Imagination Photography: Inside the Studio

It’s a simple, little house. It’s wood and nails, bricks and mortar, doors and windows and rooms. But for me, this new studio is more than just a building. It’s even more than a career milestone.
This is my legacy. This is where I come from. For me, this is where it all started.

Those of you that know me personally know that I am very sentimental. Everything I do has to have a special meaning or reason behind it. Originally, the plan was to design and build a studio from scratch on the land near my parents’ house. But to be honest, I was never as excited about that plan as the rest of my family. It just didn’t feel right.
But this does, and it’s not hard to figure out why.

My grandfather built it in 1957. If you know where to look, you can find his mark in every room of this house. I think that’s why I love it so much. See, my grandpa died two years before I was born, and I’m the only one of his grandchildren that he never had the chance to meet.
But that doesn’t mean that I don’t know him.
My grandmother lived in this house for 47 years. I sat entranced on this living room floor as she told me story after story about my grandfather. She told me about how he used to steal kisses from her when her father wasn’t looking; about how he used to slurp his coffee in the morning like a little kid slurps chocolate milk; about how he adored his three little girls, and how my dad was the son he never had. But my favorite ones always began with, “You’re just like your Paw-Paw!” Through all those amazing stories, I learned one very important thing: Imagination runs in the family.

My grandparents, especially my grandfather, were dreamers. That’s why I know they are looking down from Heaven today and smiling. They built this house with love and filled with laughter, hope, and dreams for the future. Almost 60 years later, it is still being filled with dreams, and will for generations to come. But for now, this is my time. This house is the playground for my imagination. It gives me great pleasure to say...

Welcome to the studio….

This is the main area. It works as both a shooting area and client consultation area. I'm happy to say that I can now offer in-person ordering assistance. If you have questions about ordering or you would like to see some of the products we offer, you can schedule a time to sit down with me at my studio and I will help you place your order. We'll go through your images one by one and talk about which ones would work best for which sizes/products. You'll also be able to see your images much larger than in the online viewing galleries. All wedding consultations will also be done at the studio from now on.
 

In the image on the left above is the photo of my grandparents that will always be somewhere in the studio. This picture was taken we they first got married in the 1930s. It's my all-time favorite photo of them. The canvas art above the table is one of my original pieces (I paint in my free time if you didn't know :). Every line is from a Disney movie or song. I put them together to form a poem. This poem basically sums up my life motto. The largest word is the most important: Believe.

The ordering/consultation area also has a special place just for the kids. While Mom and Dad are discussing their image order, the kids can enjoy some coloring. After he retired, my grandfather built furniture as a hobby. The kid-sized table and benches are one of his many creations.

Of all the rooms, the kitchen definitely got the biggest makeover. We painted the cabinets, got new counter tops, new lights, and added a candy bar and shelves. I love the 1950s era and really wanted the kitchen to feel like it belonged in that time period.

The cat cookie jar belonged to my grandmother. Where it sits on the counter now is exactly the same place it always set when I was growing up. I also used her china to decorate the shelves in the windows. My grandmother was an amazing cook (what grandmother isn't? :), and the kitchen was my personal tribute to her.

The empty spaces left by the dryer and refrigerator were just asking to be transformed. I don't know about most people, but when I think 1950s, I think soda fountains and candy stores. So I thought, why not build a candy bar?
I found the tabletop jukebox at an antique store just outside the Smoky Mountains, and the milkshake glasses came from Steak n Shake (yum!!). If you know anything about my family, then you know we're all Dr. Pepper fanatics, so naturally, vintage Pepper bottles were must-haves. The two pendant lights are a brainstorm of imagineering between my husband and I. We took two blue mason jars and two pendant light bases from Lowe's, drilled holes in the jar lids, inserted the bulb and there you have it: instant unique light fixtures!

I knew from the start that I wanted this room to be the "baby room." I wanted a place where newborns could take a break during their sessions... rock a bit... get a diaper change... ya know, all the things babies need. This room was originally my aunt's bedroom. Then it became my mom's. When I was a kid, my grandmother used it as her sewing room, which I often took over as my playroom. This room was also home to my grandfather's favorite napping couch. It was a 1960s vinyl sofa bed that was the ugliest shade of green you can imagine. But Grandpa loved it, and so did I when I was little (it was the best jumping couch EVER!). Deciding on the color palette for the makeover was a no-brainer. It had to be green :). 

All the toys and books used to decorate the bookcase were mine when I was little. I've highlighted a few of my favorites throughout the room. For example, the baby Mickey and Minnie that sit on the changing table are a nod to my love of all things Disney.

The Mother Goose book and the pig that sit on the shelf next to the door belonged to my mom when she was a kid. My grandfather won her the pig in a game at the carnival when it came to Geraldine one year. Mom insisted that I use it in the studio because it belonged in this house. It's my favorite thing in the room.

My grandmother's bedroom is the room with the least amount of natural light, so this is the room I chose to be the "prop room." It is right next to the shooting area, so it's easy to reach in and grab whatever I need during a shoot. Before or during your session, feel free to come in and see if there is anything you'd like us to use.

There is one more room in the studio. But I'm afraid this one is still a surprise for now. I've got plans for behind this door. Plans I know you're going to LOVE. I can't say for sure when it will be ready, but keep an eye out. Just like when you see these signs at the Magic Kingdom... It's worth the wait ;).

Well, that's all folks. If you weren't able to make it to our Open House today, don't be afraid to drop by anytime you're in this neck of the woods. I'd love to show you around. This old house has plenty of stories to tell... and lots of new ones just waiting to be written. I'm so excited to start the next chapter in this adventure, and I hope you'll all come along for the ride. Until next time, Keep on dreaming!

Miranda