Vale, who are perhaps the largest photo lab player in South India. The Bengaluru-based firm, which is also a Canon India premium partner, operates nine Canon Image Square stores in the city. It is the first Indian firm to purchase and install this device at its Brigade Garden unit.
The journey began 100 years ago.
On 23 May 1910, a small event changed the course of photography history in these parts. It was the year that GK Vale threw open its doors for business at Bengaluru (then Bangalore) finest address - South Parade (now known as MG Road). Nothing was every the same again for the photography domain, its benefactors, detractors, doubters and lovers. Soon word spread and people came from far and near to witness this historic event. GK Vale soon became a household name in Bangalore.
As Anand Sukumar, the managing partner of G K Vale said, "This event unfolded in an era of sheer grandeur, pomp and show. An era when royalty ruled the roost, Maharajas and Viceroys lorded over destinies. These were the times of intricate, painstaking hand-painted portraits. Photography was still just being talked about in hushed tones in the confines of the homes of the rich and famous."
Over the next 100 years, generations of Bangaloreans have had their moments imprinted "in emulsion for eternity". Sukumar said, "The quality, service and customer care offered by GK Vale soon made it the last word in photography in these parts."
The photography experts
Over the years, GK Vale grew from a single photo lab store to 22 photo lab stores and diversifying into retail by launching eight exclusive Canon ImageSquare stores, three multi-brand camera stores spanning Bengaluru, Mangalore and Mysore and an online e-commerce web portal to facilitate customers across the globe for services to be rendered pan India and continuously working on the forefront of technology to empower customers with the finest photography services and equipment of the times.
Sukumar added, "From restoring an old and cherished photograph that didn't withstand the ravages of time or converting a black and white picture to colour at G K Vale. It was not just a matter of using our skill or technology to enliven a colloid moment but, a re-creation of a long lost moment in time."
Sukumar stated, "Today, GK Vale is a single source for one's all photography needs. From printing that one important photo, to creating a portfolio, to designing a collage spanning one's entire lifespan, GK Vale understands the importance of everyone's photo needs."
Sukumar said, "The only photographers who have been in the business for a 100 years, when it comes to still and video coverage there's only one name that stands out. Backed by 50 of the finest professional photographers, videographers and the latest equipment GK Vale has over the years become synonymous with all kinds of outdoor photography - weddings, parties, picnics, you name it. Everything from clicking, editing to printing happens in-house. GK Vale photographers know how to capture the best moments."
Sukumar concluded, "Some of our clientele are Rahul Dravid, Mahesh Bhupathi, Hrithik Roshan, Akshata and Rohan Murthy (children of Narayana Murthy) and Vivek Oberoi."
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G K Vale and Company is a one stop photography service store from printing "one photo", to creating a portfolio, to designing a collage spanning ones entire lifespan, GK Vale understands the importance of everyone's photo needs! G K Vale is also the dealer for Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Samsung and other leading camera brands. G K Vale is one of the leading retailers in India and Asia Pacific. It has 23 outlets spread across Bengaluru, Mysore and Mangalore in location on high streets and luxury malls. It also has nine exclusive Canon Image Square Stores and two multi brand camera stores - one of the biggest in the country. An online portal www.gkvale.com powered by Lifepics - USA, to support its global presence. It's top management includes V Sukumar, Anand Sukumar and Sheila Sukumar. |