It is the end of an era for Petersfield as one shop owner shutters up and snaps on after operating for 35 years.

Gary Boxall, owner of Petersfield Photographic on Lavant Street, will say farewell on Saturday, March 29.

Despite the challenges of different technology and the changing face of retail over the years, Gary has enjoyed his time helping people with their photographic enquiries.

Speaking to the Petersfield Post, Gary said: “It boils down to working at a subject that you're enthusiastic about and it's also a hobby. When it has been with you for many years, you want to help other people to learn about photography.

“Back in the old days when we used to sell cameras and things, we would spend time with people and show them what apertures and shutter speeds were all about, and why you would use one or the other.

“People would come in and they would ask for other tips, and ‘how do I do this?’ Then we'd have great pleasure in showing them how to do it and seeing their results afterwards.

“I've had a very enthusiastic crew with me for the past 35 years, and they've all been enthusiastic photographers and very good at with dealing with people's enquiries as well.

“I’ve always said I don’t have customers, I have friends or guests.”

Prior to starting the business, Gary had worked in the photographic trade for eight years, having purchased his own camera and sold his first photo when he was seven.

After outgrowing his original shop in Chapel Street, the opportunity for the current location was available, and he expanded and kept refurbishing the place to make it into what it’s today.

Regarding the future of the shop, Gary explained: “I'd been trying my hardest to approach different people and companies to see whether they would like to take it on lock, stock and barrel.

“Snappy Snaps will take over and they will be starting on the first of April. Gutting the shop and refurbishing the place and I think after two weeks it will be open.”

Snappy Snaps is a photographic franchise that was founded in 1983, and provides a variety of services, including ones that Petersfield Photographic has done over the years.

Gary added: “I haven't really dealt much with Snappy Snaps, but looking at what they do and dealing with their directors, they seem to be very customer based, which I have been.

“They said if you had particular customers who had special requirements and I have a number of them, let us know their names and we will help them.”

Behind the lens, Gary will continue to explore his family history, which can be traced back to 1230, and write more books about it.

Saying farewell, Gary said: “It has been great, it's been a challenge, and an adventure as well, I'm leaving on a high.

“A huge thank you to all of you for your support over the years and for the most kind comments we continue to receive.”