The evolution of “Studio Jen McKen”……you’d never believe it without the photos…it’s a good thing I’m a photographer!! LOL
You should have seen the looks I would get from people when I would say, I’m in the process of building a studio. They’d almost always say, “ohh yeah, where?”. Which I’d almost always answer, “on my property….it was actually a garage we are converting”. They’d look at me like “ohhh a garage, hahaha” without saying it out loud I could tell they that they were thinking it by the look on their face. As if a garage conversion studio wasn’t “what a REAL photographer” would do. Yes folks, my studio is a garage conversion…although no one else could invision what the end result would look like….I knew it would be fabulous!
The main purpose of the space was for me to have a small private space to shoot boudoir, maternity and newborn photography….and to meet with wedding clients. Now instead of trying finding a quite place at a local coffee shop/restaurant, we can meet in my studio!! It’s exactly what I need…and wanted all along. But there were times that (maybe unintentionally) nay sayers would make me feel inadequate or “small” for not building a huge building with a zillion square feet, 500 shooting areas and large cheesy props and taking out a ton of bank loans.
So why do I bring this up? I think sometimes those of you out there that are just starting your photography journey (or any journey for that matter) may feel sometimes inadequate…..when comparing yourself to other photographers OR other photographers/family/friends may make you feel small because what you’re doing isn’t “what a real photographer” would do. But when you let those voices interfere with your dream, you start to second guess yourself and you question the fact that you are a REAL photographer. Had I let those voices of doubt, of ‘you will fail”, of comparison ,win… I wouldn’t have a studio space. As Mary Maratz says, “There will *always* be a reason not to chase your dreams. Chase them anyway.”
As that garage transformed and everything began to fall into place, there was no better feeling than standing back and thinking to myself, “HOLY CRAP, this is really happening!” Everyone from Greg, our friends and family, our awesome neighbors all pitched in to help make this a reality. A lot of love went into the construction of my studio….and I hope it shows in the images I will create!
Will I fail?…..well I won’t know if I don’t try! But I can tell you one thing…….when I start to hear “those voices”, I’m going to turn the music up……………and dance!! 🙂
Most of these are just snap shots taken with my camera phone….but you get the idea!!
Look at what we started with…..one hot mess !!!
………..I’ll show you’all the exterior shots when I post photos of the inside all PURTY’ed up with furniture!! 🙂 You won’t recognize it!!
That looks awesome !! Even better than when I was there ! I’m so jealous…you don’t have to lurk in starbucks’ anymore..
Wow. What a great idea Jen. Looks good!
This blog post is such a huge inspiration for me! I’ve been shooting paying clients since May of 2009 and I still don’t feel like I’m a pro photog. At one point I was told I should just give up and find a real job. I’ve also been told that my editing sucks (this was some time ago) and that I would never get any better. I kind of just pulled into myself so I could continue to learn and grow as a photographer, to try to get to where I felt my work was good enough. I’m finally at that stage to where I like the work I’m producing, editing and all. I still have my mishaps, but they are few and far between. Thank you so much for your courage and confidence!