Sadly, Sun Studios Sydney located at 42 Maddox St Alexandria is set to close this weekend after more than 16 years of operations.
Sun Studios has been seen as a main social hub for Sydney photographers and has filled the roles of not only photographic studios, but photographic equipment sales and rentals; fine art printing; learning workshops; catering and cafe; gallery space; and the home of Canon Professional Services (CPS).
Originally, Sun Studio Sydney was a merger between Pioneer Studios at Broadway and Baltronics from Artarmon. The idea was to merge a sales showroom with studios. Initially the plan was to have four large studios but that got expanded to seven. There was also a digital retouching department, and a lambda photographic print facilities that were disbanded after after the first few years of operation.
Sun Studios had got into financial troubles a few times and finally was bought by Canon in April 2014 to include CPS on site.
Sources told Capture that changes with Canon consumer marketing, roof refurbishment issues and rent increases may have been the turning point on the disbandment of operations.
However, Sun Studios Melbourne will continue operations.
Canon Professional Services (CPS) and professional sales will continue at a new space at Unit 4B, 1 Joynton Avenue, Zetland. Business will resume service on Thursday 4 July 2024.
There have also been rumours that interested parties are looking to take over the premises to continue as photographic studios.
Capture has reached out to Sun Studios for comment.
You can read the official announcement from Sun Studios here.
If you want a trip down memory lane, the Sun Studios Facebook page has many images showcasing their history in the Sydney location. You can see them here.
