Almost there (zoning and licensing)

The process of moving my studio from St. Louis County into St. Louis City is still not completely over yet. After passing all my inspections for my occupancy permit, I still needed to be granted conditional use approval for having my studio outside the intended zone. It seems that a photography studio falls under Zone "F" (Neighborhood Commercial District) whereas I am located in Zone "G" (Local Commercial and Office District). While I don't quite understand why a photo studio can't fall under both categories, it actually works in my favor that my business does "fit in" with the neighborhood.

This zoning issue has held up my occupancy permit, which in turn has held up my business license. However, my hearing was this morning, and as far as I can tell, it went well. Hopefully I should get my approval in the next few days, followed by my occupancy permit, and finally my City businbess license.

A long tedious process to go through, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Meanwhile, our free senior portrait session contest came to a close. While we didn't quite get the minimum number of entries to award the free senior session, we would like to congratulate the senior who received the most votes and will be awarding her a 75% discount off a senior portrait session.

Open House

Yesterday I held an open house for my new studio. We had a variety of people come through, and everyone loved the new studio, especially those who had been in my previous one. Between the exposed brick walls, windows, amount of space and backyard area, everyone is very excited to see what I can do with this new studio space.

I am still waiting for the Soulard Cultural Resources to approve my signage, and once that is up, I should have the visibility I am hoping for. My conditional use hearing is set for next week, and once  that has gone through, I should have all my paperwork, permits and licensing that I need.

I am very excited to be in this part of St. Louis, Soulard is a wonderful neighborhood. This morning I found out that my residential neighbor has a girlfriend who s a makeup artist who loves very colorful editorial projects - exactly the type that I love to shoot, so we are very excited to work together and create some amazing fashion/beauty editorial images.

For those who did not make it to the open house, but would still like to come by and tour the studio and see what we are all about, feel free to call and come by.

First shoot in New Studio

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of shooting for the first time in my new  studio with a wonderful model - Linzy Anna.

I always like getting beauty shots shot against a white background. Since I don't have any backgrounds up yet, I thought it would be interesting to try shooting against the white brick. I think it worked pretty well, and that was without throwing extra light on the brick to wash it out.

Beauty shot against white brink.

We had about 3 hours to work together, so I tried to shoot in as many spots as we could. Here are some more samples from what we shot together yesterday.

Downstairs in front of white brick

Downstairs by metal door

Upstairs standing in window

Upstairs leaning on cross-beams

Upstairs in front of rolling door

Upstair on couch in front of dark brick

Outside in front of metal siding

There are still several spots that we didn't yet have chance to try out, especially outdoor spots in front and around the corner. Check back soon for additional new studio shots!