Inter-State Studio: A Legacy of Innovation in School Photography

Founded in 1933 by Guy Snyder in Sedalia, Missouri, Inter-State Studio has evolved into the largest family-operated provider of school photography, yearbooks, and planners across North America. The company continues to call Sedalia home, where its headquarters remain to this day.

In a strategic move to broaden its impact, Inter-State Studio launched its franchising program in October 2020. This initiative allows new entrepreneurs to offer a variety of services—including student portraits, senior photos, sports and event photography, and custom yearbook production—under a trusted brand name.

What sets Inter-State Studio apart is its unmatched industry experience and forward-thinking approach. With more than nine decades of continuous operation, the company has shown exceptional endurance and adaptability, standing strong through multiple shifts in the economic landscape.

Training

Inter-State Studio provides comprehensive training programs for franchisees to ensure successful operation of the business. These programs are mandatory for the Operating Principal and are broken into multiple phases:

1. Initial Training Program (Pre-Opening)
   This training must be completed before the franchise can open. It includes instruction on business operations, photography techniques, equipment usage, sales strategies, and general marketing. Instructional materials include the Operations Manual, visual aids, handouts, and sessions conducted either in-person or remotely. This phase ensures that the Operating Principal is fully prepared to manage the franchise.
2. Phase II Training
   Conducted before the business opens, this program consists of:
   • Photography training (24–40 hours)
   • Sales training (24 classroom hours and 16 on-the-job hours)Training is held in Sedalia, Missouri or another designated location. Conversion franchisees may be exempt if they demonstrate sufficient prior experience.
3. Phase III Training (Post-Opening)
   After opening, the franchisee must attend four additional seasonal photography sessions during the first year. These sessions cover different types of photography shoots such as fall portraits, spring portraits, classroom groups, sports, special events, and senior portraits. Franchisees cannot offer services related to a session until it is completed.

Territory Protection

Inter-State Studio grants its franchisees a defined territory but does not offer exclusivity. While the franchisee is given a geographic area for operating the business, the Franchisor retains significant flexibility.

This includes the right to franchise other locations, sell through various channels like the internet, and permit existing or future franchisees to serve certain accounts within the designated territory.

Additionally, Inter-State Studio may allow sales into adjacent or unsold territories, but only with express written consent. The franchisee's ability to operate outside their assigned area is limited and subject to approval.