Liberty Studios Celebrates 90 Years Photographing Wayne County

Liberty Studios has been photographing Wayne County for the past 90 years!  Elizabeth and Thanh Lu, owners, invite past and present customers to join Liberty Studios for their 90th anniversary celebration, Saturday, August 13 at the downtown Wooster Farmers Market. A special booth will be set up between 8 AM – 12 PM to share stories and enter to win prizes, coupons and more! 

WQKT Wooster Radio will be broadcasting live from 10 AM - 12 PM. Former Liberty Studios owner, Chris Whitemyer will join the Lu’s for this milestone event. 

Liberty Studios was founded in 1932 by Charles Whitemyer.  The studio, located at 153 W Liberty Street, Wooster is currently occupied by Smetzer’s Tire.   

An article from the October 31, 1940 issue of Shreve News describes Liberty Studios in this way: 

“This progressive studio is an Art center of the community and the place where people know they will find expert professional work in all that pertains to modern photography for the proprietor is a man of wide experience in the work.” 

The studio relocated in 1954 to 204 E Liberty.   

In the early 1960’s, Whitemyer built a home and satellite studio with darkroom at the corner of State Route 3 and Heyl Road.  The satellite was originally called Suburban Studios. 

Whitemyer’s son, Chris, joined the business and operated the downtown studio until the location was closed in 1965.   

Chris assumed ownership in 1976 when Charles retired.   

Elizabeth Lu started working at Liberty Studios in 1990. In 1999, she began taking photos and as Chris took time off, she gained additional responsibilities.  

The transition in ownership occurred in 2015 when Chris Whitemyer approached Lu and her husband, Thanh, about purchasing the business, as he was seeking to retire. 

“We love being a part of the community,” said Lu. “We love living in Wayne County.”   

“Many people don’t realize that in addition to tuxedo rentals, we still operate as a photography studio—all occasions," said Lu.

Photography services include family, pets, engagements, weddings, business, commercial, social media marketing, and glamour photography.

“I love helping people,” remarked Lu. “I truly enjoy coming to work and seeing our customers.” Though Lu admits the customers enjoy coming to the studio to see their dog, Landon. 

“I do want to help you” is Lu’s motto. She enjoys serving her community and looks forward to serving new and old customers. 

Liberty Studios continues to operate at 1344 Heyl Road, Wooster.  For more information on the services provided, visit libertystudiosonline.com.