Lightbox's 5 Year Anniversary Recap!

Lightbox Turns 5!

We had the best time celebrating 5 amazing years of Lightbox on Tuesday, October 1st! Our natural light studio and event space has come a long way, and it felt so special to open our doors and celebrate with all of you.

All photos are courtesy of Ally Jeppsen Photography

We couldn’t resist setting up a fun photo op on our rolling backdrop, complete with a beautiful balloon install by Dreamy & Darling Creations. Our "In the Studio" design added a fun touch, and it was the perfect spot for everyone to snap a few pics and capture the vibe of the night.

What’s a party without snacks, right? Our “sips and dips” setup was a hit, with a mocktail bar from 417 Cocktails and some seriously tasty dips—spinach and artichoke, queso, and hummus with a mix of chips, veggies, and pita. So good!

LaLa Links set up their permanent jewelry bar, and it was a huge hit! Guests had the chance to purchase custom pieces throughout the night, adding a fun, personalized touch to the event. It was the perfect way for everyone to take home a little extra sparkle!

To top it all off, we gave away over $900 in prizes, including a Nespresso machine and a free studio photo shoot with Portrait Novella. We loved being able to give a little something back to the people who’ve supported us over the years!

THANK YOU!

This night was so special, filled with warmth not just from the fall-themed decor and cozy seating, but from the wonderful conversations and connections happening throughout the night. Whether guests were enjoying snacks, chatting over mocktails, or snapping photos at our backdrop, the good vibes were everywhere. We’re beyond grateful for everyone who has been a part of our journey, and a huge shout-out to Ally Jeppsen Photography for perfectly capturing all the fun! Here’s to many more years of Lightbox!

Meet The Team

The success of Lightbox over the past five years is all thanks to the incredible support from our community. While we’ve loved providing a space where creativity shines, it’s the people who’ve trusted us—whether for a photo shoot, event, or just to stop by—that have made it all possible. Behind the scenes, our team is dedicated to making Lightbox the special place it is: Hannah DeVries, our owner, pours her heart into every aspect of the studio; Bekah Knapp, our creative coordinator and socials manager, brings fresh ideas and energy; and Hannah Lyle, our studio assistant, ensures everything runs seamlessly. We’re honored to do what we love, but it’s the support from all of you that keeps us going!

Q & A with a Photographer - Sydney Miro Media

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.

Photo courtesy of Sydney Miro Media

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

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.

Group of photographers in an indoor photo studio with a large floral installation above a white fireplace mantle

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

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

 

A special thanks to our vendors…

 

… and our models!

Tylar Grant

@tylargrant

Drew & Cori

@drewblaine
@coriklee

Vince & Jane

@vince_gelei
@janegelei

Days to Get Married in 2022

Marrying the love of your life in 2022?

Here are the “cutest” wedding dates to get married on in 2022. Being that Lightbox holds quite a few elopements over the year, we included a few weekdays as well. I’m a little late posting this, so I’ve surpassed the January dates. Let’s jump right in.

Photo by: Tatum Nelson Co

February, 2, 2022

February 2, 2022 shares it’s day with the ever so famous Groundhog Day. For those who like to stay '“on brand” with holidays…. it may be a neat idea to work in some shadow like imagery during your bridal portraits.

02/02/2022

Photo by: Tatum Nelson Co.

February 20, 2022

February 20, 2022 falls on a Sunday and is stylistically pleasing as the numbers give off a minimalist look and feel. This is one of the few weekend dates that the number “20” or “22” fall on so get on this date quick if you’re wanting a weekend wedding!

02/20/2022

February 22, 2022

February 22, 2022 is a Tuesday. Okay, now that’s a lot of “2’s” But quite frankly…this is the cutest date yet. Can you imagine all of your signage showing 02/22/2022? YAS, love it!

02/22/2022

Photo by: Tatum Nelson Co.

April 3, 2022

April 3, 2022 is another weekend date! I like to call this the “countdown” wedding date. This means your wedding month has the largest number, in this case “4” and the numbers go down from there.

04/03/2022

Photo by: Tatum Nelson Co

October 10, 2022

We are skipping past all of the summer dates and headed into fall. October 10, 2022 is so cute and I could see a lot of couples wanting this as their wedding date.

10/20/2022

Photo by: Tatum Nelson Co.

November 11, 2022

Eleven Eleven….make a wish.

What a fun date to celebrate each year! If it were me, I’d want my partner and I to make a wish on our anniversary, write it down and come back to it next year to see if it came true. What do you think? Too cheesy?

11/11/2022

Photo by: Tatum Nelson Co.

December 21, 2022

A little bit of a tongue twister but definitely a fun wedding date! Not only are you close to Christmas, but this year, December 21st is the first official day of Winter!

12/21/2022

Love the photos in this blog? Show the vendors some love!

Bouquet: Fleur Floral Studio @fleur_floralstudio

Vintage Mirror: Abi Jeanne Marché @abijeannemarche

Dresses: Evermore @evermore.bride

Studio: Lightbox @lightboxsgf

Photographer: Tatum Nelson Co @tatumnelsonco

Videographer: @margaretkellenberger

London's Permanent Bracelet: @lalalinksjewelry

London (model): @londoncjohnson