PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO TOUR: THE AFTER

red deer lifestlye photographer

And finally, I'm excited to share with you the Photography Studio Tour!

As with any project, one of the best parts is seeing it finally come together as you had envisioned. And, as a creative person who doesn’t always (but just about always;)) finish what she starts, creating, building , designing and styling this space was gratifying.

After a solid two months in planning with my favorite designer, Lindsey Johnson, and contractor Saka Builders, we started demolition in October 2013. And thanks to their commitment and hard work, we were able to finish and shoot our first sessions in the middle of December.

After you have had a chance to see the tour, don't forget to check out the 2 previous posts to this 4 part series:  Studio Tour: The In Between and Studio Tour:  The Before.

red deer lifestlye photographer

Being a natural light photographer, moving the studio shooting area to the opposite end of the space, made such a big difference. We were able to install 5 windows, which face west and north. Ideally, a full north wall would have been amazing, but as with any renovation, you are limited in working with what is already existing.

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As I focus my business on children, families and women’s portraiture (through Honor Studios, of which I am co-owner), I didn’t require a lot of area for storage of props and such. Rather, a couple of makeup stations, dressing rooms and a relaxing atmosphere was a must.

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I hope you enjoy the little peek into my country studio. And perhaps one day you will have a chance to visit!

PS: For anyone interested, a list of resources is at the bottom of the article.

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red deer lifestlye photographer

RESOURCES

Couch: Hudson Madison Pink Chairs: Kijiji Square Coffee Table: EQ3 Round Coffee Table: Hudson Madison Rug: Overstock Long Sofa Tables: Ikea Pink Silk Curtains: Etsy - Avec Dieu Gold Chandelier: Red Deer Lighting Beige Bench: Home Sense Gold Hooks: Anthropologie Makeup Table: Custom Made Makeup Mirrors: Structube Makeup Stools: Overstock Wall Sconces: Restoration Hardware Coffee Station Cabinet: Kijiji Pink China: Antique Bathroom Vanity: Home Depot Vanity Hardware: Anthropologie Bathroom Mirror: Home Sense Bathroom Light: Restoration Hardware Changeroom Curtain: Ikea Chandelir in Changeroom: Ballard Designs Love Print: The Calm Gallery Headboard: Overstock Bedding: Etsy - My Shabby Chic Shop Clothing Rack: Allen Display

STUDIO TOUR: THE IN BETWEEN

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We began the demolition and reconstruction on the studio in October of 2013. After a couple of different revisions we settled on a few of the following guidelines:

  • Floorplan. Moving the shooting area to the back of the studio, which allowed for a couple of great additions. More natural light, because we were able to add additional windows. As well, in the previous floor plan, clients had to walk through and past the shooting area to get to our seating area.
  • A warm welcome. Upon entry, I wanted clients to feel relaxed and welcome, therefore having a clean, organized, inspiring place was important.
  • Good lighting. Not only in the shooting part of the studio, but also in the makeup areas and the lounge area. Bright, but still warm and relaxing.
  • Original. As challenging as it is to consider every single detail when designing a space, the results are worth it. I wanted to be sure that everything that was chosen for the space was unique and interesting.
  • High and low. As you will see in the next follow up post, STUDIO TOUR: the after, items were purchased everywhere from a variety of places such as ikea, etsy, kijiji, Hudson Madison and Home Depot. Be resourceful and determined to fulfill your vision.

If you haven’t yet, bet sure to check out the previous post to have a peek at the before tour.

And stay tuned for the next post in this four part series, "STUDIO TOUR: THE AFTER", which will be published next Tuesday.

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STUDIO TOUR: THE BEFORE

Well .....since it has been a good year and a half since the studio renovation has been completed, I thought it was about time to finally share with all of you the process, the before and afters, and the final result ;).

This will all be shared in a 4 part series, with the first being what it looked like before.

I have to say that I am incredibly grateful we live on an acreage, which already had an existing building with an attached living quarters.  This enabled me to not have to consider so many overhead costs associated with the rental, or purchase of a building.   I did use the area previously on occasion for indoor photo sessions, and I had tried to make best use of the space as possible. It was definitely workable, however I envisioned a relaxing, inspiring retreat for clients to visit and feel at home.

In order to give you an idea of what it started out as, here is a peek at the before (and I can’t wait to show you the after!).

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And just to “keep it real”, I wanted to share a few of the behind the scences prior to the clean up.  Yikes ;).

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Look for the next post in this series, STUDIO TOUR: the in between, on Thursday!