Year In Review | 2021

2021, you’ve been good to us!

Let’s take a trip down memory lane as we share some of our favorite events from this year!

Photo by: Rhianon Brown Photography

VISION BOARD PARTY:

Our first event of the year is also one of our favorite events of the year- the Vision Board Party! But we cannot do this event alone! Our good friend, Madi Miller guides you through an interactive activity helping you gain clarity on what this next year will look like. Our team is gearing up for the next Vision Board Party which is on January 2, 2022! If you're interested in attending, click here: VISION BOARD PARTY 2022 TICKETS

GALENTINE’S PARTY:

Galentine's is one of our biggest and most loved events at Lightbox! Every year, we transform Lightbox into a selfie museum with fun and colorful photo-op installations! For the 2nd annual Galentine's party, we had 8 different sets including a confetti wall, a disco set, and a gorgeous floral installation from Ash Floral Co! Galentine's Day is always a hit and we are so looking forward to the 2022 TWO DAY event! Stay tuned for tickets, it's going to be a blast!

COZY COTTAGE SHOOT OUT:

The first photographer's shoot-out of 2021 was a new one for the books! Remember when we had all just binge watched Bridgerton? Well, The Cozy Cottage shoot-out was inspired by all things dreamy & cottage core-esque. This shoot-out was a first in many ways for Lightbox. Instead of using the Loft, we had our morning sessions on the ground level of Lightbox, and the afternoon session was at an off-site location. Attendees had the opportunity to photograph a couple, portrait, and/or mommy and me session!

For the studio portion of the shoot-out, we opened the west facing windows on the ground level of Lightbox and encouraged each photographer to shoot from outside the building looking in the windows! This allowed the photographers to capture the beautiful stone walls and a cascading floral arrangement hung above the original windows from when Lightbox was built in the early 1900's.

Photo by: Taylor Jean Photographs

For the second portion of the shoot-out we headed to Fellows Lake for a quick picnic with hot tea and cookies before three sunset photo sessions! Photographers rotated between a dreamy picnic couples session with rose wine and fruit, a maternity session, and a portrait session. Photos below by: Leigh Smith Photography

We loved having the opportunity to slow down and chat a bit between shoots with the photographers, which is something we hadn't done on shoot-out days before! The Cozy Cottage shoot-out was the perfect way to ring in the spring season and we loved seeing all of the finished images that we previously shared on The Box Blog here: VIEW COZY COTTAGE BLOG

STARTING A YOUTUBE:

One of our goals at Lightbox in 2021 was to start a Youtube channel! We had three full content days this year where Justin from Storied Dreams came in to film photographer's challenges, testimonials, Q & A's and more! These video shoots have definitely been new territory for our team here at Lightbox but we are excited to continue growing and putting out content in 2022! VIEW OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

MODERN MALE SHOOT-OUT:

It's no secret that sometimes photographers find it challenging to photograph their male clients. Photographers tend to put more focus on the female in a couple's session or simply run out of poses for men after the first few photos. This shoot-out was designed to help photographers practice and get more comfortable posing men. The final images from this shoot-out were TOP NOTCH. View the portfolio here: VIEW PORTFOLIO

Photo by: Illuminate Photography 417

NEW T-SHIRTS & ASANTAE JOINED THE TEAM:

This year we added Asantae to the Lightbox team. She is a studio assistant and helps with our social media. You can read more about Asantae here: ASANTAE'S BIO

Each year, we put out a new t-shirt design and this year, we worked with Skylar Grace Co to create this fun and colorful design. Oh you love the shirt too? Well, grab yourself one right here: SHOP MERCH

POP UP PHOTO-OPS!

In August we had a super cute cloud & rainbow balloon installation by Dreamy and Darling in The Loft! Pop-up events are super fun because you don't need to be a professional photographer, you can just come in and take photos on your cell phone! We had 25 minute time slots throughout the day and saw lots of kiddos, a mother-daughter duo and best friends come to take pictures! Definitely the perfect way to cap off summer of 2021!

On the weekend of Halloween, the Loft was transformed into two spooky sets for mini session time-slots! Children in their costumes, families, and groups of friends all visited the studio to take photos of themselves in front of the backdrops! The Fall themed set consisted of bright colored pumpkins, an array of leaves, and cozy furniture items for a classic fall photo look. The “Boo” set was created using the moveable wall that is painted black in the Loft with balloons and bats that were added for the perfect background. Themed holiday props are always a favorite at the studio!

ELOPEMENTS IN THE STUDIO:

Lightbox stood as an elopement venue several couples this year! This is a new territory for us but we are gearing up for even more elopements/intimate weddings for 2022! We are honored to be such a special part of your big day! If you or know someone who is looking for a small wedding venue in Springfield, MO, please set up a tour to see Lightbox and check out our elopement package here: ELOPEMENT PACKAGE

Photo by Grace Bunch

THE EDISON HOLIDAY SET

The Edison is one of our two rental spaces and is located on the ground floor at Lightbox! Fun fact, the brick walls in this room are part of the original structure and are over 100 years old! In late October of 2021 we set up a classic Christmas set in The Edison designed for individuals to be able to come in and take their Christmas card photos. Everyone LOVED this set and it saw over 100 families between Halloween and Christmas! How cool is that? We look forward to having a photo set up in the Edison year-round starting in 2022!

PROPOSALS AT LIGHTBOX:

In light of engagement season, Lightbox had three proposals happen over the past few months in the Edison! The proposals were a part of a planned Christmas session with a photographer, and during the shoot each of the gentlemen dropped to one knee to surprise their girlfriends with a ring!

Friends and family also gathered to celebrate Justin and Holly with an engagement party that was held in the Edison! It was an evening full of smiles, delicious food, and champagne to celebrate this special moment in their life! Chris Killingsworth photographed the event to provide them with images that they will cherish forever! We snapped several clips from this evening! View the video here: ENGAGEMENT PARTY VIDEO

And just like that…2021 has come to an end!

What better way to ring in the new year than with giant marquee letters and balloons? Thank you, Alpha-Lit Springfield for making our last pop up of the year a great one!

Looking forward to seeing each and everyone of you in 2022!

Written by the Lightbox team.

Lightbox First Year Recap

Lightbox is ONE!

To say we have had a crazy, fun, and exciting year is a bit of an understatement. Lightbox has had the privilege to host over 350 reservations in addition to the MANY other events hosted at Lightbox! Let's take a look back at all that has happened this year! Cue the confetti!

Lightbox Grand Opening-

To kick off the opening of Lightbox we hosted our grand opening event at the very end of September 2019! We celebrated with our friends, family, and some future clients as well! We had live music, yard games, a giveaway, and of course snacks! It was a great way to get things kicked off here at the studio.

Innovative Dental-

We love hosting other businesses here at Lightbox! One local business that frequents the studio is Innovative Dental. They use our space to shoot their client testimonial videos. We love to see the space used for videos as well as photos!

Vintage Rental Company Holiday Minis- 

In November, the Vintage Rental Company hosted their holiday minis at Lightbox! Each set was unique and created an opportunity for multiple photographers to use the space at once. With winter weather, indoor photos are always a safe option!

Thomas Creative using one of the three holiday sets provided by The Vintage Rental Company.

Tis the Season Craft Fair-

Back in December, a seasonal craft fair was held at Lightbox by Sonnel Essentials. 18 local vendors of all sorts, ranging from clothing and jewelry to home decor and baked goods, had the opportunity to meet new customers and sell their beautiful creations. It is important to us to support other small businesses in the local community! Who else thinks that small businesses make the word go around?

Galentines Party-

Grab your gal pals! It’s time to PARTY! Galentines was our first themed selfie pop-up event at the studio! We had 9 different selfie sets such as our heart wall, confetti station, XOXO backdrop, and the colorful paper chain set. Rove Coffee provided yummy iced strawberry mochas and we had a raffle with over $800.00 worth of goodies from local small businesses! We are already looking for Galentines 2021!

Gather Midwest-

In early February, Gather Midwest hosted their second event at Lightbox. “At Gather we find that our attention and creativity is our most brilliant commodity as entrepreneurs, and we aim to show up for you so you can show up in your business in a way that FEELS good, sustains you and pays the bills.” - Gather Midwest

This event included guest speakers from Kansas City, Springfield and St. Louis, dining and guided conversations, networking, guided meditation by Jayme Sweere and more! Photos by: Elise Abigail Photography

Vision Board Party

In January we hosted a vision board party, and it was a hit! We had multiple different sessions where we the guests were able to interact and there was guided discussion as well! We also had a giveaway and snacks/beverages. 

Quarantine 

Sadly, from mid March to mid May we were shut down due to COVID-19. We still stayed busy from home working on different marketing strategies, staying in contact with our amazing Lightbox family, and we even launched our own line of presets called The Lightbox Collection! A special THANK YOU to each person who purchased our “Lights On” tees, a sticker or a preset pack to keep us afloat during the shut down! WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Photographers shoot outs

At the beginning of 2020 we decided to start hosting Photographers Shoot Outs, which are creative styled photo shoots for photographers of any experience level. So far we have done a femine/elegant set, the Pantone of the year [Classic Blue] set, and an up cycled set. A special thanks to Wasteless Apparel for creating all up cycled pieces for our models! We couldn’t have done this without you!

“Even before the studio opened, the idea of collaboration was key to making this space a reality. I knew that there needed to be a space where photographers and other creatives could come together and work on their craft alongside others. We need to be each others’ cheerleaders. The more we build up our photography community, the more opportunities we will receive. I have learned so much about each photographer who has attended a shoot out and it is beautiful to see each one move out of their comfort zone and grow artistically.” - Hannah | Founder of Lightbox

McKenna Joining the Team- 

In July we added to our Lightbox team! McKenna, is our studio assistant and works weekends and after hour events. She is quiet natured and has a kind soul. You will always be greeted with a smile from McKenna! Oh, and she also has some really cool tattoos!

Levity Plant Pop Up-

In August, Levity Plants hosted a plant pop up at the studio! This was their first ever pop-up and we were so excited they decided to host it at Lightbox. There was a wide range of plants, a plant bar, and plant care items as well. She created the cutest selfie station and around 100 people came through that day!

Miss Mo USA-

Megan Renee Kelly, Miss Missouri USA, has used the Loft several times this past year for her Miss Missouri USA interviews and photo shoots and other promo materials. Megan is passionate about educating others on the effects of endometriosis and has been involved with disaster relief throughout her entire life. Help us cheer her on as she competes for the title of MISS USA!!!!

View Megan’s latest video HERE!

Photo by: Ozark Mtn Images

Serendipity Workshop-

Hosted by Abigail Derrek Photography and Belle Brooke Photography, the Serendipity Workshop was the first official workshop at the studio. 9 photographers from all over the midwest came to learn from two of the very best in their fields of work! They took advantage of the whole studio and had three sets for the participants to work on posing and creating an authentic connection between their clients.

Parking lot/ Advancements of the studio- 

Lightbox has evolved and improved so much over the past year! In the Loft we have had multiple different styled set-ups, including our current one that is designed by Homestead Collective Co.! We also added a faux greenery wall, improved the prop closet, painted the backside of our moving back drop, and created an addition to our backdrop so that it can be seamless. In the Edison and lobby we have transformed the space into a cozier hangout area. In the Lower Studio we have added more plants… like a lot of plants, and we painted the backdrop a fun peach color! Our biggest addition this year is by far the new parking lot — about time!

We are so excited to see what this upcoming year has in store! We can’t wait for you, year 2! If you’re interested in hosting an event at Lightbox, please contact us!

Written by Jaylee Miller

Lightbox Community Relations Coordinator

Q & A with a Photographer - Thomas Creative

Hi guys! Bekah here! Who’s eager to meet another amazing photographer in the 417 area?? I love having the opportunity to share 417 photographer’s stories and highlight their individual styles in this series! I think it is so cool to see the unique perspective people in the exact same field have!

Today I introduce you to the lovely Tamara Thomas of Thomas Creative! Let’s get to know her below!

Hi, all! I'm Tamara Thomas!

Along with my husband Caleb, I own Thomas Creative. I am a hobbyist turned full-time photographer. Last year, Caleb jumped on board and we added videography to our services. It's been the most fun doing this together. We call wedding days our day dates. We truly enjoy doing it as a team. It's so rewarding and fulfilling. We enjoy all types of photography. Anywhere from product shooting, family sessions, seniors, weddings, to making story videos for small businesses. If there is a photo/video need, we're down to fill it. We embrace it all! We have two beautiful babies. You can catch us location scouting, hanging at our church or enjoying popcorn and a movie when we're not shooting weddings or sessions.

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How long have you been a photographer? 

I got my first camera in 2012, but I'd say that photography has been my career since 2017.

How would you describe your photography style? 

True-to-color portrait photography/video. We love bright, vibrant colors and try to keep our photos and videos as nice and realistic as your eye sees them in person.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a photographer to you? 

Relationships. Oh my goodness, my heart SWELLS when I get to celebrate different seasons with my clients. Brides becoming Mamas, watching kids go from babies to toddlers, etc. My clients become friends. I get to be part of the best time of their lives. I just love it.

What is the best thing about your clients? 

I have some very loyal clients. There are a lot of amazing photographers in the 417 and I'm honored that they stick with me year after year.

What is your favorite thing to photograph?

This is a tough one because I truly love it all. I'd say I am best at family sessions. I have the gift of making buds with kids. Hearing clients say, "They never smile like that for photos." is the best pat on this photographers back.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

FINALLY GOING FOR IT. For so long I would give away free sessions, turn weddings down, etc. because I wasn't confident in my skills. With a nice shove from my family, hubby and friends, I just decided to embrace this gift that God has given me and just do it. It's been so rewarding and I cannot believe that I have a full schedule of sessions year round. It's a true dream come true.

If you could give one piece of advice to yourself when you first started as a photographer, what would it be?

Stop being so hypercritical of your work and charge what you're worth. I would also say, don't be intimidated that there are a lot of photographers. Be true to who you are, continually work on your craft and the clients will come.

If you could give one piece of advice to your clients what would it be?

Celebrate your life, y'all. PRINT YOUR PHOTOS. You invest in these images, they belong ALL over your walls.

Do you have any photography influences? 

Seriously, y'all. You're KILLING IT. I love to show love to my fellow photogs. There are so many awesome photographers that I follow here in Springfield. If we're talking big influences, I love Jo Johnson. She's based out of Arkansas. We actually went to high school together and watching her flourish into an incredible photographer/mentor/business lady has been so inspiring.

What is your favorite piece of gear? Dream piece of gear?

I just went mirror-less with the Canon RP and I am LOVING IT. Lighter/smaller camera body has been a game changer on wedding days. If Caleb was answering this, he would be able to give you a full run down of all of the gear he would love to buy. He's a "gear nerd". I just try to learn the ins and outs of what I have.

What are some fun facts people may not know about you? 

In the 7th grade, I placed second in city for wrestling. I didn't even like wrestling. I just wanted to prove some boys wrong. I am still in the business of proving people who think I can't do something wrong.

What would your ultimate, dream photo shoot be?

I would love to shoot for a kids clothing line with my daughter as one of the models. She's stinkin' cute and since she was born she's been my practice buddy. Watching that 4-year-old spunk come out in front of the camera is so fun.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I can totally get lost in the Instagram scroll.

What was your favorite part about using Lightbox?

I love it all. Climate control with nice natural lighting is so awesome. I don't have to worry about rescheduling due to weather. Can we talk about the staff? You guys are top notch!

How would you like to use the studios at Lightbox in the future?

I love mini sessions at Lightbox. Anytime Lightbox partners with The Vintage Rental Co for mini sessions, I'm definitely promoting it to my clients. I love them.

Thank you SO MUCH Tamara! You are so talented and we cannot WAIT to see your smiling face in the studio again!

If you want to check out more of Thomas Creative’s work, You can find them here:

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Written by Bekah Schooler

Creative Coordinator

If you are interested in being featured in the Q & A with a photographer series on the Box Blog, e-mail me at Lightboxbekah@gmail.com

Q & A with a Photographer - Mariah Datema Photography

Ready to meet another awesome 417 photographer? We’re loving getting to know the people who use our space and what inspires them to create! Today on the blog we introduce you to Mariah of Mariah Datema Photography! we love her passion and drive and can’t wait for you to

Hi! I’m Mariah!

I'm a young, aspiring photographer in the 417. I have lived in Springfield for all my life, and I'm currently attending Missouri State University with a major in Child Development and a minor in Diversity Studies! I am super passionate about activism and social justice, and of course: photography! I have been interested in photography since the fifth grade, when I would take photos on my LG flip phone. My junior year of high school I got a job at Sonic so that I could save enough money to finally buy my first DSLR. I was so excited, and my business started from there! My goal for photography is to make people feel as comfortable and confident in their own skin as they can. Self-Love and empowerment can be such a difficult journey, but I want my clients to embrace who they are as individuals and learn to love themselves along the way. My favorite feedback from clients goes along the lines of, "Mariah! You made me look so beautiful" Nah, girl. That's all you. You are beautiful!

Headshot by Illuminate Photography

Q: How long have you been a photographer? 

I got my first DSLR camera in 2017, and have been seriously pursuing photography since 2018. It was my senior year of high school, so my first true sessions were senior sessions from my friends in class! I'm still super appreciative that they trusted me during that time because more often than not I had no idea what I was doing.

Q: How would you describe your photography style? 

My photography style is warm, candid, and soft. It has changed a lot over the last year but I've finally found my style and I'm sticking to it!

Q: What is the most rewarding thing about being a photographer to you? 

The most rewarding thing is just hearing how confident my clients are after photoshoots. I love hearing positive feedback and that they've found confidence within their photographs.

Q: What is the best thing about your clients? 

My clients are seriously so sweet. In my few years of doing photography, there have been very few clients that I didn't click with! I love my reoccurring clients that come back to me for multiple occasions, it makes me feel so loved and important! I cannot thank my clients enough for being so incredibly amazing. They rock!

Q: What is your favorite thing to photograph? 

Either Grads/Seniors or couples. I love taking MSU Grad photos because they're always in such a great mood. Like yes, you did that! You got a degree! That's amazing! Then definitely couples because I am such a hopeless romantic. Show me some love and intimacy and I'll be saying the word "cute" a hundred times during your session.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? 

Oh gosh. Well, I guess I could say that it's always extremely rewarding to me when MSU reposts my Grad photos to their Instagram. This past semester a photo from one of my Grad sessions actually got put into a slide show in Glass Hall, which was the coolest thing ever. The client I had for that shoot was absolutely stunning, so it's no wonder they chose that photo!

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to yourself when you first started as a photographer, what would it be? 

Keep learning, and don't ever stop. Even when you think you're at a point in your journey where you know enough to succeed, that's not enough. Constant learning will get you to where you'd like to be.

Do you have any Photography influences? 

So many! I follow new photographers on Instagram everyday it seems like. A few of my favorites are: Abigail Derrick, Marissa Knudsen, Raleigh Woods, Aurora Dawn, and Kayla Locke. All super talented and powerful women, which I'm all about.

What is your favorite piece of gear? Dream piece of gear? 

My nifty fifty lens is my absolute favorite at the moment. It just works so well with portraits! I would love to upgrade to a full frame camera one of these days, as I'm still using my DSLR from junior year of high school! I'm a Canon girl through and through, so I'll definitely be upgrading to a Canon. ;)

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to your clients what would it be? 

Relax and stay natural. Natural movements make for the best photos. Be yourself and be comfortable! Photoshoots can be nerve wracking but I want you to feel as authentic as possible.

Q: What are some fun facts people may not know about you? 

I have been a vegetarian for 6 years, I'm the Instagram coordinator for @msugenerationaction (the campus organization I'm in), I'm 1/4 Korean, my favorite color is emerald green, I have more plants than I can count, and I have 3 siblings! Oh, and I'm very open-minded and no topic is too taboo in my mind. I'll talk about anything!

Q: What would your ultimate, dream photo shoot be?

I've always had this idea of doing something with women empowerment and self-confidence. I don't really know exactly what that would look like, but I'm thinking I'd work with a diverse group of women in terms of race, age, etc, and take photos of them without makeup to show natural beauty..Maybe a future Lightbox project? On the simpler side: I would LOVE to shoot a couple session in the mountains someday. I'm definitely a mountains kinda girl.

Q: Where do you draw inspiration from? 

Honestly I draw inspiration from the photographers in this community. Everyone is super kind, inspiring, and helpful. I love seeing their creative projects because then it encourages me to come up with some creative ideas of my own!

Q: What was your favorite part about using Lightbox? 

The decor! Every time I walk in there, I think "Dang, can Hannah just come and decorate my entire house?" Everything there is so aesthetically pleasing and the lighting is perfect.

Q: What kind of photo shoot(s) have you done at Lightbox? 

I have done a winter/Christmas themed high school senior photoshoot, and I also did headshots for a local makeup artist/esthetician! The senior shoot was in the Loft, and the headshot shoot was in the lower studio. Both were fantastic, and I especially loved all the plants in the lower studio.

Q: How would you like to use the studios at Lightbox in the future? 

I would like to delve into boudoir photography eventually, and I think Lightbox would be a really great and comfortable place for that. I also would just love to shoot more portraits in general at Lightbox. Every time I shoot there, it's magic.

Q: Any final thoughts?

Lightbox is a photographer's dream. If you're a photographer in the area and haven't had a chance to try it out yet, make plans to do so. You won't regret it!

Thanks Mariah! We are so excited to see you continue your photography journey and see what photos you take in the future at Lightbox! If you want to see more of Mariah’s work you can follow her on instagram here : @mariahdatemaphoto

Written by Bekah Schooler

Lightbox Creative Coordinator and Studio Assistant

If you are interested in being featured in the Q & A with a photographer series e-mail me at Lightboxbekah@gmail.com