Dave Smith

Dave Smith

Dave’s interest in photography began in his early teens. From a tiny darkroom built in a corner of his parent’s garage, he learned the basics of film processing and black & white printing. He did his first “professional” photo job at only 16 years old.

While a senior at Bowie High School, he began experimenting with color printing and film processing and was soon offering hand-crafted printing services to local photographers. Realizing that he needed a broader photographic experience, in March 1973, Dave took a job at Bara Photographic, a large commercial photographic lab in Hyattsville, Maryland. Over the four-year period that he worked at Bara, he gained precious “hands-on” experience working in many different areas of the commercial photo lab industry and dealing with commercial clients.

In 1977, Dave and his friend, Jim McCue, started a small custom professional photo lab called Color Unlimited. Dave later took over the business and moved locations and expanded the lab several times over the next fourteen years, until closing in 1992. Seeking a new beginning, Dave, his wife Fran, and their friend (and fellow photographer) Robin Wright formed a new business called United Photo in October 1992.

In 1993, the new team moved their growing operation into the retail shopping center in Beltsville, Maryland where together, this small group of friends operated their professional photo lab and rental studio operation until mid-2016. Because of evolving technology and changes to the photo lab business model, they decided to downsize and relocate the business to a new, non-retail building at its current Beltsville location. Dave marked his 50th year working in photography in 2019.

Phone: 301-937-5510 EXT 1
Skype: uphotoguy
Email: uphotoguy@gmail.com

Our clients say it best ...

I found U-Photo by luck.  It's difficult to find a real photo finishing shop near impossible to find one with superb customer service.  They were very kind to me as I explained my wild idea and mediocre file. They were able to print the picture in great quality to my amateur eyes, however they felt and warned me it was an ok quality. I look forward to using their services again in the future!! I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professional photo shop!!!

Dave and Fran do fantastic work! They are always a pleasure to work with and never disappoint. They have processed my work for over 20 years and I cannot recommend them highly enough!

Greg Land, Pro Photographer

I trust the team at U-Photo to handle my orders. Printing is an art and they have it down to a science.

If you are looking for quality on-line printing services, I’d recommend taking a look at U-Photo’s Website and all they have to offer. They provide great customer service, with the prompt and personal attention that’s a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of larger, more impersonal printing services.

I speak from experience when I tell you Dave Smith is a perfectionist when it comes to printing your photos and fulfilling your photo orders. I used to work for him and I can attest to U-Photo's excellence. Dave and Fran work hard to bring you the highest quality photo work in the biz.

Fast, reliable photo printing, custom flyer design available, friendly staff, great prices.

I've known Dave for many years and have used his photographic services for my visual communication needs. I find that his skills and many years of experience outstanding. Check him out yourself by giving him a call.

Excellent printing as well as customer service.

Beth Altman, Photographer

U-Photo is a great photo lab. Dave has a keen eye for correct color and never lets anything leave the lab that isn't perfect.

Les Henig , Pro Photographer

They do extremely good photography work!

Leon Allen, Photographer

I have been dealing with Dave at U Photo for over 20 years and in this Industry you will not find anyone better in any way. Their customer service can’t be compared too. They are every meaning of the word Professional!!!

Their photo printing is THE BEST!!!!

Beverley Rezneck, Pro Photographer

They provide outstanding customer service and top notch framed products. Dave is a stickler for perfection and will not let a print leave his business looking any but perfect. They are also easy to work with and incredibly nice. Their pricing is also affordable. They are also great teachers. They show you and tell you what and how they are going to work with the project you brought to them. I won't go to anyone else for my printing/framing needs. They are A plus.

Devona Jefferson, Pro Photographer

Great customer service with outstanding results and resonable prices?????

Kevin Mattison

Been using U-Photo for years. Love their work and their love of photography and photographers. High quality, reasonable prices, and great turnaround. As the saying goes "they are good people".

Theresa Erigo

I have been using this lab for years. Great quality and service. I highly recommend them.

U-Photo provides some of the best printing solutions available in the DMV. Their service and dedication to excellence is second to none. I'd highly recommend you check them out.

Gregory Fritz Blakey, Pro Photographer

Simply the friendliest, most professional photo print service I have used in a long, long time. It's the only place I go.

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