Savvy Studio Tours Week~ Day Three

Today’s Studio Tour comes from one of the few men we have had the pleasure of interviewing here on The Savvy Photographer!  I found a video through a google search of Chris Becerra’s amazing studio, and I knew we had to feature him and his studio as part of Studio Week!


Chris Becerra is owner and operator of Becerra Photography in Corvallis, Oregon.  Chris says that he never dreamed of having a studio but it all came together organically and at the right time in his career.


His studio is a mixture of all types of products that are recycled and reused.  This ability to reuse materials he got from old barns makes his studio unique and environmentally friendly.  His unique approach to mixing rustic with a modern studio is what makes his studio a must-see!!

Below is an interview with Chris where he explains how is studio was created.  You will truly be inspired!


How did you become a photographer?  My dad was an art teacher with an emphasis on photography, and I spent hours in the darkroom in our bathroom with him, helping him develop photos.  I went to college and got a degree in teaching History so I did not originally think I would become a photographer.  But when my daughter was born, I realized a teaching salary wasn’t enough.  So I picked up photography on the side.  I started getting lots of weddings and the photography really took off.  Soon after, the school I was teaching at asked me to head up the photography department.  I went back to school and got a Masters of Arts and Interdiciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Photography, Film Studies and Education.  Now I teach Photography classes at Oregon State University where I bring a real world, practical approach to my classes.


How long have you been in business?  5 years


How long have you had your studio? 5 months


What do you photograph?  Weddings have been my focus since the beginning but I am now doing more families, maternity and newborns.  I also just recently started with political campaigns.


Tell us about your studio…
Where is it located?  My studio is located in the college town of Corvallis, Oregon.  The studio is built in an old department store that was turned into a theater, with additional space, in the downtown area of Corvallis.


How would you describe the look of your studio?  Originally I wanted to build my studio in an old barn because I love the rustic look.  I used to drive around, knock on people’s doors and ask if I could convert their barn into a studio.  There were several possibilities but it never worked out.  But a lot of the materials in the studio are from the barns I visited.  So I would describe the look as old and rustic.


Did you enlist the help of a designer or did you design it yourself?  I did everything myself.  I thought about my target market and where they shop.  I asked my wife what her favorite store was and she said Anthropologie.  I went to the mall and asked a few stores if it was possible to take some photos.  There was one store that had this awesome wood wall and I used it as an inspiration for one of the walls in the studio.


Tell us about the different elements in your studio...What are the different types of materials used?  There is corrugated steel metal, old doors from different barns, a wall of wood and reclaimed wood floor throughout.


Where did the materials come from?  Most of the items used are from recycled materials that I got from lots of different places.  Some of the materials came from the barns that I drove by and some of the items came from listings on Craig’s List.  I basically looked all over the place for old wood.  The wood used on the floor was pulled out of a house that was about to be torn down.  The bulk of the items came from a 94-year-old lady’s barn that I met from my days of driving around looking for barns.  She owned several properties and had kept all the doors and windows from these properties.  She gave me these items and I used them on the wall of doors and throughout the rest of the studio.  During the process of creating my studio, she died.  Her caretaker told me that the thing that kept her going for the last weeks of her life was knowing that all her old stuff would live on in my studio.


How many different walls/backdrops do you have within the studio?
There is the corrugated steel wall, the wall of doors, the stips of wood wall with a window and the white wall that I can change the color of with different lighting techniques.


I love the wall of doors!!  Tell us about it…There are about 10-15 doors hanging on the wall.  All of the doors came from the lady mentioned above. 


How did you accomplish the “window light” without actually having windows?  Basically I built the wall and added the window, then there is about six feet of space behind the window before you get to a white wall.  I use two alien bees and bounce the light off the white wall and back through the window.


What are the pros of having a studio?  I think having a studio screams “you are a professional.”  In the world where there are tons of people with cameras, this really sets me apart.  The studio also allows me to shoot all year round, and when it rains, I have a place to shoot without having to reschedule because of weather.  The studio also gives me a quiet place to meet clients, and I have tons of exposure because the studio is downtown.


What are the cons of having a studio?  The monthly rent! ☺  It is scary to take the jump and it definitely took more time and money than expected.  But it was well worth it!


What is your favorite part of the studio?  My favorite part is the fact that I had a vision and was able to accomplish that vision.  I look at it and know if is something I created.  I loved being able to show my dad and brother (who is a construction manager) that I could build something.


If you could have anything (that you currently don’t have) in your studio, what would it be?  A dressing room and a boom to be able to light from above.


What is one tip you could share with other photographers thinking about opening their own studio?  You can do it!!!  It’s hard work, harder than you think and it will cost more but it is worth it!!!

**Thank you Chris for a wonderful interview! I LOVE your studio! Can't decide which part is my favorite...the wood strip wall or the wall of doors {and the built in table}! 

Savvy Studio Tours Week~ Day Two

Welcome back to the Savvy Studio Tours week. Day two is from a couple out of Salt Lake City, Utah.  Monica and Jake Burby are a married duo that own and operate Photoumbra Studios.  They specialize in everything from High School Seniors and Families to Engagement and Bridal Portraits. 

They also have an extremely helpful guide for photographers called, The Studio Inspiration Guide: How to Enhance your Home-Grown Studio.  Monica and Jake have run a successful studio out of their home for over six years.  This guide is where they share the do’s and dont's of running an in-home studio that they learned along the way.  If you want advice on how to better utilize your home for your photography business, this guide is for you!  They are running a special right now and you will save 50% on the guide! The price now is only $19.99. Just visit the The Studio Inspiration Guide: How to Enhance your Home-Grown Studio.

Below is an interview with Monica and some awesome photos of her studio!


How did you get into photography? I fell in love with photography as a child and knew by the age of 10 that I wanted to be a photographer. At the time I thought that meant shooting for National Geographic, but as I began photographing seriously I found I was hardly a documentary photographer. I'm much more drawn to the ideal!

Any formal training? Yes, took every class in High School, Jr. College and at the University I attended. Graduated with a BA in Art History with a special emphasis in Photographic History. Taught photography for 4 years at the College. 


How long have you been in the business? I started working in the industry part time in 1998, but didn't officially open my own studio, Photoumbra Studios, until 2004. 

What is in your camera bag? Nikon D300 & D200 for backup, a couple Nikkor 28-200mm VR lenses, Nikkor 70-300mm VR lens, Lensbaby composer kit, 3-Nikon SB-800 Flashes, 2 Black Box Battery Packs, Pocketwizard Mini TT1 and a few Pocketwizard TT5 receivers, Pocketwizard AC3, a couple Gary Fong cloud light spheres, Westcott Apollo soft box + a light stands, spare batteries, a bunch of CF cards, and bug spray.  


How would you describe your style of photography? Relaxed but well thought out, vibrant with a bit of a fashion flair in posing, lighting, etc.

What is your favorite subject to photograph? High School Seniors (they are up for anything, only 1 person to light and pose, love working with them on unusual concepts.)


Is your studio an in-home studio or another location? We are currently operating out of our home studio, however we are seriously considering a retail location now that my daughter is in school full time. 

How long have you had a studio? We built the studio into our home when we designed it in 2003, been here ever since!


What are the pros of having a studio space? We have long winters here in Utah so having a studio is a big plus. I also photograph for a few children's clothing companies where the studio has come in very handy. It is nice to have everything close and not have to travel to a separate space and of course financially, there are major benefits. No extra rent to deal with.

What are the cons? Having clients in your home on regular basis is difficult. Things must always be super clean, you have to consider what you cook in advance so there aren't any lingering smells. It is difficult to hold large events here and our business takes up about 40% of our home. It would be nice to have that space for our personal use. 

When building your home, how did you incorporate your studio in the plans? We designed a large space in the basement for the studio with a restroom/dressing room adjacent. We also made room for an office. We would definitely have designed it differently if we had it all to do over again. We would have opted for 9 ft basement ceilings instead of 8 ft. We would have sprung for the extra expense of a separate entrance as well. At the time, we were trying to keep our costs of building as low as possible and never thought we would be as busy as we are. 


How did you decide on the design/look of your studio? For the actual camera room, I really just wanted a blank canvas. We went with hardwood floors to make it easy to move furniture, clean, etc as well as plain white walls and ceiling which we sometimes use as a giant softbox. Our View + Choose room, as we like to call it, is a much different style. There is a deep red accent wall that features 3 large canvas wraps. The furniture and accents are dark brown and champagne. I wanted this room to feel warm, bold and rich! Our dressing room is also very warm with dark woods, curtains, and decor. 

Did you enlist the help of an interior designer or did you design it yourself? I designed it myself, but did have some pillows, drapes and furniture custom sewn and painted to match. 


Where did you find inspiration? I don't remember looking at anything specifically for inspiration. I'm sure that my camera room design was inspired by many of the studios that I visited and worked in before I opened my own. Most of these were commercial studios, so white walls and hardwood floors were the norm. 

What is your favorite part of your studio? I love how we now have 9 full sets up and ready in our camera room. This space is only about 450 sq ft so I'm very proud how we have been able to utilize the space to the max. It makes shooting very easy and quick!

You have a guide for other photographers on studios called Studio Thought Sauce....tell us about this...We have been working out of our home studio for just over 6 years now and we have learned a lot of do's and don'ts along the way. We get quite a few emails from photographers asking advice on how to professionalize and better utilize their home for business so last year we had the idea to start a website that could help inspire other home-studio owners. When Professional Photographers Magazine contacted us this spring with a request to feature our home studio in their magazine, we decided it was time to get serious about the site and put a guide together that could outline some key ways to enhance the home studio experience. We launched the guide in July and it has been a huge hit. 


What can other photographers learn through this guide? The interactive guide features 6 chapters full of information, inspiration and interactive activities to help photographers get the most out of their home studio. Chapters include; The Client Experience, DIY Tips and Tricks, Space Wars, Keeping the Bottom Line in Mind, Defining Success, and a huge list of some of our favorite vendors, products and services.

What do you think is the biggest mistake photographers make when planning their studios? I think we often feel like everything has to be completely ideal for us to be successful. I went through this for a few years, thinking that my business would be more successful if I had a bigger house/studio, if I had a separate entrance for the studio, if I had a better office, etc. In our guide we discuss how to identify your "perceived" disadvantages that your current situation has and how you can creatively transform those into powerful advantages. Sometimes we need to be just as creative with operating our businesses as we do at taking photographs. 

What is the biggest tip you can share with photographers who are trying to decide on an in-home studio versus another location studio? If it is at all possible to operate a studio out of your home, then I advise to go for it. While a home studio may not be the end goal for some photographers, it can be a very wise and profitable stepping stone for your business. A few years in a home-studio can give you the flexibility you need to further build your business without the pressures of additional overhead. If you don't feel like you are quite ready to jump into a retail space, a home studio can be an extremely viable option. For other photographers, operating from a home-studio is their ideal situation. I don't think operating out of your home should be perceived as a lesser form of success. 

How has your in-home studio helped your business? Our home studio has been a priceless investment for both our business and family. I love that I have been able to work right from home while my daughter was young. I love that I have been able to take much of the money that I would have otherwise spent in rent and invested right back into the studio. Having the studio in our home has also forced us to invest a lot into our home furnishings, decor, and overall presence. 


What is one "wish" item you would love to have in your studio that you currently do not have? I would love a separate entrance right into the camera room.


Thanks Monica for your interview!!

Savvy Studio Tours Week

We love studio tours around here and we love sharing them with our readers!  We know there are many studios out there and there are plenty of unique ways to set up your studio space.


Some studios are in-home studios, some are on-location studios and some are even “starbucks studios.”  Whether you are considering opening your own studio space or you are still meeting your clients for coffee at your neighborhood Starbucks, you will be inspired by these photographer’s spaces.


We are dedicating this week to Studios!  We want to share the photos that you will definitely oooh and aaahhh over, but we also want to give you the information you need to make your decision on whether to open up a studio or spruce up your in-home space.


Several photographers participated in this series by letting us into their space via photos and an interview.  They all share tips and tricks, pros and cons to having your own studio space.  We hope you will find as much inspiration from these studio tours as we did!


Our first studio tour comes from The Savvy Photographer's sister!  Anne Siller, of Anne Siller Photography, has such a beautiful, calm space that is the perfect place to display her favorite works of art.  She has a mixture of large prints, framed prints and black and white photos.  But what I love the most is her neutral color scheme that really allows all the photos to stand out.

She told me that when designing her space all she wanted was for her clients to feel calm as soon as they walked in the door.  "When photographing kids, it can be chaotic and stressful, especially for parents.  I wanted my clients, kids included, to walk into my studio and immediately relax," says Anne.


After looking at these photos of her space, I can see how her clients will definitely be calm and enjoy having their photos taken.  It makes me want to just go there and hang out with her on those plush chairs!!  And how awesome is the outdoor studio space and barn?  I love it!  Thanks for sharing Anne!

Tell me about you...where are you from?  married?  kids?  how did you begin your journey in photography?  I am from Mobile, AL but live in Houston, TX. I am married to the nicest guy in the world and we are blessed with 4 children. I guess my journey began when my oldest daughter was born (she will be 16 next month) and I became a little obsessive about capturing her every move and expression.  After digging through old photographs looking for my old baby pictures, I came across some really old & beautiful black and white pictures.  I was blown away by the simplicity and superior quality of the fiber papers.  It was then that I knew what I wanted my pictures to look like.  I took classes, learned to process and develop and took pictures of everything. Before long I realized that I loved it and that I was really pretty good.  Soon I had people calling wanting me to photograph their children and I took exclusively black and white portraits until about 6 years ago.


How long have you been in business?  14 years


How long have you had a studio space?  This is my 3rd studio space and I think my favorite. I have been here a little less that a year.


Where is it located?  In Houston, TX in a great little area called Memorial.


How would you describe the look of your studio? Simple, classic, neutral finishes.

Did you enlist the help of a designer or did you design the space yourself? I did consult with a designer to make a plan.  Her name is Grace Carrell and she is so talented. She helped me put things in perspective.  We really focused on how I wanted my clients to feel when they walked in the door. "Calm" is what I was looking for.  I know first hand how crazy it is to get 4 kids looking picture perfect, but when they walk through my door their job is to relax and I wanted the environment to make that easy.

What were the important design elements that were a must when you were thinking about creating your studio space?  My vision was to display portraits exactly as I would in my own home.  I don't want to be guilty of displaying exclusively the largest and most expensive choices.  I don't enlarge every picture of my kids to 40x40 nor would I suggest my clients do that. Of course, some pictures just scream to be displayed large and prominent.  I  love the impact of groupings and I love using really fine papers.  I also really enjoy helping with framing.

Was there a lot of work/remodeling/construction when creating your space?  If so what all was involved?  I fortunately did not have to do anything besides a fresh coat of paint, white of course.

What are the pros to having a studio space? I love to have a spot to meet with clients and store all of my props, equipment etc. But my favorite part of this space is my outdoor shooting space.  I have 2 acres and a little barn.
I just love that kids LOVE coming here and they really don't want to leave.

What are the cons? Hmmm....I guess the housekeeping stuff..I have a toilet in my yard right now...waiting on my plumber. But really, no complaints.

What is your favorite part of the studio?  My little barn.. It is so cute, I just painted it white inside and it's full of vintage furniture.

If you could have anything in the studio that you currently do not have, what would it be? Seriously I would love a guy just to haul my furniture around. I get really tired of moving couches, chairs and my newest addition, a bed.



I love seeing the Savvy Backdrops displayed in your studio, do you photograph with them in your studio or are they just for location shoots?
When we developed the portable backdrops, we intended them for on-location newborn shoots. But I have to say, I love them in the studio also.  I move them around everywhere, inside, outside, in the barn, anywhere that the light is perfect.
They are so versatile and when not being used they look great on the wall.

What is your favorite thing to shoot in your studio? Definitely kids,  I love, love, love 3 year olds.  Their honesty and willingness to share all the family secrets make my job so fun.  I should write a book of the stories I hear.

Thank you Anne for the studio tour and a big thank you to Leslie Kerrigan for bringing us the Savvy Studio Tours Week!


Now for an awesome deal for all of the Savvy Readers!! 
The Daily Savvy Steal is back today...and we are thrilled to announce it is from the Savvy Backdrop Store! 
Head to the Daily Savvy Steal to get your code to save 40% on the Savvy backdrops...today only! This is limited to the first 50 customers...so head on over now! 

This deal for today only...don't miss it. You won't find these for this price ever again! 

meet {and greet} Jodie Otte!

We'd like to welcome Jodie Otte to the Savvy blog!

She will be one of the guest speakers at the Savvy Sisterhood Workshop on the Waterfront.

Jodie is a master at natural looking studio lighting...I can't wait to watch her in action and learn more about studio lighting.

Here's what Jodie has to say...

Describe your style?

Well, that’s hard for me to do, but I strive for classic, rich tones, and a look of the subject being “at peace”. I like to remain more natural with my work and don't do a lot of processing.

Has your style changed through the years?

I think my basic style has always been the same. I did learn a long time ago, that I can’t imitate someone else. I have to stay true to me. If you ever wonder what your own style is, and how to develop it, only do what you are attracted to, only buy props or backgrounds that you are attracted to (not what you have seen from others), and you will always circle back to

whatever is your style.

How long how you been a photographer?

I began to take money for photography over 10 years ago, but I have been a full-time professional photographer for 6 years.

When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?

At my favorite sushi restaurant, kayaking, watching

my son play football, or riding my horses at the barn

with my daughter and stepdaughter.

What do you display...

gallery wrapped canvases? framed portraits?

Both; however, since moving into the new studio, I’m only placing large canvases everywhere throughout, as well as coffee table books and albums in my coffee-shop style kitchen. I have no plans to display framed portraits. I want my new studio to be more of a gallery style. I can’t wait to share pictures of my new studio hopefully in January. I am VERY excited for the new studio as you can tell. My old one for three years was okay, but I’m totally in love with this one. It is on 8 acres and has a beautiful stream running through, and they are renovating an old mill, turning it into a winery next door.

What's the biggest size image you have displayed in your home?

28x36. It’s a framed print of my children on an antique easel.

Where do you photograph? {clients homes? studio?}

My studio, indoors and outdoors. Occasionally I will do an equine session at my client’s stable.

What’s been your best marketing idea?

Delivering the highest quality prints that I can to my clients. Word of mouth travels far!

Any marketing ideas that totally failed {and made you feel like weren’t meant to do this?}

Direct mailing, advertising in magazines were a

complete waste of time.

Do you proof online or in person?

Online. 90% of my clients travel at least an hour to me (many come from out of state and a few fly in each year). My studio is nearly an hour outside of Baltimore City. I’ve created my studio as a “destination”. It’s not convenient to get to, but it draws people in. I have done in-person ordering and it worked fine, but it’s difficult for clients to find the time to come back when they travel a distance. I also have a busy life with my family, and have no desire to spend more time at the studio than I have to. The idea of working weekends or in the evening does not appeal to me. I’ve found ways that online ordering works very well.

What's Your...

Savvy Indulgence?

Dover Saddlery.

favorite thing in your closet?

I don’t mean to sound so trendy because typically I try to steer clear from trendy LOL, but currently my chocolate brown ultra tall UGG boots…I’d sleep in them if I could – so so very comfortable in this cold cold weather!

Second in line would be my new riding boots ;)

favorite thing in your camera bag?

24-70/2.8 – as sharp as a prime.

What camera do you use?

Nikon D3

Weakness in this business?

Organization

Do you Twitter? Facebook?

Both, friend me ;)

Are there any books that have inspired you {or helped you} in your business?

Of course Scott Kelby’s Photoshop books were what transitioned me from film to digital; I always recommend them.

Tell us about you...Married? How long? How many children?

Married to Dean for 15 years.

We have a 10-year-old girl, Erynn,

a 13-year-old boy, Barrett (who has completely outgrown me), and a 20-year-old stepdaughter, Allyson.

What are you doing on a typical Friday night...

date night or family night?

Date night lately! Now that my kids are older, it gives more time for Dean and I to spend time together. Our weekends are with the kids for family time.

How do you manage to balance having a career

and being a full time mom?

Thankfully my kids are in school full time. There is no way I would be able to do this if my kids were little. I made the choice to go full time when my youngest was in Kindergarten. I couldn’t have gone full time before then. I am very strict on not doing photo shoots on weekends (but I'll admit, I do make occasional exceptions during the holiday rush time - only one session and first thing on a Saturday morning, so I am back early). Weekends are family time. I will not compromise.

Favorite family ritual?

Going to the beach house in Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke Island every year. That’s our one time to leave everything behind and just bond and have fun together. You'll see me post all about our adventures every year right after I come back ;)

If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?

An actuary. I know, how boring is THAT??? What was I thinking when I originally was following that path?!

Tell us your proudest moment of your career…

Oh, I don’t have just one. Most of it revolves around my family. It’s great to impress your peers but when you hear your husband say how proud he is of your accomplishments, or when your child comes home and tells you that her friend saw your images in People Magazine and she’s beaming over it,

THAT is what really makes you happy.

***

I was asked to tell more about my book, Studio Lighting Naturally. I wrote this book gearing it specifically toward natural light photographers who want to learn studio lighting without being overwhelmed. It gets very dark here in Maryland in the winter, and conditions are not always ideal for shooting. I personally believe every professional photographer should at least know how to use studio lighting in case they ever need it, and be able to pull it off as well as their natural lighting. You never know when an assignment may come along where you need it, or you can’t reschedule a client and must bring out your lights. Many photographers these days think natural lighting is so much better than studio lighting. I don’t necessarily agree with that. I do love natural lighting, don't get me wrong, but I think depending on how either are used, both can be great, and both can be really bad. In my book, I concentrate on studio lighting, but how to use it in a more natural way, so it mimics natural light. I have studio portraits that many can’t tell whether they are natural or studio lighting. I also teach how to approach studio lighting in a more simplistic way. Many think that it is so technical and they won’t be able to grasp the idea. That’s not true either. I discuss in the book exactly how I use it, and how easy it is – personally, I think it is easier than natural light as it is totally harnessed and controlled, unlike the sun ;). I also discuss how I post process my images. In other words, Studio Lighting Naturally is a workshop-in-a-book ;)

Thank you so much Jodie for the interview! Tomorrow we will show what's on Jodie's walls...and some of her favorite products.

And yes...we'll get to see a peek at the new {fabulous} studio.

**today is the last day to purchase Jodie's book Studio Lighting Naturally for the $50 off sale!