Thu, 16 May 2024 20:17:37 -0500WeeblyWed, 09 Sep 2020 15:17:12 GMThttp://patsphotography1.com/blog/40-years-countingI can't believe that it has been 40 years since Pat's Photography first opened in "downtown" Hamilton, Mississippi. So many memories come flooding back when I think of the early days at the corner of Highway 45 and Hamilton Road. The building that Pat's was located in back then has housed numerous businesses throughout the years. It had many incarnations including being a gas station, a home to Bags by Pat (everyone in the area had one of those bags once upon a time), the office of our local Justice of the Peace, an apartment, multiple restaurants, a hair salon, and from 1980 to 1981 it was Pat's Photography.
My little section of the building had three small rooms and a tiny bathroom. I was still in college, had a two year old son, and was trying to make it as a photographer in a small rural "town".
I am so thankful for the many supporters that I had along the way, especially my mom & dad, Flora & Sid Dobbs. Of course my family used my services but also so many family friends who gave me a chance and have continued to use the studio throughout the years.
There is no way to acknowledge every family who encouraged me with their patronage but I do want to mention a few who put their trust in me back in the beginning:
Burline & Dot Hanson, John Allen & Georgia Mae Cockerham, Durwood & Maxie House, Martha Rye Watkins Bourland, Bo & Betty Robinson, Preston & Elaine Dobbs, Joyce House, Vera Lee & Sid Dobbs, Sr., and so, many more. I pulled out my old 1980 calendar and I read about appointments with the Jaudon, Pounders, Crawford, Reeves, Bowen, Weaver, Sanders, Tucker, Mills, Holman, Dahlem, Cunningham, Walters, Thompson, Smith, Weaver, Rye, Taylor, Simmons, Welch, Stockton, and Holloway families. Kerr-McGee hired Pat's Photography to do all of their passport photos that year. 
I was flying by the seat of my pants, having no business experience, but quickly came up with a daily routine to get everything under control. From film to digital files, all these years later I still have challenging days when I think that I am in over my head with a project, but, somehow, it always comes together and I continue to grow and evolve.
Thank you for your loyalty, and I hope you will join me as I look ahead to this new decade.
Patsy Cooper
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