At Inter-State Studio, capturing smiles has been our passion since 1933. What began as a simple vision to provide exceptional school photography has grown into a trusted name for schools, students and families across the country.

Led by three generations and rooted in Sedalia, Missouri, we’ve expanded nationwide while keeping our values front and center: top-quality photography, memorable yearbooks and meaningful relationships with the schools and communities we serve.

Our commitment to service, integrity and innovation drives everything we do. Whether it’s a kindergarten smile, a senior portrait, or a cherished yearbook, we believe every student deserves a memory that lasts a lifetime and we’re honored to help capture it.

Share The Power Of A Smile

Our Story

Innovating from the beginning

Our journey began in 1933 when Guy Snyder founded Inter-State Studio in Sedalia, Missouri with a vision to deliver outstanding school portraits. From those early days, our vision was clear: create a school photography experience families could trust and remember.

In the 1960s, we helped shape the future of school memories by pioneering the school yearbook publishing process. That spirit of innovation still guides us today. For more than 90 years, we've remained family-led and future-focused while continuing to evolve, expand and elevate how school memories are captured and shared.

1933

  • Guy Snyder founded Inter-State Studio and ran it out of his home in Sedalia, MO

1935

  • Guy Snyder designed the world's first automated black-and-white contact photo

1941

  • Inter-State became the first school picture company to use the Kodatron Electric Flash Unit, a strobe used by the U.S. Military during World War II

1950

  • Added "natural color" photos to picture packages

1960

  • Built the Inter-State camera, which remained in use for more than four decades

1984

  • Expanded to a new 70,000 sq. ft. facility

1993

  • First school picture company to produce digital composites

2001

  • Named Photo Imager of the Year by Photographic Processing magazine

2003

  • Completed a 20,500 sq. ft. addition to the studio

2005

  • Founded Convertible Solutions to meet specialized needs of the digital print industry. Founded Convertible Solutions Europe in 2007

2008

  • Implemented Green Screen technology, providing unlimited possibilities for photo backgrounds

2021

  • Inter-State Studio expanded its business and began offering Franchise Opportunities nationwide

Giving

Through our three grant programs, Inter-State Studio proudly supports yearbook advisors, service learning projects and exceptional teachers who inspire students and strengthen communities. These initiatives reflect our commitment to "Sharing the Power of a Smile" and recognizing the vital role educators play in creating meaningful learning experiences. Together, we help enrich students' lives and support the future of education.

  • Get recognition for your school’s yearbook program and its exceptional achievements in yearbook design! Two first-place prizes of $500 will be awarded to the winning schools' yearbook programs, recognizing their creativity and dedication.

    Registration Form

    Click here to find the registration form. Please print and send with a copy of your completed 2024-2025 yearbook.

    Official Rules

    Read through the details to make sure you understand the contest.

    Judging Details

    Familiarize yourself with what we will be judging so you can focus on those areas of your yearbook.

  • Tell us about a service learning project your class is conducting for a chance to win a $750.00 grant for your project.

    What is a Service Learning Project?

    Service learning is the use of community service to enrich the classroom learning experience while teaching students civic responsibility. How does your local school give back to your community? Enter your essay to our Spreading Smiles contest for a chance to win cash for future projects! Complete the contest form telling us about your project and be sure to include a picture that shows how your school makes a difference. If you are a parent, please talk to your school’s service learning leader about writing to us. Download our printable memo to distribute to the faculty in your school. Prizes will only be awarded to school-affiliated groups. See our full contest rules here.

    This contest has closed and we are no longer accepting entries.

    Prizes

    1ST PLACE PRIZE
    $750 Service Learning Grant

    2ND PLACE PRIZE
    $500 Service Learning Grant

    3RD PLACE PRIZE
    $250 Service Learning Grant

  • Let your teachers know they are making a difference. Nominate that special teacher and give them a chance to win a $300.00 classroom grant.

    Teachers make a difference in the lives of thousands of students and parents every day. We want to know about a special teacher who has changed your life or the lives of others. Faculty, staff, administration, parents, and students are encouraged to submit a nomination. Download our printable memo to distribute to your school community. See our full contest rules here.

    This contest has closed and we are no longer accepting entries.

    Prizes

    GRAND PRIZE
    $300 Classroom Grant

    PEER DIVISION WINNER
    $200 Classroom Grant

    STUDENT DIVISION WINNER
    $200 Classroom Grant