Portrait photographer Lindsey Hall poses for a photo inside of her new studio located at 133 W. Michigan Ave, Suite 202, in Ypsilanti.
Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com
The owner of the Lindsey Hall Photography Studio said an economic revival is underway in downtown Ypsilanti.
“Little by little, (the economy) rebuilding,” said owner Lindsey Hall. “People feel like its okay because now there are more businesses and there are opportunities. The city is getting busier again and there are consumers. Michigan is on a comeback and I’m really happy to be a part of it.”
For Hall, photography has been a passion for many years.
“I’ve been passionate about photography for at least 12 years since I was in high school and I never had time to pursue it,” Hall said.
She hoped she'd eventually open a studio, she said, as she became a stay-at-home mom.
Hall decided to “take the plunge” and start the business because of an increase of interest in her services. Hall built the business over the course of three years. Hall specializes in maternity, newborn, children, family and graduation photography.
During that time she shot mainly outdoor natural lighting portraits at parks and customers’ houses. In doing so, Hall realized that by only doing outdoor shoots and portraits in houses, she missed out on the entire winter season, which is often the busiest for photographers due to the holidays.
Hall began looking for a place to house her studio and stumbled upon an advertisement for an available space at 133 W. Michigan Ave. Suite 202.
“It was kind of just by chance,” she said. “The landlord showed me the space and as soon as I walked in, I said, ‘Wow this is the place.’”
Although Hall found her “dream space” she realized at the time she didn’t have the funds to pay for the lease so she began an Indiegogo campaign. Indiegogo is a website that serves as a funding platform for individuals looking to raise money toward a project. In exchange for donating money, donors can receive “perks.”
For Hall’s campaign, she gave away different photo packages to be used at the studio. Hall raised $1,680 in three weeks.
"It was my start up money," she said. "I was able to sign the lease and I have been working very hard for this past month to get it up and running."
Hall signed a lease Sept. 1 for the 700-square-foot space that includes an office, waiting room and separate space for the studio. Hall has completed a small renovation project of the space and redecorated to include studio lights and about 15 props for photo shoots.
"It's a really cool space," Hall said. "I'm really happy with it. I want it to feel like home. I want people to walk in and feel like they can kick off their shoes."
Hall will operate the business by herself and no employees for the time being. Hall hopes to offer clients an intimate and personal atmosphere, which she believes is different from what they may receive at a corporate studio.
"They do the same twelve poses for everyone and they’re identical," she said. "I offer my clients variety. I capture natural moments. I get the honor of capturing the moments of their children growing up... To have something beside a corporate studio to go to is awesome. People want to support local businesses."
The grand opening will take place Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. All guests will receive a free mini session.
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.