Studio, but make it PQ
I am thrilled to share that I am the proud new owner (well, renter) of my very own studio space in NE Portland, and let me tell you: it is AWESOME!
If you're thinking this is an unexpected direction for me to take, you wouldn't be wrong. I can't say I would have predicted this even a few years ago. But if we've learned anything in the last 2+ years it's not to be surprised by life's curveballs.
It all started in March when I happened upon a studio space in my neighborhood up for lease. I decided on a whim to go check it out, and while the space itself wasn't quite the right fit, the level of excitement I felt as I imagined the possibilities, well, that was enough to light a fire in me to make this happen.
Cut to mid-May when I'm paying a deposit on a super-cool brand-spanking-new (read: still being built) space on 42nd and Killingsworth. In the months since then, Matt and I have put in a lot of time building and painting backdrops (mostly Matt) and hitting thrift shops for cool chairs and fun decor (100% me).
Initially I thought I would just use the space for headshots, not-school photos, and senior portrait sessions. And of course, as a workspace that isn't my home (oh you guys, that was so freaking overdue!).
And then I got to thinking about all the times I wished I had an alternative option for family sessions over the years; when it was too wet/hot/cold/smokey to shoot outdoors, but my clients didn't want a session in their home. A studio can offer a lovely (air conditioned!) alternative, but would my people want a studio session? The truth is, I don't know.
I will forever and always choose photographing a family in their home above all other locations. But * And there is a beautiful simplicity to shooting in a studio; a simple backdrop coupled with soft window light allows me to really focus on the personalities I'm documenting. And I'm a maximalist by nature, so of course it's not just simple backdrops - I've got a number of different vignettes throughout the space that are super fun, and constantly evolving, which is maybe my favorite part of this whole thing?!
Annnnd because I'm a “jump in with both feet” kinda gal, I've decided to offer studio mini family sessions this fall. You can learn more (and schedule your own) by clicking the button below.
*My therapist has taught me to replace “buts” with “ands” and I have to say, it's a bit of a game changer!
