Weather in the midwest is…unpredictable. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite indoor and outdoor activities for you and the fam to beat the heat, and enjoy the remainder of Summer 2024!

Vibrant florals greet you at Springfield’s newest hideout, El Escondite!

Day Out: Nathanael Greene Park

Are you and the family itching to get out of the house? Hop, skip, or jump over to Nathanael Greene Park! Not only does the area include beautiful summer blooms, but you’ll find playgrounds, picnic spots, fountains, and so much more scattered throughout the park!

Additionally, the Springfield-Greene County Park Board regularly hosts fun family events, many of which take place at Nathaneal Greene! Check the schedule, and plan your next family outing here: https://www.parkboard.org/botanical

*Pro Tip: Be sure to check out the butterfly house while you’re visiting! It’s only open for a few months out of the year, so don’t miss your chance this summer!*

Day In: Springfield Art Museum

Did you know Springfield has its own art museum? Better yet, the museum is free to the public, and welcome to all ages! With an array of alternating exhibits, as well as a few staple works of art, the Springfield Art Museum takes you away from the hustle, bustle, and heat of your day, and immerses you in a world of imagination (and air-conditioning).
*Pro Tip: Sign up for a class this summer! The Springfield Art Museum offers adult and youth workshops, so it’s fun for the whole family! Check out the course list here:* https://www.sgfmuseum.org/

Night Out: Millsap Pizza Night

Millsap Pizza Night is an experience unlike any other! Located on Millsap Farms, Pizza Night occurs nearly every Thursday between May and October. The delicious wood-fired pizzas are served buffet-style, offering 4 different pizza options, each created with locally-sourced ingredients.
In addition to the open-air pizzas, Pizza Night boasts an exciting ambiance, complete with string-lights, picnic tables, and live music.
Don’t sleep on this experience, and plan a night out at Millsap Farms with the fam!

Reservations (and further information) can be found here: https://www.millsapfarms.com/pizza-club

*Pro Tip: They offer gluten-free pizza crust!*
Photo courtesy of Millsap Farms.

Night In: El Escondite

Springfield just got a whole lot sweeter with the addition of its newest “hideout.” Upon entering El Escondite, you find yourself transported out of the 417, and into the most inviting oasis. Complete with ping pong, foosball, a dining area, and so much more, “The Hideout” is a fun (and flavorful) spot for the whole family!
So escape the heat, and cool down with a fruit pop, mangonada, or paleta de nieve! Your new favorite hangout spot, “The Hideout,” is the perfect place to chill this summer.
*Pro Tip: El Escondite offers savory bites, as well as sweet treats. Check out their menu, and pay them a visit; your palate will thank you!* https://elescondite417.com/

Stay Out: Route 66 KOA Campgrounds

Conveniently located off I-44, the Route 66 KOA is perfect for new and seasoned campers alike! Complete with a fun, clean, relaxing camping experience, Route 66 KOA offers long pull-through RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. It is also located near many attractions in 417land!

However, there is plenty to do on the campground, so you won't have to leave! Some of these amenities include a swimming pool, corn hole, wifi, a game room, a playground, gem mining, and so much more. Needless to say, your summer is about to unlock new core memories!

Reserve your next stay here: https://koa.com/campgrounds/springfield-route-66/
Photo courtesy of Route 66 KOA Campgrounds.

Stay In: Culture Boutique Hotel

Are you in need of a staycation? Whether you’re bringing the family, or enjoying a weekend getaway, the Culture Boutique Hotel is bound to be your new favorite spot!
With six available rooms - each inspired by a city in Eurasia - you’ll find the aesthetics, comfort, and function as charming as the historic street on which the hotel resides. Located in a hub of local shops, restaurants, and activities, the Culture Boutique Hotel is sure to check all of your boxes!

Reserve your next stay here: https://www.culturecstreet.com/sleep

*Pro Tip: Before adventuring along Historic Commercial Street, swing downstairs for some fantastic brew from Eurasia Coffee Co!*

Photos Out: Historic Commercial Street

Speaking of C-Street, why not commemorate a summer of memories with a fun family photoshoot? Not only will you find ornate architecture along the renovated road, but you’ll spot charming murals amidst the shops uptown. Paired with vibrant midwest foliage, and the contrasting industrial sprawl, Commercial Street’s backdrops are sure to astound, and you’re bound to find the perfect setting for your family’s summer photos!

Photos In: Lightbox

If a summer indoors is more your speed, come on in; we’d be happy to host you!

Here at Lightbox, we have everything you need! From natural lighting, to moody architecture, the studio is a great alternative to the (hot/humid/stuffy) outdoors. Whether you’re in need of a brick wall or AC, we’ve got you covered (without compromising the quality of your photos, or the benefits of natural light).
Book your next reservation, or peruse our site for more information here: https://www.lightboxsgf.com/

*Pro Tip: We also have complimentary snacks and beverages, so you can replenish and restore before heading back out into the Midwest summer!*
Photo courtesy of Illuminate Photography.

Meet Sydney!

Sydney is a familiar face at Lightbox, and we are honored to be part of her creative journey! Keep reading to learn more about this extraordinary gal.

Sydney is a young entrepreneur in 417land who has an eye for modern, simplistic looks, which cultivate her editorial aesthetic. Born in Crofton, MD, Sydney moved to Springfield, MO, and has been immersed in the world of media since 2019. While her specialty is portrait photography, she occasionally dabbles in couple and family portraiture, weddings, and branding. Not only are we at Lightbox so grateful for Sydney’s trust in our studio, but we’re even more thankful for her years of friendship. Now, let’s dive in and get to know more about the lady, the lore, the legend - Sydney.

Q: How long have you been a photographer?
A: For about 5 years now, ever since I got my first camera for Christmas in 2018! During the first 3.5 years, photography was just a pursuit of passion. I juggled it with other commitments, dedicating my free time to honing my skills, experimenting with different styles, and understanding the technical aspects of photography. About a year and a half ago, I made the significant decision to transition into full-time photography!

Q: How were you introduced to photography?
A: I was first introduced to photography as a kid, when I was immersed in the world of art and photos because of my dad! My dad has been a skilled photographer for as long as I can remember, and I have vivid memories of dressing up for his photos, getting my photo taken at numerous locations, and even being a part of his own creations of backdrops.

Q: Your work has a very distinct style. How did you develop this style?
A: I developed this style incidentally (the all-neutral thing I’ve got going on)! Funny thing is, I believe my mental illness plays a huge part into how my style was developed. My anxiety and OCD takes on quite a few interesting forms: amongst them being the fact that my brain does not favor color. Bright and vibrant colors, to my noggin, come off very loud, noisy, and unpeaceful. If you were to ever take a peek into my apartment or my closet, you would also see that the only colors present are white, black, brown, and occasionally greens. So, although I thoroughly enjoy other photos with colors and can appreciate that art-wise, it doesn’t sit right with my own creative and personal vision with the way my brain is wired! The more ya know.

Q: Who or what influences your work?
A: Fashion and editorial magazines. I love the simple, minimalistic look and also trying new, spontaneous, but also subtle, ideas.

Q: What would your ultimate, dream photoshoot be?
A: Photographing Beyonce… If you’ve talked to me at least one time in my life, you probably know I love me some Beyonce. She has been my biggest inspiration and role model since I was probably 3, as I used to pursue singing/dancing and she does both so well and effortlessly. Now that I am older, I have also grown to appreciate her insane work ethic on top of her artistic talent. She would be my dream photoshoot mainly because I’d get to ask her all of the questions I’ve been dying to know my whole life, and she is drop. dead. gorgeous.

Q: What are some fun facts people may not know about you?
A: I have 10+ years of professional dance training under my belt, and am also equally trained vocally!

Q: Which accomplishments are you most proud of?
A: I was able to turn my passion into a career at only 18 years old. I was always nervous about graduating high school because of college (I am not a school person!), and knew I wouldn’t feel fulfilled if I made myself attend college when I didn’t want to. So, I made something work for me that I absolutely love and that didn’t require a degree! Self taught baby. Literally anything is possible if you work for it.

Q: What is your favorite part about using Lightbox?
A: My favorite part about using Lightbox is the wide variety of props and backdrops they have to offer! You can do so many different styles and themes without having to bring anything yourself because the prop closet has just about anything you’ll need. AND the staff are the friendliest people I have ever met! I would say the staff at Lightbox are my supporters both professionally and casually.

Q: What is your favorite thing about your clients?
A: Their trust in my vision. Most people I book like to give me full creative freedom for their session and trust my judgement when it comes to outfits, backdrop colors, etc. I think makes for an amazing experience for both me and my client. OH! And when 80% of my clients ask me what I want from 7brew before our session because they know I love it so much.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing about being a photographer?
A: Being able to capture some of peoples’ biggest milestones. Whether it’s graduation, a baby, or a big birthday, it warms my heart that people trust me enough to leave them with pictures that last a lifetime and that might be put up in their homes!

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to yourself when first started as a photographer, what would it be?
A: It would be to try something new! I think I was so afraid of making art other people wouldn’t like that I lost focus on making art that I like. So yeah, Sydney - don’t be afraid to step outside of the box and your comfort zone, even if that post gets 5 likes.

Q: If you could give your clients one piece of advice, what would it be?
A: Ask me ALL of the questions! I never want my clients to be confused about their outfit for the vision we’re creating, and that cause them to not be fully comfortable or satisfied with the photos. So spam text me 5 times a week if you have to; I’m here to answer your q’s and collaborate!

Q: How would you like to use the studios at Lightbox in the future?
A: I would like to use the studios at Lightbox in the future by potentially going the non-photo route and filming! I also dabble in videography - mainly weddings - but would love to do some fun and creative film in the studio one day (maybe with dancers!).

Special thanks to Sydney for participating in our Q&A!

To find more of her breathtaking work, you can visit the following platforms.
Facebook: Sydney Miro Media
Instagram: @sydneymiromedia
Website: www.sydneymiromedia.com