Portraits, Printing and More at Advanced Photo

is a photography studio that offers more than just photos. Photography, videography, printing and scanning are just some of the services they offer.

Owner Al Pereira opened the store in March of 1992 and recently celebrated 20 years in North Reading. Pereira is the main photographer and will take photos in the studio at the Main Street store or come to you, whether it is a wedding, corporate or sporting event. A regular portrait session is free if you buy a reasonable package, those range in price from $30 to $250. If you don't buy a package, the sitting fee is $50, and includes a free 8x10 of your choice. A basic wedding package will set you back about $2,000.

If you are an athlete and interested in a highlight video, Pereira will attend a few of your games and make one for about $500 or $600.

Already have your photos and want to print? Stop by Advanced Photo and use their kiosk to print from a memory card, thumb-drive or CD. To make it easier, you could email the photos to the store in advance or upload them on their website. The print sizes vary from a wallet to 24x26 inch in matte or a glossy finish.

"The majority like the glossy," Pereira said.

The Main Street business also does custom framing, image restoration, scanning of old photos and they can even put an old VHS recording onto a DVD. They recently started creating memorial DVDs. One memorial DVD includes 60 photos with transitions and music for $99.99. Each additional photo is $1 each.

It's not all about photography in the store. They are also an authorized Metro PCS dealer. You can stop by the store to buy a new cell phone and plan. That's not all. You can also pay your electric or cable bill and fill your ink jet cartridges. An HP 21 or HP 22 ink jet cartridge costs about $45 when you buy it new. If you bring your old cartridge to Advanced Photo, they will refill it for $9.99, Pereira said.

"We don’t refill all of them, but we refill a lot. I would recommend checking first," Pereira said.

When asked what his favorite part of owning the business is, Pereira said, the people.

“It’s all about the memories," he said. "I love to see people smile, that’s the best part of the job.”

The store hours are Monday through Wednesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.