Something's Been Missing ...
This journey has been such a blessing. Photography feeds my creative soul, it allows me to express my creativity through art that adorns the walls of many homes, and I feel my calling is to capture moments in times to frame memories. Beginning my photography business with a young baby at home in 2015 felt so empowering. Photography had always interested me and it remained a great hobby for a long time before that first step. While it has been overwhelming at times, I have learned a great deal about adapting and evolving my business plan to suit the needs of my own family as well as my client families. Owning a business of my very own has pushed me to new depths and has (at times) forced me to leave my comfort zones only to find a whole new level of excitement. I have dabbled in an array of portraiture, session types, and venues. I have captured things I love and some things that I have not. It has brought me to tears in more ways than one. Mostly happy tears, but sometimes the opposite. Working with many different people and family dynamics has both boosted my confidence and thickened my skin. This remains a beautiful blessing and when I pour into it, it flourishes. When I back away or put energy into another part of my life, it tends to dwindle. Needless to say - it is a constant work in progress, an ever-evolving mountain to climb and I do absolutely enjoy that climb!
Throughout the years I have gone through many changes in my personal life that have both focused my attention and stolen my attention from my business - as it should be. I have collected a vast knowledge that has come from first-hand experience in what works for my Photography skills and what doesn't. And, let's be honest; first-hand experience is the most valuable kind, am I right? I am (mostly) self-taught, my own biggest critique, and have the ability to self-discipline like nobody's business! But every now and again I feel my interest sort of shrivel and I feel myself back away, my light starts to flicker and I put my camera away. I keep asking myself the same question. What is missing?????
And I've finally figured it out. The missing piece for me! What I have missed from those original days of starting out a fresh business of my VERY OWN is .... a designated Studio Space!
Opening Soon ...
There is just something about studio sessions that you cannot get outdoors. The opposite is true as well, but one of the before-mentioned has been missing from my portfolio for quite some time! This is a sign to shoot for the moon. Bring back what has always left my business feeling more complete. While I love shooting outdoors at a number of venues, there is a sense of consistency that comes from having a designated space to do your work. Having somewhere to set up and try out my ideas before a session gives me a sense of preparedness and sets me up for success. A backup, if you will, for when the weather cancels or alters plans for outdoor sessions. Somewhere for my business to call HOME.
Over the next few months I hope for my vision to come to life. I have the space figured out and a list of tasks to accomplish. (I can't do things without a list, can you?) Please cheer me on as I take this next step and join me in the transformation of the space that will (someday soon) become my dream studio!
Enter <Dream Studio> ...
Here is where I tell you a little bit about my vision....
While many Photographers hone in on a specific type of photography that makes them unique, I have a vast array of sessions I enjoy putting my energy into. I don't like to set too many limits because I do like to be challenged and I enjoy learning and perfecting my craft in lots of areas. One of my MOST favorite (and most requested) session types are Newborn and Baby sessions. (I guess if you had to put a title on my area of interest ... it would be Newborn Photography). This is where a studio space comes in handy! For years I have been doing newborn sessions in the homes of my clients or setting up makeshift studio spaces for the day of the session and it has ... worked. But I want it to more than, "work," I want the experience to be magical, the images to be seamless, and my clients to be comfortable. All the time I see new Mamas struggling to clean their house before I arrive and entertain siblings or pets while juggling helping me with baby during sessions. No more, Mamas! When you book a Newborn session (or Baby Bundle) with me, you are in for an EXPERIENCE!
I envision a warm, calming and soothing atmosphere with natural light and cozy textures. A temperature-controlled environment that is most suitable for creating sleepy babies. I have a play area for older siblings, a comfy couch for parents and family members to relax on, a changing area and a dedicated restroom for my space. Over the next few months I will be curating my collection of props, wraps, and swaddles - coordinating with backdrops, floor drops, and just the right accessories. No more last-minute planning, working with what we have. My newborn sessions from this point forward MUST be booked well in advance to ensure time for planning the absolute perfect session for your newest little bundle of joy. From the newborn phase to the one-year cake smash, your little bundle will have the best of the best when it comes to my line of work.
Beyond the babes, my vision is to have a space that is conducive to the needs of newborns but versatile enough to setup for various styles and sets. Headshots - check. Maternity - check. Families and children - check. Engagement - check. Themed Minis - check. You have an idea that you want to bring with me - check it off the list, we've got the ability to get it dialed in! I am beyond excited for all of the possibilities to expand my work. I feel the buzz of creativity and excitement flowing! Now, to channel that into crossing things off my to-do list ... I will keep you all updated on the progress I am making towards the GRAND OPENING of my very own Studio, which WILL happen very soon!! But for now, check out some of the images I have captured in my makeshift/traveling or previous studio spaces :)
