When we decided to build a studio on our property, we thought we would have our choice of location and design (since we have 6 acres in the middle of nowhere)…well the powers that be (silly county laws), told us that any home based business HAD to be attached to the home. With left us with 2 options: build a loft OVER the existing garage (super expensive, we soon discovered)…OR, remodel our garage INTO a natural light studio, and build a separate pole barn to serve as our new garage. It definitely wasn’t an easy feat getting my husband on board, but once he realized that I wasn’t going to let this go, he was nothing but awesome! I also think it helped that he was getting sick and tired of being kicked out of the house (with our 3 kids) every time I had a family come over for a session!
After removing the garage doors, adding several walls, and installing a huge 8 ft high window, we now have over 900 sq feet of dedicated studio space. It definitely is not something to enter into lightly…but I’ve been using it for over 3 months now, and it has brought my business to a new level…I finally have room to hang large wall displays, which has really helped people to realize what they can do with their own pictures! My husband and kids are happier too…no more leaving when mommy has a session…they only have 1 rule: when clients are over, stay out of the main level bathroom! The only real downfall…my house has become a total disaster zone. No more scrubbing the kitchen floor before clients come over…nope, I just close the door to the main house, and no one is the wiser ;)
Kelly Klatt Photography
Thanks Kelly for sharing your amazing space! If you have a studio you think should be featured here on Evoking You please shoot me an email at kelsey@evokingyou.com.
xoxo Kelsey
Tags: Kelly Klatt Photography, Studio Inspiration
Great space!
AMAZING! I love it! Question, if you don’t mind me asking, How much did all of the building and renovating cost? Did you guys have to get a loan for it? I am interested in doing something similar to this but it is such a big leap!
love this space!! love the natural light!
Congrats on a dream come true!
So pretty!
Thank you so much for having me Kelsey! I love the inspiration I’ve found in such a short amount of time on your blog! To answer Nickole’s question…I live in Minnesota, so I’m not sure how much it would be in your area…but to completely rennovate my garage (remove the garage doors, add a few walls/windows, etc.), plus build a new pole shed to serve as our new garage…I would say it was close to $35,000. We took out a loan for 35, and have put some more $$ into it (displays, frames, shelving, flooring, etc.). Definitely not a cheap venture, but I know in my heart that it was a wise decision for me and my business…especially since I live in MN and have to stay indoors 5 months out of the year! And the commute to work is AHHH-mazing!
I love, love, LOVE it!!! I’ve dreamed of doing my own studio for a long time. Seeing this post makes me REALLY want to kick that dream into reality. Thank you for sharing!
Man, you’ve got gorgeous space there Kelly! And you ROCK IT! xo
I can only wish….
uhm, WOW!!! What an amazing space:) I am so glad you were showcased. Love your new studio.
Wow. That is beautiful and your decor is fab! Love it!
Kelly,
How in the world did you two get all that done so quickly? Your vision and talent have taken you to the next level, I am in awe of your accomplishments. The studio is very impressive, Love the little couch below the kids picture. GREAT JOB!
What a dream space! One day one day.
Seriously! I would kill to have a space like this! Love Kelly’s work too!
This is so lovely!!!! I love this! Thank you so much for posting this! It is absolutely beautiful! I like the dressing room and changing table! It is so cute and a nice detail to have a dedicate space for that! Nicely done!
leica m9 review…
[...]Photography by Kelly Klatt |Studio Inspiration « Evoking You|Inspiration for your photography[...]…
I am in the process of converting my two car garage into my studio. I have to say, I loved reading your post and looking at all your photos. I have had the hardest time with figuring out the layout and design aspects. Luckily we have a bathroom as SOON as you walk into the house on the left so it’s a perfect prospect for us. My friends and family don’t really seem to understand what we are doing ‘You’re going to convert your garage?! Don’t you realize that you live in New England?!’. Needless to say their lack of support has been disappointing. I don’t think anyone really understands what we are doing until its over and then they say ‘Wow! That’s AWESOME!’. Its hard to complete it too because we have a 2 1/2 year old and a 1 year old. We scramble in between naps and whenever we have a free second. The pace is frustrating but I know we will get there. Thanks so much for sharing this. I have a long road to go down with my own studio but you’ve been so helpful! :)