I've finally gotten around to writing this post. I've had a few questions from other photographers about my studio. When I was building and planning, I loved NOTHING more than a great, visual studio tour for ideas.
Even though I'm a natural light, on-location photographer, I've always dreamed of having a great space to not only work and edit in, but also to host clients and even have a place to shoot small children and newborns. With the advent of Pinterest earlier this year I was able to let my imagination run wild!
I wish I had before pictures - but the studio, before it was a studio, was just a dusty old two-car garage. Nothing fancy. It DID have AC vents when we moved in, so that was one thing I didn't have to worry about. Also in August, I flew out to California to work alongside Megan Squires who also has a natural light studio. She does an amazing one-on-one mentorship for newborn photographers and you can learn more about her here:
http://www.megansquires.com/
In August I got the go ahead from Mr. Man and we dove right in. The two months prior to that were full of planning and designing (you know I had a MASSIVE spreadsheet going, not to mention idea boards). And - I was on a budget. I was not only building a studio space, I was also having to buy equipment, back drops, back drop stands, blankets, props, etc. so that I could shoot in the space when it opened.
We hired a contractor to take out the garage doors and install a wall of windows and french doors. The windows would be my shooting light. Everything else we did ourselves.
I got my sign made at a local sign printing company.
My canvas wall. I've had a lot of questions on the dimensions so here they are: (2) 24x30 and (4) 24x16. From Canvas on Demand Pro - 1.5" thick. Book paper wreath from a local store:
Sew Junkie Boutique. I also have gotten several of my newborn knits and petti-rompers there.
I got my dresser from IKEA and use it to store blankets, knits and small baby props.
I think clear promotional pieces are important. I have a small folded pricing guide that also explains my digital collections. This seems to really help my clients make buying decisions.
Accordion album from
Miller's.
I have a couple ledges with some prints in different finishes. Shown here is metallic and my other favorite - Fuji deep matte paper. (I've only been able to find this paper at
Pro DPI.)
This is the back wall of the studio. I have a small seating area in front of the desk. To the left is a flat screen where clients can view their images from the iPad (which they hold in their hands during the ordering session). Chairs - I got both from TJ Maxx. Curtains - IKEA (cut myself and did the iron-on hem thing - so proud of myself as I am domestically challenged in a big way). Desk - freebie - woot! Tissue Poms - Etsy: I've used her many times and she is SUPERB:
Prost to the Host
To the right of my desk I have another sitting space. I want to mention, because I was working with limited space (around 550 sq. ft. not counting the storage in back), I wanted to make sure everything was multi-purpose. The chairs, stools, couch - I wanted to be able to incorporate them in shoots as well. This couch I found online for a steal. Coffee table - something old I already had. Suitcases - found at a flea market. In the back corner you can see some of my drops from Rock the Drops. Love them and you can find them here:
http://rockthedrops.com/
Also - I have about 200 sq. ft. of storage in the back for props and all kinds of equipment.
I also get asked a lot about the "mural thing" behind the couch there. That's a fabric wall cling and I adore it! You can find them at Pro DPI:
http://www.prodpi.com/
The cameras (replicas) I found at Hobby Lobby. The pillows at TJ Maxx. (I shop there a lot). The Eiffel Tower card holder is from
Ballard Designs.
My family books that I offer are lay-flat and you can find them at Miller's:
http://www.millerslab.com/
The door on the right there goes to a hallway into my home. I plan on doing the hallway in large prints and frames of my family to show my clients MORE examples of what they can do. One of the biggest advantages of having a studio is helping clients SEE what they can create for their homes.
Where I keep my packaging supplies. I'm running a little low on supplies after the holidays - time to re-stock! I get my DVD cases from Kraft and Jute. The Audrey Hepburn children's book is from Anthropologie.
My husbands old camera from High School...
Luxe frames (this is hanging on the wall now) from Miller's:
http://www.millerslab.com/ These may be my favorite new product.
Here is a pull-back. Depending on how the light is coming in, I just move my stand around to the best spot.
Here you can see my window. I think it's 10ft long. Also notice, it comes very low to the ground. A MUST for newborn work. Those with higher windows will often work on top of a raised surface.
No studio tour is complete without a shot of THE bag. Kelly Moore:
http://kellymoorebag.com/
Large wall print (all prints over 8x10 come mounted on styrene. Shown here with Fuji deep matte paper from Pro DPI.
Luxe Frames. (Miller's)
Coffee Table Books: Miller's
Lay-flat binding for pano-spreads. Shown here with glossy paper.
Pull back. I also use a reflector when necessary. Drop is from Rock the Drops and flooring is from
The Savvy Photographer Store:
A few shots in the studio: Drops all from
Rock the Drops or Savage Paper.
And some images from our grand opening:
My girl Kendra! Love her and was very thankful to have her at the grand opening to shoot some images for me.
So there you have it! If you have any questions I'm an open book!
