The Story
The GK Vale Legacy.
On May 23rd, 1910, a young entrepreneur named Gangadhar Kumara Vale opened a small photography studio on South Parade — what is today Bangalore's iconic MG Road. Originally called Madras Photo Stores, the studio quickly became the most trusted name in photography in the region.
GK Vale was among the first studios in India to introduce colour photography — a revolutionary step that cemented its reputation as a pioneer.
Today, the brand is run by the fourth generation of the Vale family. With 35+ stores across South India, an e-commerce portal serving customers globally, and a state-of-the-art central processing facility in Bangalore, GK Vale is as unstoppable today as it was in 1910.
Four generations.
One standard of excellence.
MILESTONES
A century of firsts.
1910
The Beginning
GK Vale opens on MG Road, Bangalore. India's photography landscape changes forever.
1970s
Colour Pioneers
First studio in the region to introduce colour photography.
2nd Generation
City Roots
Expansion across Bangalore.
3rd Generation
Statewide Growth
Multi-city growth across Karnataka. Mangalore. Mysore. The legacy spreads.
2016
Going Global
Launch of e-commerce portal. GK Vale goes global.
4th Generation
A Modern Legacy
35+ stores. Franchise model. B2B partnerships. Still going.
Let's create history together.
GK · VALE · 1910
© 2026 | GK Vale and Company. All Rights Reserved.
Let's create history together.
GK · VALE · 1910
© 2026 | GK Vale and Company. All Rights Reserved.
