Remember Costco's Photo Center?

I was one of their most appreciative clients.

Back in the days when every Costco had a Photo Center, I wept along with many other photographers when “Corporate” decided to phase them out. I was one of many photographers who had counted on them to produce beautiful enlargements.

Until I retired ten years ago, I was a pediatrician in Palm Beach County, Florida for almost 35 years.  In the 10 years before I stopped working, my wife and I had been traveling to many places, and I would display some of my favorite photos on the walls of my offices.  My patients were often surprised when I told them that the enlargements were done by Costco.

After my young patients and their parents began to admire my pictures, I decided to give them copies of my favorites in simple 5 x 7 cardboard mattes. I would order 500 at a time at Costco every few months.

Many patients would tell me that they posted their “Dr. Kraft pictures” on the kids’ bedroom walls.  I would make a geography lesson for the school-age children.  Each picture came with the assignment to research where the picture was taken.  Some parents even shyly asked if they could have one from my selection basket. 

Gifts for kids in Bali

When we were traveling, I would carry an assortment of these simply-framed pictures to give away to children and adults in exchange for letting me take their pictures.  I have photos of children and adults holding my pictures from our trips to China, Bali, Japan and Peru.  It was a great icebreaker!  When a hotel clerk or flight attendant was been especially kind, I would give them one of my enlargements.  It was my favorite way of thanking them for their special service.  They often told me that they appreciated it more than any monetary gift.  

Until Costco decided to eliminate their in-store photo centers, the photo center employees would ask where we were going next and when I was going to order another large batch of pictures. 

Now whenever I go to Costco, I often see my old patients who remind me of the photos that they still have from their visits to my office.   I am happy to see that this is part of my legacy as their pediatrician in our community.