Photography firm focuses on 75 years and three generations of family business

Pictured are Donald Innes (Framed Print) Ivor Innes and David Innes celebrating their special anniversary.

STANDING just 5ft 5in with a huge camera and flash slung round his neck and his trademark trilby pulled low, Donald Innes’s face was often obscured. Yet everyone in Hull knew who he was and so did every picture editor in Fleet Street.

From the 1940s to the 1960s he had East Yorkshire covered. From ships sinking in the Humber to the Beatles playing the ABC, he captured it on film and sent the pictures to the world via his own photo wire, one of the first in the North. Donald left an impressive photographic legacy when he died in 1971 at the age of 63.

With a love for photography but not a nose for a story, Donald's son Ivor took the company in a different direction, into the studio. Ivor embraced digital photography when it arrived and made sure Innes were one of the first studios in the UK to buy a digital camera. Since then Innes have been at the forefront of the photographic industry.

Ivor's work ethic was unrivalled, this and his attention to detail had  significant influence with many photography assistants working their way up the ranks of the company.  Creative director Paul was one such person, initially only visiting the studio for a brief freelance assisting job he is still here 23 years later. Paul says: "Ivor's work ethic would put every other photographers to shame, he insisted everything was done to the best level possible and his tireless attitude certainly never wore off, he wouldn't rest until the job was done to his satisfaction, never cutting corners, no matter the time of day, you stayed until it was done right".

The building in Hessle is still home to Innes, which specialises in commercial work and is best known for its food photography. They have significant experience in this field having worked for both blue chip brands and small independent manufacturers. Food photography is Innes’ area of excellence.

Whilst Ivor’s son David has not followed in his father or grandfather's photographic steps he also has a keen eye for detail and a love of good design.

The Innes studios and gallery are now also home to a thriving contemporary furniture and homeware showroom.

Visit www.innesphoto.com and www.innes.co.uk

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Pictured celebrating 75 years are Donald Innes (Framed Print) Ivor Innes and David Innes in the gallery.