About Us

In 1907, Oklahoma gained its statehood. That same year, the first photographs to bear the Blunck family name were printed.

Across the plains of Foss, Oklahoma a young photographer traveled from homestead to homestead, capturing family portraits. His camera safely strapped upon his motorcycle, Edward M. Blunck knew the importance behind every portrait he took. Each portrait was a legacy for future generations. But those portraits were also much more than that.

These were different times he lived in. These were the days when there were no phones; even traveling in the early 1900’s was rarely an option. To keep in touch with family and friends people wrote letters, and to see the faces of their loved ones, they relied on photography. Many letters were written on picture postcards. This is the way that Edward Blunck’s legacy began.

The business soon grew beyond the old motorcycle. In 1915 Edward and his wife Dottie opened the first studio location in Custer City and in 1919, they moved the studio permanently to Clinton, Oklahoma.

Edward and Dottie Blunck with their two oldest children, Doyle, and Donald, 1914		Dottie Bringham's Engagement Portrait

Edward and Dottie Blunck with four of their ten children		Blunck Art Studio in 1921

In 1952 two of Edward’s daughters, Dottie Blunck Flick and Judy Blunck Russell together with their husbands Paul Flick Jr. and George Russell, purchased the studio. The two families led it to even greater success and in 1954, by the flip of a coin, Paul and Dottie purchased the Russell’s interest. Since that time Blunck Studios has expanded its locations and services well beyond the state of Oklahoma.

Edward’s passion was clearly seen in his photography. He spent countless nights developing film in the basement of the building that Blunck’s still occupies today. One hundred years since it all began, that same basement has transformed into a production hub for digital art, also known as our Green Screen Imaging Center. No more chemicals…no more film. The advances in photography have clearly changed, but our message is still the same: Memories Are Made Here. Possibly no place on earth has created more memories in one building, and it all began with one man, a pioneer, who had a dream, a vision, and a world of passion that has transcended far beyond his years.