The Story Behind the Camera | How I Went from Basement to Brick & Mortar
Once upon a time, I took the giant, scary and terrifying leap and turned my love of photography and storytelling into a business. I birthed Stories Framed Photography at my dining room table on a laptop and a free website.
I began this journey with the mere hope to survive at least two years and not completely humiliate myself. I pushed through tears and pain and agony. I celebrated the wins and victories - no matter how small.
This was from my first portrait session as Stories Framed Photography. | 04.01.12
And... I did it. I made it past the two year mark!
In fact, at the time of my two year anniversary, it didn't even cross my mind to stop. It was more like, "Well, I'm here. Let's get this party started!"
And so I spent another three years (and counting) photographing families, kids and headshots in my basement studio. My "lower level" studio got me through my first five+ years and it worked just fine (as long as my subjects were 5' or shorter).
This is my "lower level studio". One end housed The Table (referenced below) where I would sit and talk with clients. The other side had the "camera room" .
Last fall, after thinking it MIGHT be time for me to move my business into a larger (above-ground!) location, I had a serious breakthrough moment.
I was photographing a very pregnant mama-to-be, Dani. She was due at any moment and in order to get her whole belly in the frame, I had to lay UNDER THE TABLE. That did it. I was DONE running a home-studio. It had actually - literally - passed the point of absurdity.
This was the shot I imagined as I lay underneath the table in my basement studio. To get there, first I had to get past the original, "straight out of camera" version.
I signed my lease and celebrated with my late grandmother's favorite drink - a vodka tonic. She would have been bursting with joy. I bursting enough for the both of us.
July 1, 2017
I had finally found the perfect place! I signed the lease! I FINALLY had a place to call my very own! More accurately, Stories Framed Photography finally has a place to welcome clients, friends and family who have endlessly supported my dream.
Let's be really clear, here. The truth is, my giant new studio space gives me the freedom to not lay under tables anymore. Unless by choice. But that would be weird.
This is the pen that changed my life.
I will slowly be transitioning into the new place. There are some changes that need to be made but nothing that will keep me from using the space. I'd love for you to follow along as I work toward creating the perfect space. And I PROMISE to invite you to the Big-Giant-Grand Opening, whenever that will be. My personal event planner will get right on that.
Follow Stories Framed Photography on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest details and anecdotes.
For example, this little nugget happened yesterday:
I HAVE THE KEYS!!!!
