Hey friends! Long time no post, so long post this time! It was an INCREDIBLE holiday season for my family, and as this new year starts and we start to prepare for our newest baby, I have been thinking a lot about what the next chapter for my business might look like. Here's what I've learned this past year, and what I am sure of {be sure to scroll all the way down}:
Firstly, I want to thank you all for the continued support as I worked hard to re-establish myself here in Pensacola. Without your love and support, there would be no reason pursue this crazy dream. The past year (or rather 7 months) was a successful, growth filled time with lots of learning. I decided to re-open my business here in Florida this past April/May, and very shortly after, I became pregnant with our third baby. During the early stages of my new business, I also was blessed to endure the early stages of pregnancy, which as many (or rather, most) of you know can be rough.
The first 4 months of my pregnancy were just that, rough. I wasn't able to devote as much time to my new business as I had hoped, and by the time I started feeling better, we were already approaching the holiday season. In the midst of all that, we had a kindergartner start school, a three year old start preschool, new obligations at church, and traveling. Fast forward to today. Though I wasn't able to devote as much of myself to rooting and growing The Silver Storyteller, I am fortunate to have learned some valuable and applicable lessons for what the next chapter of my photography journey will look like.
The Airstream (or Story, as she is affectionately known) was purchased and renovated with the intent of providing a mobile boutique space for newborn portraiture, client meetings, and an office oasis for me to work. Many hours of sweat, love, and sometimes a curse word or two were invested in making this space my studio home. Here's the thing though, while novel, adorable, and totally cool, going from 750 square feet of gorgeous downtown studio (like I had in CA) to a 31 foot (maybe 100 square feet) Airstream travel trailer just isn't working out for me. I should also note how naive I was thinking I could just "tow my studio" wherever I needed it to be...that is WAY easier said than done...ask anyone who has every tried to park a 31ft trailer with a nearly 15 ft pickup in a busy downtown. #anxietycentral #husbandoftheyear
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It's perfect for meeting clients, doing design consultations, and presenting images at ordering appointments, but I am just not able to create the type of images I am used to in that tiny little space. I cannot do fine art maternity, create family portraits, or capture sibling images that live up to my standards in a space with 6 foot ceiling.
And you know what, that is OKAY.
I have begun the search for my next brick and mortar studio space, and I am thrilled about that. Likely, I will not pursue renovating a new studio until our littlest babe (due in April) is several months old, but that is certainly part of my grand scheme.
In the meantime, I will be capturing newborn, fine art imagery (implied nudes/boudoir), and lifestyle portraits for clients in the comfort of their own homes (this is how I got my start all those years ago). Further, maternity portraits will take place on location at one of the gorgeous spots throughout our beautiful greater Pensacola area, and Fresh 48 sessions will remain the same (in the hospital where you give birth). Really, nothing changes for you, except that a quality photography experience with me just got a whole lot more convenient for you!
I've had clients ask me what in-home newborn images will look like compared to a studio newborn image. The simple answer is that they are exactly the same. Same backdrop stand, same strobes, camera, stands, and posing bag. Nothing changes regarding the image look and feel, and the consistency and superb outcome remains. Unfortunately, I won't offer that as a complimentary service once we get the new studio up and running, but for now, it's a bonus for you! :)
I'll be honest, I've been wrestling with the idea of not having the Airstream as my studio for a few months now. After all, my brand is BUILT on the Airstream. But, after lots of praying and late night chats with my husband (and business partner), I have realized that making the leap and taking a chance on the Airstream was a pretty courageous thing to do. While it is not the ideal photography studio for me, it is a worthy investment, and one that I am proud of. My family loves "Story," and now we have a GORGEOUS family Airstream that we will make memories in for many years to come.
So here we are...back to our roots. The Silver Storyteller, LLC is proud to be doing business as Savanna Morgret Photography with more offerings, and a new private brand just for boudoir (more details to come).
Stick with me, ya'll! It's going to be another year of growth, discovery, and gorgeous imagery!