Self portrait before Photo-shop 1988

After winning a National Scholastics, photographic "Gold Key" award in 1971, Gary Mester started his professional career in wedding photography while working in a film-processing laboratory.   Gary explored artistic manipulations available in the darkroom. It was there he discovered fulfillment making fine art style images.

In 1983 Mester was awarded the  "Best of Show" award at the Midwest Museum of  American Arts. Currently the largest awards show in the Midwest, serving 21 counties in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan.  That was the first of 2 works made by Mester, now in the museum's permanent collection.

As the commercial photography instructor at an Indiana Vocational School, Mester students earned more than $40,000.00 in scholarships and prizes, including 1st place in the National Vocational Skill Olympics 2 consecutive years.

He has been awarded the "Master of Photography" degree from the " Professional Photographers of America ". (PPA)

Gary Mester is a past president of the "Michiana Professional Photographers. Inc."  (MPPI).

Many photography awards have been presented to Gary including three  1st place state awards and three "Court of Gold" awards from MPPI.  

Gary has earned the title of  edding Photographer of the Yearfrom MPPI.

The Indianapolis Professional Photographers Guild (IPPG) has presented Gary with the  ourt of Gold Awardfor the highest scoring wedding album in their annual professional competition. 

One of Mester 2 awards from Kodak is for Excellence in black and white photography.  The other Kodak award is for a photograph of a wedding at Notre Dame's Basilica.  It was displayed at Disney World's Epcot Center.

THE GARDEN STUDIO includes some of the most beautiful acreage in Indiana.  Settings feature a spring fed creek with a picturesque waterfall, bridges, ponds and mature trees including willow, oak, beech and pine. 

A North Light Studio built in 2003, allows for flattering natural light in a comfortable indoor environment.

APPOINTMENTS  We want to give every client our complete attention so please schedule an appointment each time you visit the studio. 

Appointments are available Monday - Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. or on Saturday mornings as our schedule allows.