The Greenhouse

6.22.2025

I can hardly stand the excitement- THE GREENHOUSE IS OPEN! Having my own studio space has been a goal of mine since I became a mother. Anytime I needed an indoor space for a session, I would need to scour the internet to check on availability of any studios in Pittsburgh. Then I would travel all the way from Butler- I know it's not that far, I'm just adding a little drama- down to the city, some times in some shady parts, and ask my clients to do the same. While not the end of the world, it is inconvenient.

While reading up on different studio options and ideas that can be installed at your home, I stumbled upon a blogger who recently purchased a home that came with a greenhouse. She had recently began her photography business and used the greenhouse as her studio space. Guys. When I tell you that my wheels started turning- I mean they were TURNING. I even found a group on Facebook dedicated to greenhouse studios. That's it. I was hooked. I told my husband about the idea who's known to say "oh, easy day!" when I have some big idea. Spoiler- it's in fact usually not an easy day. All jokes aside, he was all for the idea. He works in landscaping and hardscaping and has already transformed a corner of our backyard into a small oasis with a pond and small waterfall filled with koi fish. Now we were both committed!

Logan then spent the next weekend with decent weather, outside building a deck for the greenhouse to sit on. Just due to life, it took us some time to get the money scraped up for a greenhouse kit but everyday, I would walk over to the backdoor and just look at the deck, imagining what the greenhouse would look like and envision all of the sessions and mini session set-ups that I would create. We kept dodging curveballs for what seemed like forever and I wondered if that deck in the backyard would wind up as another unfinished project until it finally happened. We had reached our goal and I was able to purchase the kit. The following weekend, Logan's dad came over and helped him build a good portion of it until he had enough of the instructions provided-or lack thereof- and went home. Then the rest was up to Logan and I to put together. Nothing will test a marraige more than building a large structure or even a childs toy together with a set of unclear instructions. After three days, 458 arguments and a couple cry sessions, it was finally done.

What I had been dreaming of for years now had finally happened and I now have my own studio space. It's different and unique but has a rustic and freeing feel to it. The only thing it needs now is a bit of decor and love to make it perfect. We celebrated it's completion by doing my very first shoot for my daughter's first birthday. I don't think I could have picked a better way to begin this new chapter! Next year, there will also be rows of wild flowers to give a whimsical garden feel that will be perfect for birthdays, engagement and family sessions. I'm so excited to move forward with you all in my new space. My dream became a reality and I can only go up from here!

I couldn't have done this without the constant help and encouragement of my husband. He is the muscle behind every one of my big ideas. Even if he doesn't see my vision, he does everything in his power to meet it. He and my parents are my biggest supporters and I couldn't be more grateful for them. Now, please enjoy these peaks of my daughter's first birthday session and her brother highjacking her smash cake!