About Hite Photo + The Print Refinery®
A Century of Preserving Your Precious Memories
Since 1924, Hite Photo has been more than just a photo lab – we’ve been guardians of your most treasured moments. What began as a visionary venture by Howard Hite in Detroit, Michigan, has evolved into one of the most trusted and innovative photography service providers in Southeast Michigan. For over 100 years, we’ve witnessed the evolution of photography from film to digital, and we’ve mastered both.
Our Story
Hite Photo was incorporated in 1924 and has always been a leader in innovation and quality. By its 50th anniversary, Hite Photo Inc. was one of the most successful photofinishing businesses in Michigan. Today, as Hite Photo + The Print Refinery, we continue this legacy of excellence while embracing cutting-edge technology to serve modern needs.
Our journey spans decades of technological advancement, from traditional darkroom processes to state-of-the-art digital restoration and printing capabilities. We’ve seen photography trends come and go, but one thing remains constant: our commitment to treating every image with the care and respect it deserves.
What We Do
Film Development & Processing
We love film, just like you! Get your film and disposable cameras processed, printed, and digitized within HOURS at our Bloomfield Hills, Michigan location. We specialize in C-41 35mm processing and scanning of 35mm and APS film. Whether you’re exploring film photography for the first time with a disposable camera or you’re a seasoned photographer who lives and breathes f-stops and shutter speeds, we bring your vision to life with professional-grade processing and scanning services.
Photo Scanning & Digitization
Surrounded by boxes of photos you aren’t sure what to do with? Let The Print Refinery help you with our photo scanning services. We understand that your printed photographs, family recipes, letters, ancestry documents, and children’s artwork are irreplaceable treasures. Our professional scanning services convert these precious materials into quality digital files, substantially increasing their lifespan and protecting them from environmental damage like fires or flooding.
Photo Restoration
Memories are priceless, and what is a photograph but a frozen moment in time? Every photo is precious to us. We treat your photos with the care a family heirloom deserves. Using advanced image enhancement software like Adobe Photoshop, our expert team digitally restores damaged or faded photos to their original condition, from light touch-ups to heavy restoration work involving background changes, colorization, and subject addition or removal.
Custom Printing & Creative Services
From canvas prints and custom keepsakes to personalized wall décor and fine art prints, we help transform your images into meaningful displays and gifts. Our advanced flatbed printing capabilities serve a wide range of graphic, photographic, and signage needs for individuals, local artists, photographers, designers, and businesses throughout Oakland County.
Video Transfer Services
We also preserve your home movie memories by transferring a wide range of formats, including VHS, VHS-C, Beta, 8mm, MiniDV tapes, as well as 8mm, Super8, and 16mm movie film, into digital formats, ensuring these precious moments remain accessible for future generations.
Our Philosophy
We believe that every photograph tells a story worth preserving. We never recommend shipping away family archives, treasured photos, and irreplaceable home movies. It’s too risky. That’s why we provide almost all of our services locally, giving you the peace of mind that your precious memories remain safe in our professional care. Only in very rare cases, such as certain specialty film formats, do we rely on trusted partners, ensuring the same level of quality and security.
We’ve seen the rise and fall (and rise again) of film photography. Our team is both experienced and passionate about developing film. We know it’s not just about capturing an image but about the process behind it. This deep understanding of both traditional and modern photography technology allows us to bridge the gap between yesterday’s treasured memories and today’s digital world.
Why Choose Us
Over 100 Years of Expertise: Established in 1924, we have the knowledge and expertise you need, including a deep understanding of modern and traditional photography technology.
Local Trust: We’re a local business serving Oakland County and Southeast Michigan. Your memories stay safe with us – no shipping required.
Fast Turnaround: Unlike many competitors, we process film and complete many services in hours, not weeks.
Comprehensive Services: From film processing to digital restoration, from canvas prints to video transfers, we’re your one-stop destination for all photography needs.
Quality Obsessed: Our lab is quality-obsessed, and we know that scanning the film is just as important as developing it.
Serving Southeast Michigan
Located in Bloomfield Hills and West Bloomfield, immediately adjacent to Novi, our expertise is worth the drive from places further afield like Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. We’re proud to serve photographers, families, artists, and businesses throughout Oakland County and the greater Southeast Michigan region.
Let’s Collaborate
Whether you’re preserving family heirloom photos, developing your latest roll of film, creating custom wall art, or need professional printing services for your business, we’re here to help. If you have a project, we’d be happy to collaborate!
At Hite Photo + The Print Refinery, we’re not just processing your photos – we’re preserving your legacy, one image at a time.