Hite Photo History

Hite Photo History

Hite Photo has existed since 1924, and has always been a leader in innovation and quality. By its 50th anniversary, Hite Photo Inc. was one of the largest, most successful photofinishing businesses in the world. Hite continues today to provide high quality and the latest in photo printing technology.

Important moments in Hite Photo history

1924: Hite Photo is founded by Howard Hite in Detroit, MI

1958: Howard's son Don Hite joins Hite Photo to help introduce color processing.

1960: Hite Photo is the first photofinisher in Michigan to process color film overnight. "Hite Overnight" becomes Hite's well-known slogan.

1965: Hite is the first company to offer double prints, which are first called "bonus prints".
Hite is the first in the Midwest to process Kodachrome.

1970: Hite Photo is the first to print the date in the corner of pictures.

1985: Don Hite's sons, Don Jr. and Tom, open a Hite one-hour retail store in Detroit.

1990: The second Hite retail store opens in West Bloomfield, and includes the first Hite Photo Portrait Studio.

1991: Hite is one of the earliest photofinishers to go digital, with the purchase of digital scanning equipment.

1999: The Bloomfield Hills branch of Hite Photo is opened, with Don Hite Jr. as manager. Tom Hite manages the West Bloomfield store.

2002: Hite upgrades it's digital photo printing with a laser based silver halide printer, the highest quality printing available!

2007: Hite adds four-color press printing. Printed books are all the rage and our new double-sided printer makes photo books and cards with near photo quality at the lowest cost.

2008: Hite adds wedding quality storybook albums. Our new flush mount book press creates the highest quality albums for weddings, anniversaries or any special occasion.