McDonald Studio

McDonald Studio is proud to be the oldest photography studio in the Michiana area. At the young age of 19, Albert McDonald founded McDonald Studio in 1861 and quickly established a new level of high quality photography. He eventually passed the studio on to his son Edwin who along with a few other owners carried on the tradition of photographic excellence throughout the years. In 1946 Raymond F. Patnaude and his wife Beulah purchased the studio and in 1975 were joined by their son David and his wife Ann who have passionately maintained the studio's reputation for high quality portraits, cutting edge technology and a family like atmosphere.

McDonald Studio is fortunate to have a brilliant staff of award winning photographers, talented digital design artists and caring sales associates. Each employee brings their own unique energy and love of photography to their area of work.

We currently have two locations both located in South Bend. Our main business office is located downtown South Bend where Lincoln Way West and LaSalle divide. The downtown studio fields all customer inquiries, has a state of the art full digital lab and is available to photograph business, yearbook and passport sessions. This studio is open during normal business hours: Tuesday-Friday from 10:00-5:30. Saturday by appointment only. Closed Sunday & Monday. Our second location is located on South Ironwood Drive near the fairgrounds, and is open by appointment. You will be amazed by this two story portrait studio located on an entire acre of beautiful outdoor scenic opportunities. No other studio in the area can offer the beautiful possibilities all in just one location. The Ironwood studio is where the majority of our sessions are photographed and is open by appointment. Our photographers also love to journey away from the studio for any destination setting of your choice such as portraits at Lake Michigan, local parks, Notre Dame, the comfort of your own home or any other idea you may have.

One of the best parts about McDonald Studio is that we stand behind our work 100%. This is a promise we take very seriously and because of our commitment to our clients have been voted Favorite Photographer by the "Readers" Choice Awards for ten consecutive years! No one else can guarantee the same quality, experience and dedication that we have provided the Michiana area for almost 150 years.