The Coziest Places in 417Land

Looking to escape the frigid winter air? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite cozy spots in the 417 to keep you busy (and warm) during this chilly season!

A smiling narwhal greets both new and familiar faces in one of Pagination’s many reading nooks!

El Cafecito

Cold weather keeping you in bed? Fortunately, El Cafecito is the perfect spot to grab a coffee to-go, or slowly wake up as you sip on your drink of choice. “The little coffee shop” has both a drive-thru, as well as an inviting atmosphere for those who have time to linger. Complete with ambient lighting, great coffee, and delicious food, this intimate setting has everything you need to rid you of your winter wearies! 

Pro tip: El Cafecito specializes in authentic Latin cuisine; stop in and warm up your tastebuds with an item or two from their menu!

photo courtesy of el Cafecito

Prairie Pie

Hidden along Jefferson Street in Downtown Springfield, Prairie Pie boasts some of the best comfort-food in 417land! Upon entering, you’re met with mouth-watering aromas that tickle your senses and lure you further into the enchanting atmosphere. Mood lighting complements colorful decor, while both sweet and savory flavors permeate throughout the space. Whether you’re alone or with a group, Prairie Pie is the perfect place to escape the cold! 

Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe

Stocked with eclectic decor, local art, and a substantial menu, Gailey’s offers a unique and nostalgic dining experience! As a Springfield staple, Gailey’s is a crowd favorite that provides a multitude of activities to stay busy during the cold winter months. With a rotation of weeknight happenings, Gailey’s is a great place to step out of the cold, and into a warm, welcoming community! 

photo courtesy of Gailey’s

The Royal Music Hall

Located at the corner of Cherry and Pickwick, The Royal features listening room concerts, craft cocktails, tasty appetizers, and an intimate space to create memorable experiences. Even in the center of Pickwick’s hubbub, patrons are able to unwind among the comfortable, eclectic decor while recounting the day’s festivities.

Pro-Tip: Prepare for the day ahead, and visit the Sleepy Oppossum Cafe for breakfast! Located inside The Royal, Sleepy Oppossum Cafe is open every morning, except on Mondays.

Pagination Bookshop

Tucked off of Historic Walnut Street, Pagination Bookshop exudes enough charm and tranquility to thaw the most stubborn of chills. Whether you’re perusing the stocked shelves for a new world to explore, retreating to the Hobbit Hole for a niche hideaway, or taking the kids on a fun outing, you’re sure to feel right at home! Pagination Bookshop effortlessly delights all who wander through its doors.

Lightbox

Nestled along historic Commercial Street, Lightbox houses a number of carefully curated sets. Even so, guests are encouraged to make themselves at home! Whether you choose to bask in the ambiance of the pre-planned sets, or make it your very own, Lightbox has options! Escape the cold this winter while capturing meaningful memories, and making the most of what the 417 community has to offer!

Pro-Tip: Each rental at Lightbox has the option to add Seamless Backdrops to the reservation, allowing guests to utilize the sets, as well as a smooth background!

Written by Hannah L.

2023 Holiday Photo Wardrobe Inspiration

When deciding on attire for your holiday photoshoot, neutrals are always a safe choice. However, it can be fun to switch things up! If you are wanting to shake up your holiday photos with some festive flare, but aren’t sure where to start, no worries! We’ve got you covered. Keep reading for some fun wardrobe tips and tricks!

With the help of our friends at Clothe Boutique, we have the perfect pieces to coordinate with our holiday sets!

The Loft: Merry & Bright

This year, our Merry & Bright set in the Loft features a vibrant, colorful design! Why not lean into it? For this set, we recommend wearing something merry, bright, or both!

Merry

While it’s wise to stay away from graphics and logos, holiday flare never goes out of style! Pair your favorite jeans with a cute holiday tee or sweater, and you’ll feel right at home in the Loft.

Featuring: “Sparkle All the Way” Sweater from Clothe Boutique

Bright

No need to fear bold colors this year! If you want to wear something vibrant, opt for a piece that complements the colors featured in our Merry & Bright set. (Think pinks, reds, yellows, and blues!)

Featuring: Aspen Zig Zag Sweater from Clothe Boutique

Both

Can’t decide between a festive sweater or a bold color? Choose both! We love this bauble sweater from Clothe; it’s the perfect finishing touch in our Merry & Bright set!

Featuring: Dipp n Dot Sweater from Clothe Boutique

The Edison: Cozy Christmas

In the Edison, you can find warm, traditional touches for a cozy and enchanting winter backdrop! This set boasts earthy, muted tones, so we recommend playing with a variety of textures and patterns for your holiday photos.

Glitz

A little (or a lot) of sparkle never hurt anybody. If you’re feeling glamorous, adorn yourself in a pop of sparkle to really make you shine!

Featuring: Indy Gold Shimmer Dress from Clothe Boutique

Knits

Love a neutral? Play it up with a subtle knit to add some texture and help you stand out!

Featuring: Sandy Sweater Dress (Cream) from Clothe Boutique

Plaid

Patterns can be tricky to coordinate effectively in your photos. Fortunately, our Cozy Christmas set is the perfect environment to showcase your favorite holiday plaid!

Featuring: Merry Plaid Ruffle Dress from Clothe Boutique

Bonus Set: Wrapped in Winter

Because our bonus set in the Loft is super versatile this year, you can wear whatever fills you with holiday cheer! And as always? Have fun with it!

Written by Hannah L.

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