OUR HISTORY
1912, John Amedee Maserjian, an Armenian immigrant from Turkey, watched over his friend’s photographic shop, Arax Studios in Poughkeepsie, NY, while the friend was away. With little English and no photographic knowledge, John managed as he was able, at one point unknowingly using a roll of photographic film to tape a tag to a box, leaving him wondering where the sticky side of the supposed tape was.
The Arax Photographic Company, Poughkeepsie, New York, circa 1940
When the friend did not return, John stayed with the shop, becoming a self-taught photographer and business-owner of what he eventually expanded into the Arax Photographic Company.
John Maserjian, grandfather of Steven Amedee Maserjian, in the studio
For 80 years and two more generations, the family-run company thrived, becoming the region’s premier photographic retailer and service-provider for its community’s residents and businesses, including professional photofinishing, camera and equipment sales, portrait studios, and picture framing.
The Arax Photographic Company framing department with AV equipment, circa 1950
The second family generation of the Arax Photographic Company, brothers Edward Maserjian (left) and Amedee John Maserjian (father of Steven Amedee Maserjian)
2002, Steven Amedee Maserjian, grandson of John Amedee Maserjian, and a former picture-framer with the Arax Photographic Company, opened Steven Amedee Custom Picture Framing at 41 North Moore Street in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood. Founded on the tradition of excellent service, craftsmanship and industry knowledge, Steven Amedee Custom Picture Framing continues his family’s legacy, through its high quality picture framing and gallery for all, from casual art-lovers to serious collectors and corporations.
Steven Amedee Custom Picture Framing, est. 2002, 41 N Moore Street, New York, NY 10013