I really wanted to title this blog post “One Giant Pinterest Project” because that’s what I have felt like since I signed the lease at the new photography studio space. The weather this year has become more strange by the day. Early spring last year, I was already outside, photographing sessions. This year, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll actually be outside shooting by the end of April. With ants in my pants to get back to work since the move to Youngstown, I decided to look at potential studio spaces. I never thought I would take the plunge into studio photography, but with the ever changing Ohio weather, it was time.

The biggest obstacle in my search was finding a space that was pet friendly. That was the continual stumbling block at most places I looked at. I came across a story online about how the former South Range High School had been sold and converted into a business incubator. I headed out to the old school, now known as the North Lima Business Complex to take a look around. Since there is a dog groomer and a bunny rabbit rescue in the building, there was not going to be any issues with bringing in clients’ pets. The best part of this space is it’s ease of access for clients – just minutes from the Southern Park Mall, right down the road from Columbiana and close to both I-76 and I-680 .

Then the work began. Thank goodness my dad was not only available to help, but  may be one of the handiest people that I know. We went the DIY route on a few  things, including one of the backdrop stands, the curtain rods for the super long window and a faux floor for portraits. In just less than a month after the lease was signed, I’m ready to start photographing in the studio! It’s still a work in progress and I am still taking equipment and props in every time I go, but it’s finally a functional space.

Below are a few before and after photographs of the studio. And of course, I had a four-legged furry model stop by to play the other day. You’ll probably be seeing a lot of Gunnie the Westie.  My  mom’s dog is slightly more well behaved for photos than my dogs are. Studio sessions will be offered for single subjects including kids, pets and high school seniors.

Yes, those are leaves on the floor in the before photos on the left. Needless to say it took a lot of work to clean up this room!

I love this little bench – it was a great find at a resale shop in Boardman!