Was feeling a bit nostalgic as I walked out of my little studio for the last time tonight.  I know there are only better things yet to come, but it was hard not to be a little sad.  Either I’ll LOVE not having a studio or I’ll HATE it, not sure which.  But my feeling right now is that I definitely want another space as soon as we get moved in and settled into the new house and I get my business and my life re-organized.  I am taking a break from looking for now, because if the perfect space came along tomorrow I wouldn’t be ready for it yet.  I need a little time.  So I’ll get everything on track and then start the search for that perfect BIG studio!  Until then, please spread the word that I am NOT out of business!!!!!!!

We just finished up four days at our state photography convention.  The highlight of the convention, besides getting to hang out with and visit with all our wonderful photog friends, was that we did well in the Salon (Print) Competition.  Keith and I got a first place for a wedding album we shot and designed together, and then I got a first place for my “Carnivale di Venezia” and a third place for my “Winter Life.”  We also earned the title of one of Montana’s Top Ten Photographers (along with fellow Helena photogs Eric Wordal and Roger Mathis-congrats, guys!).  We are excited!

On a side note, the studio is almost empty, we hope to be out by the end of the day Thursday.  We’ll be closing on our  new house on May 18, so the next few weeks we’ll be furiously packing (haven’t started yet!).   Then once we’re settled it’ll be back to work full force with seniors, weddings, and families.  Looking forward to a busy WARM summer!

So don’t freak out when you drive by my studio after the end of April and we’re not there!  I’m NOT quitting.  The economic crisis didn’t get the best of me.  We’ve just outgrown our current space, and haven’t been able to find a suitable space yet.  Been looking for awhile, and have been completely stressed about it.  So we’ve decided to just close our current location until the perfect space comes along.  I’ll still be working.  Much of my work in the warmer months is outside anyway, so it’s actually a good time to be homeless (or studioless!).  Plus, to be honest, I think I’m not going to mind the opportunity to take things easy for a little while.  Although I have so many ideas and things I’ve wanted to try with my business, I doubt I’ll be able to slow down too much.

We are also moving to a new house, so it’s going to be hectic enough as we try to get our house sold and move as we move into the busy summer season.  Plus it would be nice to spend some time with Landrie this summer.  We’re actually on a mini-break right now and he’s decided he LOVES to swim, so I can see already how my summer days will be filled!  Hey, I might actually get a tan for the first time in oh, I dunno, 15 years!!!!

For my baby planners and portrait club members, please don’t worry, we’ll still have your sessions, they will just take place on location, either outdoors when it warms up, or at your home (I’ll bring the studio to you!) or another location we decide on. 

Please spread the word that we are alive and well and that soon we’ll have another studio space, hopefully MUCH bigger so we can do all the amazing things we want to do.

Still accepting Senior Reps, too, so if you know of any Juniors looking for a way to earn a free session and free portraits, have them check out the Senior Rep post below.