If there is something I've learned in my eleven years in business is that sometimes you have to take a big leap to move forward.

Now, don't take me wrong. Big leaps are scary... like wake-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night, I-need-a-pep-talk, maybe-check-your-pulse scary. And sometimes, especially at first, there is a little troll in your head always questioning: Is this the right move? What will this look like for your business and your family? Who do you think you are, anyway?

Those questions are okay. Being confident in taking a leap is done by asking questions, doing the research, and honing in on what's really important. And it's with that confidence one can say, "Heck yes! Let's do it."

I've made a few big leaps in my career thus far, but my biggest leap is on the horizon and, you guys, I am SO DARN EXCITED.

The Building Details

As you likely know, I'm currently in the process of purchasing a new build that will house my studio in Fargo.

The building is part of a shop condo project just west of Thunder Road in south Fargo. While I'm sad to be moving my biz out of Moorhead, I'm pumped to be closer to so many of my clients. It's also a super simple location to navigate anyone too (with the bonus of NO TRAINS WHATSOEVER).

In the front of the building, there will be a 945 sq ft natural light studio space with a bank of three large windows facing west and a giant overhead door (and additional window) facing south. There is going to be a whole bunch of light beaming into this space (and my plants are already getting excited).

Towards the back will be the 800+ sq ft "traditional" photography studio (no windows to help control the light), complete with a cyclorama (curved white wall) and plenty of storage.

In addition to the two shooting bays, there will also be a small entrance, office, fitting room, bathroom, and, maybe the most exciting feature of all, a small little coffee bar! (And, yes, I get excited over the tiniest of things).

This new space will help me achieve great things for those I serve and I'm so excited to start creating awesome images in this new location.

With that… introducing Studio Borealis!

Over the last few years, I've been craving the chance to work on something beyond Britta the Photographer. I love my business and my clients (and I can't wait to continue to serve them and grow BTP), but I knew there was more to give.

A Kick-Ass Space...

While it was possible to keep this all to myself, I knew the need for an awesome, space for other fabulous creatives was there.

Let's get real: finding an ideal space for photography is hard. And once you find the space, committing to a multi-year lease, the basic utilities, not to mention the equipment, furnishings, and decor, is such a major investment.

Trust me. I've been there. This will be my fourth location. I remember struggling so hard when putting together my first studio. I didn't have any of the things that made my job easier and didn't have the resources to get them. It would have been so awesome to be able to shoot in a beautiful space with all the things I needed at my fingertips.

This new building will be more than the new home for Britta the Photographer, but a home for other photographers too. Not only will I be accepting a limited amount of "members" to use the space on the regular, but I'll be opening up the space to hourly & daily rentals too. Think Air BnB, but a photography studio.

Exact details on membership and hourly rentals are still in the works.

... with a Kick Ass Community

It's my hope that Studio Borealis will be more than just a photo studio, but a hub of education and community for creatives in the Red River Valley. We all have so much wisdom and light to share, and I'm a believer that the more we know collectively the stronger we all grow.

Along with some awesome get-togethers (a la Fargo Photography Summit for you old timers out there), I'd have a host a bunch of creative classes, from "how to build a website" to "posing basics." Heck, I'd love to host non-photography classes too!

Studio Borealis is set to be completed sometime in June, and there is a lot to work on before the big move-in. Interested in keeping up with the progress? Follow Studio Borealis on Instagram or head on over to the Studio Borealis Website.

In the meantime, if you are interested in what Studio Borealis potentially has to offer, or if you have some great ideas on how you think we could bring this kick-ass photography community together, please send me a note. I’d love to hear from you!

Send me a note!