Updated: 2007.05.02.
This description of F.L. Hacking's new photo studio was published by the (Vancouver)Daily News-Advertiser on August 14, 1908, p. 15. The article was illustrated with three photographs depicting the "Reception Room", the "Skylight Room" and "Another View of Reception Room."
"An Artistic Studio.
A member of the "News-Advertiser" staff visited the new photographic studio of Mr. F.L. Hacking in the Fairfield Building, Granville Street, where for weeks past contractors and decorators have been transforming several suites of rooms and offices into what is now recognized as the most complete and artistic studio in the Province.
On entering the reception room, one is immediately impressed by the beautiful and quaint appearance of the apartment, which is furnished in the early English style. Amongst the many special features one's attention is drawn to the beautiful panelled walls, enriched with copper nailing, the unique fire grate and the casement windows and doors, whilst four heavy clusters of drop lights, suspended from the beamed ceilings--all designed and made especially for this studio--give the room a pleasing and uncommon appearance.
The delightful color scheme, from the rich rug on the floor to the delicate harmony of walls and ceilings, tends to show to advantage the specimens of artistic portraiture displayed, and gives visitors that feeling of repose and satisfaction that assures them that their own work could not be entrusted to better hands.
Leading from the reception room through a massive archway are the dressing rooms, each fitted with long pier mirrors and furnished in the same good taste.
The skylight room, one of the most important features of Mr. Hacking's business, has been constructed to give lighting facilities which will enable photographs to be taken at all reasonable times and under all conditions. The room is large and not encumbered with a hetreogeneous [sic] mass of painfully artificial scenery and paraphernalia; instead you see instruments and accessories of the best lenses by Dallmeyer, of London, England, and Goerz, of Berlin; camera by Anthony, of New York, and the necessary backgrounds are a revelation of simplicity and rich value, all painted especially by Packard, of Boston.
Nearly every modern equipment known to photography may be found in this up-to-date studio. The developing and finishing rooms are complete in every detail, giving this studio advantages for promptly executing work, a desideratum of no small importance, and one that will be immediately appreciated.
As a capable photographer, Mr. Hacking needs but little introduction in Vancouver. He was apprenticed when a young man in a leading Eastern studio, where high ideals and careful workmanship were early acquired. Eleven years ago he came to Vancouver and after eight years connected with Wadds Brothers' studio purchased the studio in New Westminster formerly conducted by Mr. S.J. Thompson. His artistic work brought immediate success that has necessitated branching out into the broader fields of opportunity offered in Vancouver.
Not being satisfied with anything but the best location and equipment, he finally secured the present quarters in the Fairfield building, the heart of the best district, which our readers are heartily commended to visit and inspect.
Mr. Hacking aptly says that "the aim and purpose of this studio is to turn out only high grade photographs, and the best that experience, artistic training, perfect equipment and skilled workmanship can produce is offered to its patrons."