This collection contains material created by Henry T. (Mac) Mizuki in the course of operating his independent photography studio, Mac Mizuki - Photography. The bulk of the collection consists of negatives, although some associated prints and documents are also included. Material from each job assignment was stored together in a single job file, usually including detailed information about the date, client, and subject.

Mizuki opened his studio around 1953 and remained in business until his retirement in 1986. Two jobs dated 1987 and 1989 were taken for long-standing clients and may have occurred after Mizuki's official retirement. Mizuki specialized in architectural photography, although the collection also includes industrial photography, product shots taken for advertisements, and portraits of individuals and groups.

Much of the collection documents the post-war development and expansion of St. Louis suburbs, especially in North County, West County, and the mid-County area. Images show exterior and interior views of homes, churches, elementary schools, high schools, libraries, department stores, shopping malls, and office buildings. Many of these buildings were designed by architects working in the Modern and Mid-Century Modern styles. Also included are progress photographs documenting the construction of Lambert Airport. Some development within the City of St. Louis is also shown, most notably the construction of the Pruitt-Igoe housing project; interior and exterior views of Pruitt-Igoe, Darst, and Cochran Gardens; and offices and other buildings along Lindell Boulevard. Later images show St. Louis urban renewal projects in areas such as Kingsbury Square, Laclede's Landing, and Lafayette Towne. Mizuki also worked frequently with Smith & Brennan Pile Company to document drilling and pile driving at construction sites throughout St. Louis City and County. Mizuki's clients included prominent St. Louis-based architects such as Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (HOK); Murphy & Mackey; Russell, Mullgardt, Schwarz & Van Hoefen; Smith & Entzeroth; William B. Ittner, Inc.; Ittner & Bowersox; and Eugene J. Mackey, III.

The collection also features images showing industrial facilities and workers, product shots for advertisements, and portraits of various individuals and groups. Industrial views show interior and exterior views of facilities such factories, ship yards, and printing plants. Images often show both factory and office employees at work. Companies featured include the Lewis-Howe Company, Inmont Corporation, St. Louis Ship, and Eden Publishing House. Product shots show various products, often arranged against a blank backdrop. Products vary widely and include merchandise from Boyd's and Wagner Electric. Portraits include head shots for IDs and passports, as well as candid shots and posed group portraits. Some individuals are identified, while others are not.

A small clippings file is also present in the collection and contains magazine, newspaper, and other clippings collected by Mizuki to document his published work. Mizuki's clippings file was maintained separately from his job files, and most clippings have not been linked to a specific job. However, it was possible to match certain clippings with their associated job, and notes have been made in the appropriate job records. Clippings have been arranged in the following series, loosely based on the categories established by Mizuki: Advertisement Clippings, featuring advertisements ripped from magazines and newspapers, as well as ad layouts prior to publication; Architectural Clippings, highlighting individual buildings and specific architectural features; Miscellaneous Clippings, including the St. Louis Priory School Journal from December 1963; and P.R./Promotional Clippings, featuring promotional articles for companies and individuals, as well as announcements for openings of schools, offices, and stores.