Studio History - Information

HISTORY OF DeWALT STUDIO

DeWalt Studio was started in Helena in 1939 by Clarence DeWalt. DeWalt Studio, until1996, was always located in Downtown Helena. Many people remember Clarence's familiar voice on the radio reminding people "DeWalt Studio, For Better photo finishing." Photo finishing is not a part of the business today, and Clarence has not been with the business since 1979. Clarence passed away in 1994, but will forever be an important part of the studio. We do retain the negative files from the forty years Clarence owned the studio, and many people are able to reorder or replace prints that have been misplaced, damaged, or are fading with time. Since Clarence sold the studio in 1979, the studio has had a few different owners until 1996, when I, Michelle Lashway purchased the business.

I was raised in Helena, attending C.R. Anderson Elementary and Middle School, and graduating from Capital High School in 1991. After High school I attended Northwest College in Powell, WY and studied photography. I graduated from college in 1993 with an Applied Science degree in commercial portraiture.

Days after graduating I started working for a photographer in Red Lodge MT. I worked as a photographers assistant, and lab technician for about nine months. In the spring of 1994 I returned to Helena to manage DeWalt Studio for a previous owner. I continued to work for other owners until 1996 when I myself purchased the business. I have owned the business now for ten years. It has been a whirlwind experience. I feel very lucky to have shared so many special moments with so manywonderful people. I have had the joy of watching families grow, and recording their memories for generations to come. I have been blessed with a wonderful career, and a wonderful business.I live in Helena with my husband, Shawn, our son, Harrison, and our three dogs, Kodi, Bailey, and Wally. In my spare time I enjoy water-skiing, gardening, cooking and collecting baby dolls.

I hope you enjoy looking at all of the photographs on our website as much as I have enjoyed making the memories. We have many albums to browse through at the studio, so feel free to stop in and take a look. We would be glad to see you.