Myrick Photographic, the go-to spot for photographers of all skill levels, set to close.

Not many Monterey Peninsula businesses can claim they have had regular customers of worldwide fame. One that can announced it’s closing after nearly 35 years of operation.

Myrick Photographic opened on Valentine’s Day in 1979. Some of the world’s most famous fine-art photographers, including Ansel Adams and Kim Weston, had been regular customers over the years.

Owner Steve Myrick opened the shop at the current location, on Fremont Street in Monterey next to El Estero Car Wash. The store expanded in size a few years later as the business grew. At one point, it was a stock house for Kodak and Polaroid film companies.

“I wanted to provide fine equipment to serious photographers,” says Myrick, who adds it’s been hard to keep up with the constant changes in technology. “The sad part about this is the transitions; we have had to constantly reinvent ourselves, like the transition from film to digital.”

Myrick explains despite the downturn in the economy, his store did its best to help customers of all skill levels.

“We’ve had a great relationship with Monterey Peninsula College,” he says. “It’s been wonderful to see students go through their program.”

Even top-level professionals preferred Myrick’s shop over larger stores in New York and San Francisco. Tom O’Neal, who now lives in Carmel, made his name as a rock and roll photographer in the 1970s. He says he’s been a longtime customer because of Myrick’s excellent service.

“Not too many stores have a full darkroom and supplies for fine art photo printing. It’s becoming more obscure as time goes on,” he says. “I’ve come to him for years for rare and very specific needs of mine. People like to work with people they like. Steve is a guy that is always interested in helping you out.”

O’Neal recalls that in the early days, before Myrick opened an actual storefront, Myrick would deliver orders to customers personally, hauling the goods around in a truck.

“My friendship with the guys who work there will continue,” O’Neal says.

Myrick says the last day will arrive around Dec. 21.