Lightbox's End of the Year Recap 2019

We have officially been open for three months! Can you believe it?! We have had the opportunity to host so many different creative people, events, and even a few parties! Now that the end of 2019 is approaching, we thought that it would be super fun to reflect back on the fun happening here at Lightbox!

Bridal Showers and Engagement Parties

The past few months Lightbox has been the home to all things bridal related! We have had numerous bridal and engagement parties.  It has been SO fun to be apart of such memorable moments in all these couples’ lives!

Birthday Parties

We have celebrate young and old here at Lightbox! Our loft and the Edison have been the home to many celebrations! Creativity isn’t just involving the arts, but also how creative people can get when decorating and deciding a theme for a party!

Photo Walks

Illuminate Photography 417 has come up with a cool concept, photo walks, and she included our space in one of them! Her “photo walks” consist of a group of young women. Who typically do not know each other, and they go to unique and fun spots to take pictures and boost each’s confidence through the roof! Other previous spots include a carnival, a dog walk, and a downtown walk! Illuminate Photography used our lower studio back in October for her walk, and it was beyond adorable! 

Christmas Minis

Christmas has EXPLODED at Lightbox! A variety of photographers have come and used our space for Christmas minis! The Vintage Rental Company even rented out the entire space and utilized every room for different themed setups for photographers to rent.

The Purpose Pursuit Fundraiser

A local non-profit hosted an AMAZING event that included a silent auction, vendors, and a huge charcuterie board! Lightbox is a great venue for hosting mix and mingle type events.

‘Tis the Season Craft Fair

A seasonal craft fair was held here at the beginning of  December! There were all kinds of different local vendors ranging from clothing and jewelry to all kinds of different styles of artwork! We love when we get to see other small businesses thrive!

Photographers Meetup

Abigail Derrick Photography and Lightbox have hosted multiple “Photographer’s Night Out” gatherings in The Edison. It is a meetup for photographers to share creative ideas, network and talk about all that is going on in the photography industry.

Studio 417 Salon’s Pet Calendar for Rescue One Fundraiser

Illuminate Photography 417 chose Lightbox to photograph over 30 dogs and cats for the Studio 417 Salon’s calendar fundraiser. All proceeds go to local animal shelter, Rescue One. You can purchase one here. We love when furry friends come to visit us!!!

Co-working 

Lightbox has had the awesome privilege to host co-working during the week! We have different non-profits that we feature as our monthly non-profit that all donations collected from coworking go towards! We have paired up with the Lost and Grief Center and also The Purpose Pursuit!

NYE Style Guide

Christmas may be over…but that means New Years Eve is right around the corner!

Several boutiques from the Springfield area have taken pictures at Lightbox over the past couple months, and we are LOVING it! So…we decided to throw together a little outfit guide for New Years Eve to give you a little fashion inspo. All outfits are featuring boutiques that have photographed in our space!

Lilac and Jade Boutique

A POP of color is the perfect touch!

Website: Lilacandjadeboutique.com

Instagram: @lilacandjadeboutique

Bree’s Little Closet

Fun jeans and a comfy sweater!

www.breeslittlecloset.com

Instagram: @breeslittlecloset

Waste Less Apparel

Go a bit more edgy with patterned pants and a leather jacket!

Instagram: @wastless_apparel

Modern Society

Add a little glitter and glam!

www.modernsocietyapparel.com

Instagram: @shopmodernsociety

Q & A with a photographer - Jennifer Weter

We have had an amazing group of photographers join us at Lightbox in our first couple months of business! It is so amazing to see the individual style and creativity that each photographer brings to our space!

We are starting a new series of blogs featuring photographers that have come to use the Loft and Lower Studio here at Lightbox!

For our very first edition, we are very happy to introduce you to Jennifer Weter of JWeterPhotography!

Meet Jen!

“I'm a travel obsessed, beach loving, sunset chasing soccer mom. I love new experiences, whether it's meeting new people, exploring new locations or trying new foods. My husband and I love to explore new cities during our daughter's soccer tournament weekends by visiting local restaurants, craft breweries and coffee shops. What photographer can live without caffeine, right? I've spent many years working in the healthcare industry, but I'm most at home behind the camera preserving the moments that mean the most to my clients.”

Head shot: Abigail Derrick Photography

How long have you been a Photographer?

I started my business in 2017, but my love of photography began many years ago when I was the photographer for my junior high school newspaper. After my daughter was born in 2008, I wanted to preserve all of those precious, fleeting moments. That's when I enrolled in a photography class at Missouri State University, and I spent the next few years soaking up all of the knowledge I could get my hands on. I still believe investing in your education is important, and continue to take classes and workshops. I was fortunate this year to learn from one of my photography idols, Tarah Sweeney

How would you describe your photography style?

I like to incorporate a mixture of portraiture and lifestyle images in my galleries. I know we all hope to get that one shot of everyone looking at the camera and smiling, but the images that really move me are the ones that embody warmth, movement and emotion. Every picture has a beautiful story to tell!

What is the most rewarding thing about being a photographer?

Being able to document moments that will be cherished for generations. I always loved looking through my grandparents old photos. Seeing images of my grandmother as a child and young adult sparked conversations that might never have occurred without those photographs. It brought back joyous memories for her, and allowed me to share in a part of her life that I knew very little about.

What's your biggest fear as a photographer?

Showing up to a session without an SD card. So, I am compulsive about checking all of my gear before I leave the house, and I usually have several extra stashed in my camera bag, just in case.

What is your favorite thing to photograph?

Newborns! The transition from couple to family is so incredibly life changing. Those first few days go by in a sleep-deprived blur, and I love being able to freeze those moments for them. Witnessing the evolution of a family, as their littles grow and as siblings are welcomed is one of the best parts of photographing families year after year.

What is the best thing about your clients?

They are graciously willing to be vulnerable and allow me into the most intimate parts of their lives. It's difficult to be that open and trusting with a photographer, but it's so important. This lets me document the way they interact with each other when no one else is around. That's where the true magic lies. It's an honor that I don't take lightly.

If you could give one piece of advice to yourself when you first started as a photographer, what would it be?

Trust yourself. Shoot what you're passionate about because to serve your clients well, you have to be inspired. If a session doesn't excite you, you won't be able to produce your best work.

If you could give one piece of advice to your clients what would it be?

Relax! Don't worry about the kids' behavior, just show up ready to be in the moment with your family. I'll take care of the rest!

What are some fun facts people may not know about you?

I was once a wedding cake decorator. I delivered many 5 tier cakes down ridiculous stairways, holding my breath the entire time. I had more than one nightmare that I dropped a cake during delivery. Although it never actually happened, I had enough near misses to make me never want to photograph weddings! Another fun, but embarrassing fact...I took a nap on the monkey bars when I was five years old. I fell off, face first, and broke both the bones in my arm. I guess being clumsy is a theme that has followed me throughout my life.

What would your ultimate, dream photo shoot be?

A couples shoot on the Kalalau trail in Kauai. My husband and I got married on the island and it will always be special to me. It's the perfect mix of my favorite things - beach, mountains, waterfalls and adventure.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Love, in all its many forms. Love between partners, parent and child, siblings, friends...it's what gives us hope for the future.

What kind of photo shoot(s) have you done at Lightbox?

Maternity and holiday family sessions. Everything from babies to families of six.

What was your favorite part about using Lightbox?

It's so incredibly versatile! I've used Lightbox for photo shoots, baby showers, girls' night out, and the space was perfect for all three. I love being able to utilize the prop closet. We were able to have a gorgeous tablescape for the baby shower and I didn't have to haul everything in from home.

How would you like to use the studios at Lightbox in the future?

I'd love to use the amazing light in the loft studio for a newborn session

Thanks so much Jen!

We love your work and so appreciate you taking the time to share your passions with us!

Find more of Jen’s work here:

www.JWeterPhotography.com

https://www.instagram.com/jweterphotography

My Personal Experience Using the Lightbox Loft

Hi there!

Bekah here from the Lightbox team!

I own Illuminate Photography here in Springfield and I’m going to tell you about my experience using The Loft!

As a photographer, I know how challenging it can be to find an indoor space for photo sessions that has adequate light and space while still being private!

Photographing in a comfortable and quiet environment really produces more genuine and relaxed photographs! My clients and the quality of the photos I give them are always, always, always my first priority so I was SO excited to utilize Lightbox to give my clients the best possible experience I can!

I recently had the opportunity to photograph a pet calendar with 22 (Yes, TWENTY-TWO) dogs and 2 cats and I jumped at the chance to use The Loft for this project. I had super consistant lighting throughout the whole session! Having this large of a project in a controlled environment really helped keep the pups more calm! The rolling white backdrop was the perfect tool to style for the different months and I was able to use several decor items available in The Loft and combine it with items brought from home to make this project come to life! If you would like a calendar to support Rescue One, please click here.

Photographing portraits is one of my favorite parts about my job! I love being able to capture what makes a person uniquely themselves! I took some pictures of Sarah on her lunch break from her job during spirit week. It was 80’s day and how can you not get some photos when your outfit is this good??

I’ll let you in on a little secret; It was SO overcast and gloomy this day but we were still able to get some gorgeous and bright photos with only the light coming through the abundance of windows in the Loft! As a natural light photographer, it is HUGE for me to be able to stay consistant with the photos I do outdoors at an indoor location! There is no shortage of soft, beautful, natural light at Lightbox!

One of the really cool things I love about the Loft is that it gets styled differently seasonally so you have the opportunity to create unique photos for your clients every time you use the space!

I am just as excited about this space (if not more!) after using it as I was from the moment I first heard of it! It really is an asset that Springfield has needed for a long time and I am so looking forward to using The Loft for many, many more photo sessions in the future!

The Purpose Pursuit Blog

Every month Lightbox has a different local non-profit that we collect donations from those who use our co-working space. For the month of December and January our featured non-profit is The Purpose Pursuit!  

Based out of Springfield, MO, The Purpose Pursuit was found in 2016 by Kelli Eberhard. The Purpose Pursuit’s goal is  to equip NGOs, nonprofits, social impact businesses and brands with professional content to enable them to share their story more successfully. all while bringing exposure to impoverished cultures, people groups and the societal and social issues they encounter. 

What separates The Purpose Pursuit from other organizations is that they do a lot of hands on work. They connect with the client and travel to the location so they can document their day to day life. They then share those images on social media to help spread awareness and connect others to the client/social issue.  

The Purpose Pursuit’s vision is To live in a world that is without social injustice issues that affect human beings who are worthy of living great stories. Their vision is backed by their pledge,  To influence and join hands with people like you around the globe to make a substantial impact in the fight to change our world for the better. We’ve only got one shot.

Contact for The Purpose Pursuit are listed below. Also, feel free to stop by and grab a cup of coffee and co-work at Lightbox while supporting The Purpose Pursuit through December and January. Happy Holidays!  

The Purpose Pursuit contact information:

Email: thepurposepursuit@gmail.com

Instagram: @thepurposepursuit

Facebook Messenger:  m.me/thepurposepursuit

Website: www.thepurposepursuit.org 

Non-profit of the Month: Lost and Found Grief Center

Lightbox’s co-working space, the Edison, is a donation based space. The proceeds we collect every month goes to a different local non-profit. For the month of November our featured non-profit is Lost and Found Grief Center! 

Located on South Glenstone Avenue, Lost the Found Grief Center has been serving Springfield since early 2000s with the mission statement; “We strive to improve lives in our community by providing help, hope, and healing through professional grief support services”. 

What separates Lost and Found Grief Center from other organizations is that their programs are research based and use the forward moving model. The organization consists of professionals that hold a masters degree in counseling or social work and work to create personalized support for every individual that their program helps. Lost and Found has been working exclusively with grieving families for about 20 years, so you know you are in good hands when you are with them! 

Lost and Found Grief Center’s vision is “No one should grieve alone”. The vision is backed by the following principles: When death occurs, grief is a natural reaction for all ages and the length and impact of grief is different for everyone. Each person has the natural capacity to heal itself, but caring and assisting those who are dealing with grief will help the healing process significantly. 

If you or anyone you know is suffering with any form of grief, please reach out using the information below. Also, feel free to stop by and grab a cup of coffee and co-work at Lightbox while supporting Lost and Found Grief Center through the rest of November!

Lost and Found Grief Center contact information:

Email: info@lostandfoundozarks.com

Office Phone Number: (417) 865-9998

Address: 1555 S. Glenstone Ave. 

Website: www.lostandfoundozarks.com 

Written by: Jaylee Branch

What is the Difference? The Loft vs The Lower Studio

If you have not visited Lightbox yet, it can be a little confusing! We have been receiving multiple questions about the difference between our two photography spaces, The Loft and Lower Studio! Continue reading to find out what makes each space so unique!

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The Loft

The Loft  is the largest of our spaces as it can host up to 20-25 people. Light and bright, this space is styled every three months. The Loft is easiest to make your own. Use the variety of chairs we offer or bring your own! The large rolling backdrop is easy to move inside The Loft and can be decorated to your liking! If you rent this space you will also have access to our 10’ dining tables and 20 white folding chairs. We highly suggest photographing in this space in the morning hours especially with the abundance of natural light coming in the AM.

Lower Studio

The Lower Studio is tucked back on the west side of our building and is a more intimate size holding around 1-3 adults. This space is greenhouse inspired! Decorated with terra-cotta pots and plants galore, we hope you are nice and relaxed here! This space is great for photographs, especially in the afternoon hours!

If you still are unsure of which space to rent, please schedule a private tour! We recommend that you rent the entire space (The Loft, Lower Studio and The Edison) if you are planning on recording audio or using Lightbox for videography.

Hope to see you soon!

5 Creative Ways To Use The Loft

Welcome to the Box Blog - your source to see what’s new and happening at Lightbox!

Let’s talk about five creative ways you can use the Loft! This space will be styled with unique furniture and home decor differently every three months, so you have trendy and fresh backdrops throughout the year. Let’s dive in!

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Bridal Shower 

Newly engaged??? It’s time to celebrate! You and your guests will enter the Loft by a beautiful iron staircase. Filled with natural light, sheer white curtains and beautiful white floors, the Loft screams BRIDAL! Bring your own decor or ask to see our prop closet for dishes, runners, florals and more! You can really make the space your own! What style do you prefer? Boho, Modern, Rustic, or Victorian? If you want a unique piece for photo ops, check out The Vintage Rental Company!

Yoga event

Breathe….Inhale…... Exhale…… Calling all yogis for a sunrise, mid-day or sunset yoga class. We believe intimate gatherings help us mentally and emotionally in our professions and personal lives. Interested in hosting a class? Please fill out a contact form!

Pop-up shop

Located right on historic C-Street which is known for its artistic ties, Lightbox is the perfect fit for pop-up shops or craft shows! Use the loft or the entire space to help make your business grow! We will help spread the word about your event on social media! Lightbox has folding tables to use upon request to set up your merchandise.

Photo Sessions

The Loft works fabulously for photo sessions due to the abundant amount of natural light…even on a cloudy day! Furniture and home décor will be changed throughout the year giving you a variety of backgrounds for your clients! Want to mix things up? Feel free to bring your own props to make the space uniquely yours! The 7.5’ rolling backdrop can be used as a reflector or decorated for your shoot! What a better place to beat the cold weather during the winter!

Girls’ night event

Who doesn’t love a girls’ night?! Whether it be a sip and paint event, a Galantines party or even a weekend brunch, the Loft is the place for you! We also have two 10-foot pine-wood dining tables and 24 white folding chairs. Limited luxury seating is available upon request.

Keep in mind, this is just a small list of the endless ways you can use one of our spaces! Not only are we looking forward to meeting you….we are excited to see how you transform the Loft with your own creative touch!