In the Studio with Laura Gattis Photography | Photo Studio Tour

This week we are in the studio with Laura Gattis of Laura Gattis Photography.  Let’s take a look into this naturally beautiful photography studio tour.

Where is your studio located? Tampa, Florida

Is your studio commercial or residential? How many square feet? Commercial, 150 square feet.

Do you use natural light, studio light or both? Natural light, all the way.

How long have you been a photographer?  I’ve dabbled in photography since college (10 years ago) where I used to develop my own black and white film, that is where my passion began. In late 2012 I left my job designing hands-on exhibits for children’s museums and after taking a few months to get everything pulled together, I launched my photography business in January of 2013.

 How did you choose your space? I wasn’t looking and hadn’t planned on having a studio space when it happened (it was a far off dream) – it just kind of fell into my lap. My studio is located in an old cigar building in historic tampa which once housed over 1000 workers and cigar rollers daily. The original brick walls, oddly sized windows and wood floors tell an amazing story, but also posed many challenges as I wasn’t allowed to drill or nail into the brick. There was no central a/c and my space is super tiny (10′ x 15′). The challenges I faced with the space only led to a more authentic and natural feel, which I quickly fell in love with. I have a north facing 8′ tall window that I would have been crazy to walk away from. Shooting in my space is a dream, the lighting so clean and creamy. I’m located at the end of the warehouse where I share an atrium space with other artists, but now mainly other photographers. It’s been amazing connecting and collaborating with them and also having this amazing space to host events and workshops. The icing on the cake would be the original fire escape stairs that lead right up to our gallery space, a freight elevator from the early 1900’s and maybe a few ghost stories. The vibe, the feel, the warmth and authenticity of it all just adds to the experience for my clients. It’s unique and quirky. I’d like to think that I’m unique (and quirky). And I like that.

In three words how would you describe the style and feeling your studio evokes? Raw, Authentic, Natural Beauty.

What type of photography do you specialize in? How has your studio helped you grow your business, if  it has? I specialize in maternity, newborn and family sessions, but my real passion lies in capturing the intimate beauty between a mama and her child. These moments are so sacred and fleeting–capturing that innocence and raw emotion of their connection is something I can never get enough of. It’s beauty is effortless, and capturing it in a natural form is something that makes my heart sing like nothing else.

What is your favourite thing about your studio space? What makes it special to you? The light. The authenticity. You can’t fabricate that, it’s there and knowing I’ve nabbed it makes me feel like one lucky girl.

How do you keep your props organized and ready to use for sessions? Since my space is so small, my wraps and blankets are essentially part of the decor in my studio. I have a Serena & Lily ladder that I use to hold some of my more delicate wraps. I also have a large raw wood shelving display cabinet that I use to display my products as well as stack up my wraps, blankets and cloth nappies. Blankets can also be found laid across the bed, rocking chair and even hanging from a rope-wrapped brass hook on my wall.

You can view Laura’s photography work on her website and follow her on facebook.  Thank you so much Laura for sharing your gorgeous studio!

View more studio tours here!  Shop Baby Joy Studios Props here.