Studio Renovations | {New Market, Maryland Photographer}
Photography Studio in New Market, MD | {Frederick, MD Photographer}
Recently, I wrote a blog post about downtown New Market where my studio and home are, and it made me realize I never told the story of how my studio came to be.
We purchased this property knowing someday, part of this large, rough barn space would become a finished studio. We couldn’t have predicted the journey it would take to get to a functioning, completed space.
Previously a woodworking shed, it underwent a complete renovation (including running water and central air), and it took us over a year for the permitting alone. Thanks to our very talented and persistent general contractor (Clabaugh Construction), we finally had the go-ahead in 2017 to begin.
As you can see in some of the before and afters, we demoed down to the studs in the wall to have proper insulation and drywall. This process was both exciting and nerve-wracking. The anticipation of seeing the space transform kept us going . . . even when I had to take a lot of deep breaths. One of the transformative undertakings was raising the roof to create an area where a bathroom and client-sitting area could be held. This change allowed us to add more functionality to the studio and provide a comfortable experience for our clients.
The renovation was not without its challenges. Getting running water out to the studio for the bathroom was a project in itself. The weather didn't cooperate; mud and snow made the process messy and complicated. However, the determination of our contractor and their team ensured that we overcame these obstacles.
We did take on a few of the projects ourselves, which added a personal touch to the space. The upstairs was on my list to take care of, and boy, was it a "fun" experience. It was quite the undertaking, from hand scrubbing the floors to painting the walls, floors, stairs, and built-ins. It became a true family affair, with my handy husband installing the floors downstairs and shiplap in the bathroom and the kids “helping” with the painting.
With sheer determination and countless hours of hard work, we finished it by the Grand Opening on December 8th, 2018 (in an impressive feat, the exterior walkway and sod were completed in one day, mere days before the event). This date marked the culmination of our efforts and the beginning of a new chapter for the studio.
My ultimate objective for this project was to infuse the space with a warm and welcoming ambiance, and I am truly gratified to say that I think our collective efforts paid off! The studio's rustic charm and modern amenities testify to what can be accomplished when passion and perseverance come together. It is a space that I am proud to call my own and share with my clients.
Enjoy this awesome video put together by my friends over at BDaac Productions! To see more of my studio and what I have to offer, click here.
It is truly remarkable to think that nearly five years have passed since this milestone occurred! Throughout this journey, I have continuously adapted and transformed my studio and workspace to align with my evolving requirements, always striving to streamline operations and enhance my client’s experience and final images.
If you haven't had the opportunity to visit us at Jessica Neumann Photography, I hope that you do soon! I look forward to capturing timeless moments for you and your loved ones. Whether it's a family portrait, a newborn session, maternity, pets, or a high school senior shoot, I pride myself on creating beautiful and cherished memories that will last a lifetime. I hope to see you soon at JNP!