Meraki Workshop - Delicate Details 2022

Meraki

“Doing something with soul, creativity or love; to put something of yourself into what you create.”

Another photography workshop at Lightbox in the books!

It’s no secret that over the past couple years the popularity of elopements and micro weddings has been on the rise! Lightbox itself has been the venue for the nuptials of several amazing couples in the Midwest area since we opened our doors in October of 2019!

After meeting numerous couples, we were inspired to make this workshop all about the details.

Your wedding day is big, even if you keep it small.

As elopements and micro weddings rise in popularity. It’s good for photographers to practice shooting with the intention of capturing delicate details. This educational workshop helped photographers focus on capturing all of the little details that couples put work into making their day one of a kind and special.

Scroll to see each photographer’s favorite images from the day!

BG Studios Photography

Bloom & Be Photo

Esy White Creative

“Meraki is the first photographer’s workshop I’ve ever attended. I’ve had the most amazing experience! Having no proper training when it comes to wedding photography or styled shoots, the whole event provides a healthy and safe environment for photographers like me. I loved the community and the new creatives I met. Truly thankful for the opportunity!”

- Esy White

Joy Photography

“My experience at the Meraki workshop was incredible and more than words can describe! Hannah and all the talented vendors did incredible work. It was so cool seeing the community of photographers come together and capture dreamy photos. It felt like a big family being together all day creating magic! I am so thankful for this experience and can't wait to go to another one!”

- Joy Boykin

Leigh Smith Photography

Portrait Novella

A special thanks to our vendors…

Evermore Bride

@evermore.bride

Cornerstone Jewelers

@cornerstone_jewelers

Good Ground Floral

@goodgroundfloral

MK Hair Co

@mk.hairco
@emilyedgar

Cedar Brooke Charcuterie

@cedarbrookecharcuterie

Sabbie Chic Events

@Sabbiechicevents

Skin by Skyler Lynn

@emilyedgar
@skin.by.skylerlynn

Steph Dejeu Design Co

@stephdejeudesignco

… and our models!

Tylar Grant

@tylargrant

Drew & Cori

@drewblaine
@coriklee

Vince & Jane

@vince_gelei
@janegelei

Recap on the Modern Male Photographer's Shoot-Out

Have you noticed when you’re photographing male clients that posing them is a challenge? Yeah, us too! Which is why our last photographer’s shoot-out was to help photographers get more comfortable with posing male clients. A huge shout out to our models for this shoot: Alex, Ethan, Johnny, Asya and Blake!

Jennifer Quinn snapping a few shots in the Loft of Blake Compton.

For this shoot-out, we used our second space called, The Edison, for our second set of models. Have you seen the viral sunset lamp photos?
Here’s where to get your own sunset lamp projector.

Illuminate Photography using the sunset lamp to cast a colorful spotlight on Ethan.

Model, Ethan Hannaford posing for Illuminate Photography during the Modern Male Shoot-Out.

Color blocking is so in right now, so we decided to paint the rolling backdrop half black and half white. Paired with our beautiful couple models, these were some of our favorite shots of the day! Over the years, we’ve notice photographers finding it challenging to pose or put the focus on the guy in engagement or couples sessions. This set was designed for the photographers to work on posing and emphasizing the male model in the couples session.

Leigh Smith photographing couple Johnny and Aysa against the color block backdrop in the Loft.

Now for the photos!

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White Dove Photography

L. Louise Photo

Leigh Smith Photography

Eh Photo

Portrait Novella

Jennifer Quinn Photography

Illuminate Photography

Be sure to follow our socials below to stay up to date on our upcoming events!

Written by Hannah

Owner of Lightbox

Recap on the Cozy Cottage Photographer's Shoot-Out

Time to chat about our most recent Photographer’s Shoot-Out!!

This shoot-out was a first in many ways for the Lightbox team! Not only did we do the entire studio portion in (and outside) The Lower Studio, but we added a second off-site location for the first time!

The day started with time slots at the studio, we decorated the Lower studio windows with a variety of flowers and props and encouraged photographer’s to shoot from the outside of the building looking in. The exterior of Lightbox has old stone walls so it was perfect to really bring the cottage feel to life! Photographer’s booked a time slot with the option of 3 different options for models! Candace & Naiomi were both portrait models and Meg & Lucy were our “Mommy and Me” models!

The second portion of this shoot-out started with tea, cookies and conversations at Fellows Lake followed by a sunset session in a gorgeous open field! For the sunset photo sessions we had three set-ups. Korah and Bryce were the models for a dreamy picnic setup Kaylee was our maternity model and Naiomi joined us again as a portrait model!

When I tell you we had the PRETTIEST, golden sunset I am NOT joking! The weather was cool and breezy and there was just a slight haze as the sun went down!

Now for the photos!

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Stephanie Michelle Photography

“Hannah & Bekah were such wonderful coordinators of this shoot! Not only was it gorgeous but it was also well organized and thought out. I really appreciated the time to work in small groups with other photographers and work alone with the models as well. Lightbox is doing so much to bring Springfield photographers together and I am here for it!"

Stoecker Media

Leigh Smith Photography

Jenny Nolan Snaps

“Wow, what an incredible event to get my creativity going after a winter lull. I absolutely loved getting to reimagine the lower studio to achieve these "cottagecore" vibes. I had recently invested in some new gear, so getting to play with movement and color alongside other creatives in a completely safe and fun environment was exactly what I needed. I'm so thankful for the community, resources and opportunities Lightbox continues to provide!”

Portrait Novella

Taylor Jean Photographs

“This shoot-out was so amazing. I don't often get the chance to just go into a session without any pressure or restraints on creativity, so going to these Lightbox shootouts are such an amazing opportunity as a photographer! It is the perfect time for me to make new friendships, get out of my comfort zone, and create some amazing styled images without having to do any of the beforehand planning haha!”

Illuminate Photography

BG Studios Photography

“Shoot-outs with Lightbox are always so much fun but this one took the cake. As a photographer you don’t often get to shoot alongside other photographers. I find that I learn so much and get to truly step into what I want to capture not just want I need to capture. That freedom ignites my creativity and propels me forward as a photographer and artist all while expanding my community!”

A special thanks to Kameron!

Kameron Rutledge from Springfield Braiding Company did our maternity model Kaylee’s hair for this shoot-out! Thank you so much Kameron!

Click Here to view Springfield Braiding Company’s Website!

Click here to view Kameron’s Instagram

One of our favorite parts about this shoot-out was having the time at Fellows Lake to connect with the photographer’s as a group. We all got to chat about our businesses and how we are feeling as we enter the busy spring season! It is so easy to be in your “zone” during the photo sessions so taking this moment to pause and share with each other was so refreshing!

Hannah and I (Bekah) are so thankful for all the photographer’s and models that made this shoot-out so incredible! We are always so amazed at how the community comes together at these events to support Lightbox and create truly beautiful work. We love our Lightbox Family!

Be sure to follow our socials below to stay up to date on our upcoming events!

Written by Bekah Schooler

Lightbox Creative Coordinator & Studio Assistant

Four Ways to Get Yourself Out of a Creative Rut - For Photographers

It’s a little ironic that I’m writing this on a dreary and rainy day. We all know this year has thrown us for a loop, but for us photographers, the fall has been busier than ever. After all of the rescheduled sessions and weddings from the summer to starting, dare I say, Christmas photos…you may be finding yourself in a creative rut. Let’s fix that, eh?

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Allow Yourself to Have a Moment

That’s right. This is the very first thing you should do when you are in a creative rut. Take a moment to just be in a mood because we all need a good vulnerable moment. It is easy to become caught up in trying to post every day or making sure you have something “new” for each client. It can be exhausting and take a toll on us. So take your moment….whether that is 60 seconds, a few days or a week and allow yourself to unwind.

Listen to Songs You Loved Back When You Started Photography

A little weird, I know…but this is something that has always helped me in the past. In high school, learning the ins and outs of my camera, I always listened to GIVERS, Two Door Cinema Club, Santigold, etc. These songs remind me of how I felt limitless and enjoyed trying new things. Give this a go and let me know if it works for you.

Create a Physical Inspo Board

Ditch Pinterest for this one. I love me a good Pinterest board….but how often do you actually take time to look at it after pinning your photos? Instead create a little mood board for yourself that you can print and hang by your computer. It’s satisfying putting together an actual collage and seeing it everyday.

Go Out and Shoot

Let’s be honest…we all knew it was coming because we all know this is what to do. After you successfully do tips 1-3, it’s time to grab your camera and shoot. Give yourself a break and put zero expectations on this shoot. Allow yourself enough time to experiment and play around with old or new techniques. Who knows, these could be your favorite photos of all time. ;)

Written by Hannah DeVries

Owner of Lightbox

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The Up-cycled Photographer's Shoot-Out Recap

Who’s ready for a recap of our 3rd Photographer’s Shoot-Out at Lightbox? I know I am! The theme for this round was all things up-cycled! We partnered with Melly Reyes of Waste Less Apparel for this event! Melly gives new life to old clothing and was a crucial part in how this shoot-out came together! She designed and sewed outfits for each of our 4 models and GUYS! They were AH-MAY-ZING.

Our team at Lightbox created two sets in The Loft using items we already had at the studio and re-used items from the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store & thrift stores here in Springfield! We definitely had to think outside the box for these sets but we were obsessed with how they turned out! Being mindful of waste and as resourceful as possible has been important to our team since Lightbox’s doors first opened, so we are extremely pleased that we were able to pull this off! We hope that this inspires you all to look at re-used items in a new way and get creative when you are thinking of styling your next photo session!

Let’s dive right in!

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Meet Melly!

Waste Less Apparel was created out of the desire to be sustainable, attainable, & creative with the idea to waste less during our time here on earth. Every single one of these pieces are carefully created by my own hands with the environment in mind every step of the way.

As always, our favorite part of Shoot-Outs is seeing the photos by all of the INCREDIBLE photographer’s that come!

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BG STUDIOS PHOTOGRAPHY

RHIANON BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

DYNAE LEVINGSTON PHOTO

HANNAH ARNZEN PHOTOGRAPHY

LAUJ.CO

ILLUMINATE PHOTOGRAPHY

LEIGH SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

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A huge so much to everyone who participated in this shoot - out!

We are so thankful for you all and could not have done this without you!

Models:

Jonathan Kenney

Stephanie Dejue

Nkem Nkiruka Chigbogwu

Meghan Jeppsen

Coming soon:

A 2 day shoot-out & workshop! You don’t want to miss this!

December 5th & 6th

Follow Lightbox on Instagram to keep up with all the details!

Written by Bekah Schooler

Lightbox Creative Coordinator

Pantone "Classic Blue" Photographer's Shoot-Out Recap

On June 14th we held our 2nd Photographer’s Shoot-Out at Lightbox! This theme? Pantone’s Color of the Year, Classic Blue! This Shoot-Out’s set was a stark contrast from our first Photographer’s Shoot-Out, and that’s EXACTLY why we love putting these events together! It can be so easy to get caught up in your daily work flow as a photographer and participating in an event like this is the perfect way to ignite that creative spark again!

For this Shoot-Out we had 2 monochromatic sets in Classic Blue and bright white! We created a corner “room” for the Classic Blue set with our new vintage metal chair and for the all white set we used our white styling blocks and rolling backdrop along with other white elements to add a lot of dimension and texture to the set! For both sets we had a table of props for the photographer’s to use that included mirrors, a prism and dried white florals. This gave the photographer’s the opportunity to really get creative and make the set their own!

I’ll cut right to the best part, THE PHOTOS! We had such an amazing group of talented photographers join us for this shoot and all of their photos are INCREDIBLE! Check them out below!

Leigh Smith Photography

Jenny Nolan Snaps

Hannah Arnzen Photography

Rhianon Brown Photography

J Weter Photography

Illuminate Photography

DLP Lovestruck Photography

Capture Company 417

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And a HUGE thank you to our models!

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Kristina Khodai

Lauren Stockam

Lesley Lovelace

Vivien Smith

Mark your calendars!

Our next Photographer’s Shoot-Out will be on August, 16th 2020! Details will be release soon!

Written by Bekah Schooler

Creative Coordinator

lightboxbekah@gmail.com

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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

How Springfield Locals are Spending Quarantine

Hi guys! Bekah here! It’s been a quiet couple weeks at Lightbox! The COVID-19 pandemic was something we never expected and as a small business, we know it can feel like a rug has been ripped from right under your feet!

Photographers, business owners, makers, bloggers, parents and health care workers….EVERYBODY has been affected by this so we decided to send out a questionnaire to our followers and ask different questions on how they are handling quarantine, social distancing, and working from home!

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First of all, on a scale of sweatpants to power suit, how are you handling quarantine today?

“Putting in the 9-5 work…but in sweatpants” - “3 cups of coffee so far :P” - “Scale is around leggings and a sweater lol” - “Power Suit! - “Jeans and a cardigan but i’ve been wearing the same t-shirt for 2 days” - “Scrubs!” - “Sweat pants FO SHO”

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Photo courtesy of Sarah Storer - @Simplysarahbagarah

We found that most of our answers were from people who would fit into a “creative entrepreneur” category, but we did have a handful of health care workers, parents, service workers and more! We asked them:

How are you staying creative during this time?

“Hoping to do some self portraits and let my inspiration lead the way!”

“I’m having painting sessions every couple days & taking advantage of free resources!

"Daily meditation // gratitude journal // nature walks”

”Projects around my home and keeping up with clients and rescheduling”

”The No Way Jose 52 Challenge!”

“‘Shopping’ my decor stash and restyling my home instead of going out to shop”

“Piano, drawing!”

“Creating without boundaries! No set goals just fun!”

“Working on my business and investing into it!”

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A couple local businesses also jumped in to answer some extra questions and give us some insight into how this has changed their work-flow!

Bree’s Little Closet

Brianna and Tina Barnett are good friends of Lightbox! They own and operate a mobile women’s boutique in Springfield and the surrounding areas! With everything going on, they told us they had to shut down their store completely, move every single item out of the truck and into their office, and transfer every item online. All of the events for the end of March and April were cancelled.

“How has the last week been for you, how has it affected your business?”

Bree’s Little Closet: “We have realized that we are not alone in this and every single person has been affected in one way or another. I’ve personally had to realize that it’s okay if customers don’t buy my products right now, because they have more important things to pay for. Some people have lost their jobs or have lost hours at work, so we don’t expect for people to purchase our products when they’ve lost their income. For us, we are okay! Our business is okay! We are financially okay! People have been incredibly supportive throughout this difficult time, which we are very blessed for!”

“What is bringing you hope and encouragement?”

Bree’s Little Closet: “The fact that I know we are not alone and that every single person has been effected by this in one way or another. I also love knowing that I have friends & family that are here for us if we needed anything! I love our support system!”

Bree and Tina also said they are spending this time enjoying the little things, listening to podcasts, dancing to music, binge watching Netflix and getting ahead of the things they had been putting off. Also just taking the time off to rest, take it easy and invest in themselves!

We love you Bree and Tina! You can support them by following them on Instagram: @breeslittlecloset. Sharing and liking their posts or ordering from their online shop! breeslittlecloset.com

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Leigh Smith - @leighsmithphotography

Leigh is a good friend and has shot at the studio several times! We asked how she was staying creative and she talked about how she is working on drawing a little bit each day and revisiting old photo galleries to edit and breath some new life into them! Such a good idea!

“How has COVID-19 affected your business?”

Leigh: “Photography has always been a finicky business for me, but I've had to do a bit of rescheduling and work out a couple of cancellations which is a new territory for me. Bills tend to pile on at the first of the month, so, I'm bracing for April.”

“How has the last week affected you? Personally, spiritually, or in your business?”

Leigh: “This last week has been quite mentally and physically exhausting but, oddly needed. I've been outside a lot this last week which has refreshed my soul and overall well-being. I haven't felt connected to the outdoors in a long while. Slowing down and "staying in place" has been a blessing in disguise.”

I think we can all relate to being exhausted by this situation, Leigh! Can’t wait to have you back at the studio once this is all over! You can support Leigh by checking out her work and sharing your thoughts or viewing her website, leighsmithphotography.pixieset.com or Instagram at @leighsmithphoto.

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Photo courtesy of Sarah Storer, @simplysarahbagarah

How are you handling social distancing?

“It’s hard!! I love traveling and I’m a sucker for talking to new people.”

“SEND HELP”

“My husband and I work from home so it’s not much change except we can’t go out together!

“OOF, it’s rough! Lots of tears. Lots of Netflix. Zoom and face time for hours.”

“I miss being around people… and I’m an introvert!”

“Horribly! I’m an extrovert! I get my energy from lots of hugs!

Right there with you friends! I love my home and Netflix, but i’m definitely getting stir crazy! Hang in there!

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What is bringing you encouragement?

“Hill City House Church Playlist on Spotify” - “Friend, Family, God’s Word, & Nature” - “Making phone call connections with strangers and loved ones I’m in the same boat with” - “Music!” - “Through others! Family and close friends for sure!” - “Group texts with family, tuning into live IG and prayer!” - “Friends who check on me”

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Elle Steward - @Ellescottage

Local maker, Elle Steward runs an Etsy shop! She expressed her concern in these times with the slower traffic on her website and that her secondary job won’t be starting for another month. She also was very transparent in the fact that times like these have increased anxiety and are really hard on mental health.

”How are you finding encouragement through this time?”

Elle: “All the good people are creating in the world! I love seeing everyone band together & support each other. All the free resources & courses have been such a blessing. I’m staying connected by popping on live streams & zoom calls & contacting my friends all the time. I’ve spent more time studying the Bible & am leaning on my mom.”

“What is something you want to accomplish in this time of social distancing?”

Elle: “I want to grow in my relationships with my friends & family. It’s something that’s already started & I want to consciously cultivate it. I also want to do the inner work on my business so when this is over I can jump into boutique collaborations, craft fairs, & events with a solid foundation & quality products.”

“How are you handling the lack of social contact and interaction?”

Elle: “I’m actually more connected than ever! My friends finally have time to write me back & stay in touch, people are online doing calls & live streams & my social cup is full because of all of it.”

Thank you so much for sharing, Elle! You can support Elle by connecting with her on Instagram (@ellescottage) or shopping from her store! www.ellescottage.com

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As for me, I wish I could say I’m the type of person that got up every morning and meditated, did my makeup and worked in my office. HA! I’d totally be lying to you guys! You won’t be seeing any selfies from me on this post! However, my cat Georgia is very photogenic and has been enjoying the extra snuggles while I work in sweatpants on my couch for the 10th day in a row! Though this is a stressful time, I’m very thankful to have a good support system and a comfortable place (with fast internet) to get through it!

The Lightbox team have also been working from home but we are so ready to be back at the studio and seeing all of your smiling faces! We love you all and our sending out all the love and virtual hugs to you!

It is our hope that through all of this, we are still able to provide a sense of community to our fellow Springfieldians! We strongly believe that hard times are a little easier when we go though them together, and I hope after reading this blog post you feel like you’re not alone! Thank you to everyone who reached out and shared their stories with us! While we couldn’t include every single response (this blog post would have been miles long) please know your answers were read and heard. You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Stay safe and healthy at home friends!

You can support Lightbox by snagging some of our merch!

SHOP HERE

Written by Bekah Schooler

Creative Coordinator - Lightbox

lightboxbekah@gmail.com