I want to introduce y’all to Whitewater Photos & Video, located here in Jackson. This cool store is owned and operated by Becky Martens, who bought the business 19 years ago.
Whitewater Photos & Videos is THE place to go for the capturing of your whitewater rafting or kayaking & canoeing experiences, via the Snake River . . . which, incidentally, this awesome body of water is a tributary of the Columbia River, is 1,040 miles in length and runs from Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming) to the mouth of the Columbia River (Washington).
Prior to her husband and her buying the store, Becky owned and operated a local one-hour photo shop, which she started upon her arrival here in Jackson, back in ’84. In 1990, she combined both businesses, and has been providing both excellent one-hour photo service (for both film & digital cameras) and amazing whitewater photos and videos since then. The store is located in the heart of Jackson, on Cache, next to one of my other favorite places – Merry Piglets (a Mexican restaurant with very tasty dishes).
I have personal knowledge of the one-hour photo service. I first met Becky last year when I was searching for a shop to print some photos from my camera’s memory card. She was so helpful and so nice, I knew I had to find a reason to visit her again! I’ve not yet had the pleasure of rafting The Snake . . . BUT! It’s on my calendar for this September . . . so, stay tuned about that.
The photos on the wall of the store help maintain my excitement about my upcoming inaugural rafting trip. To get a glimpse of similar photos, visit Becky’s website HERE. The photographic masthead shows shots of recent float trips.
“So, where is the cam located? Do y’all move it to different locations?,” I ask (a bit naively). “There’s no cam,” Becky enthusiastically tells me; "We use actual photographers." OK . . . now, I’m REALLY intrigued! She continues on, telling me that the photographers row across the river every morning before the trips begin; and from there, they man their posts all day and take five shots of each group that passes by. Wow!!! That’s SO Cool! The film is then delivered across the river via an overhead trolley, four times each day; and then is quickly delivered into town for processing. Customers are then able to view their photos and place their orders at their leisure.
Currently (and until the waters recede a bit), the photo area is at Lunch Counter, one of the biggest rapids in the Snake River Canyon. After the waters go down a bit (probably around the end of June), the photographers will be snapping shots from the Big Kahuna area; which, amusingly, is sometimes referred to as a “schizophrenic patch of whitewater”.
Photos can be purchased in-store in sizes of 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 11 x 14 and 12 x 18. Also available in-store are the complete series of the 5 photos of your specific adventure in 4 x 6 size. Larger photos (16 x 20 and 20 x 30) can be received within a couple of weeks after ordering. Additionally, one also has the option of purchasing a CD of the pictures, so they can print their photos whenever they like and however often they want.
Another reason to use Whitewater Photos & Videos . . . this is the ONLY local company of its kind that offers live videos of people traversing down the Snake River!
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I stopped in the store the other day to say hey to Becky; and that’s when she told me that she has expanded her business. In addition to offering one-hour photo services and whitewater photos & videos, she now is also offering studio portraits and photography services for parties and family gatherings.
The studio portraits can be done in-studio or at your house; your choice. Regarding parties, just let her know when and where, and she’ll be there; camera in hand, smile on face and ready to capture your celebration into memory-making photos.
This service, like the other ones are available to both locals and visitors, alike.
One of Becky’s goals is to make sure her customers are happy and pleased with her work. In her own words, “I’ll take the time that’s needed to do a good job and make great photos.”
So! Come to Jackson (it really is a must for everyone to do at least once). While you’re here, participate in some exhilarating whitewater rafting down the Snake River (see Becky’s website for a listing of various rafting companies). After the trip, dry off and come into town . . . specifically to Whitewater Photos & Videos on Cache . . . and order your prints and CD of YOU with paddle in hand while plowing through a rapid. Then, afterward, have Becky come to your party to shoot photographs of even more good times . . . so that YOU can be in the pictures (and not out of them because you were behind the camera). And, please remember to tell Becky that I sent you.
The hours of the photo shop are 9am – 9pm (7 days / week).
The studio’s hours are 10am – 5pm (Tuesday – Saturday)
or via phone at 1-800-WHTE-H20 (948-3426)
Local: (307) 733-7015
Oh, and while you’re here in Jackson, give me a call and let’s get together. Who knows? I may even go rafting with you. :)
Y’all be blessed,
Sharon-Marie
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Footnote: During my interview with Becky the other day, a group came in to pick up their photos. One of the men was carrying a full moose antler. I grinned to myself and thought, “Only in Jackson!”
These customers liked their photos so much they ordered a CD of their time on the Snake. And, while I was making notes for this blog entry, I heard one of the women exclaim quite exuberantly, “This is GOOD! You guys got a good photographer!”
There’s nothing quite like spontaneous and unsolicited endorsements to really sell a product. :)
Whitewater Photos & Videos
140 North Cache (next to Merry Piglets)
Becky Martens, Owner
800-WHTE-H20 (948-3426)
Local: 307-733-7015
Sharon-Marie Jordan © 2010 - All rights reserved.
