The Arlen Studio: Unedited

In this episode, we welcome our first guest to the podcast, Arlen Studio member Christine Harris. What unfolds is exactly what this space was built for—honest conversation, shared experience, and a deeper look at what it means to build a creative life at any stage.Christine shares how she found photography later in life, beginning with a simple desire to learn her camera and unexpectedly stepping into portraiture. What started as photographing flowers quickly evolved into gallery work, community involvement, and ultimately international artist residencies.We talk about her experience attending a residency in France, where she spent two weeks immersed in a creative environment alongside other artists. She shares how being fully removed from daily responsibilities and surrounded by creative energy shifted her perspective and deepened her work. She also gives a glimpse into what’s next, including an upcoming residency in Tuscany.The conversation moves into the reality of building a photography business—something that rarely matches the creative dream. We discuss the challenges of marketing, the isolation that can come with this work, and the importance of having a supportive community. This is where The Arlen Studio comes in, as a space designed to bring photographers together in a way that feels collaborative rather than competitive.We also dive into passion projects and the role they play in creative fulfillment. Christine shares her ongoing “50 Women” project, a portrait series centered on connection and storytelling. We also talk about our own projects—exploring motherhood, legacy portraits, and creating meaningful experiences for subjects beyond the final image.Throughout the episode, we reflect on different learning styles, the value of observing other photographers, and the idea of bringing more education into the studio through future speaker series and live demonstrations.As always, the conversation takes a few unexpected turns, touching on everything from creative instincts to personality dynamics, and what it really looks like to balance art, business, and life.This episode is a reminder that there is no single path into photography. Whether you are just starting out or stepping into a new chapter, there is space to grow, create, and build something meaningful.About the Guest Christine Harris is a portrait photographer whose work is rooted in storytelling and connection. Her background spans creative pursuits, community arts involvement, and a deep appreciation for the human experience, all of which inform her approach to photography.Website: https://www.bychristineharris.com Blog feature: https://www.bychristineharris.com/blog/the-women-of-the-arlen-studioAbout the Podcast The Arlen Studio: Unedited offers an honest look at creativity, business, and the realities of building a photography career. Each episode blends conversation, insight, and real experiences from behind the scenes.

The Arlen Studio PodcastEverything you need to know about booking your sessionWith Michelle, Natalia & MeganIn this episode, the three of us finally sit down and walk you through exactly how booking at The Arlen Studio works — from finding the link to showing up on shoot day. Whether you're brand new to the studio or thinking about becoming a member, this one's for you.What we coverWe break down our two booking options — hourly rentals and memberships — and explain the real difference between them. Members get early access, a 15-minute grace period before and after every session, advance booking privileges, and better pricing on additional hours. Hourly clients get a seamless, turnkey experience with everything they need ready to go.We go through all three membership tiers: our Natural Light membership ($275/month, 4 hours, natural light rooms only), our Full Studio membership ($450/month, 6 hours, full access including the getting-ready and changing spaces), and our Top Tier ($800/month, 12 hours, full studio plus your own branded sign on the wall and a dedicated storage shelf). We also cover the 4-hour package available for photographers who aren't ready for a monthly commitment.For hourly rentals, the natural light rooms are $85/hour, the warehouse alone is $100/hour, and the full studio exclusively is $150/hour. Booking 8 or more hours? You get 20% off — and yes, that applies to events too.We walk through the booking flow step by step: setting up your profile in the app, selecting your time (please account for setup and breakdown!), the confirmation email, the furniture catalog we send two days before your session, and what to expect when you arrive. There's always someone on-site to greet you and help get your space set up exactly how you want it.We also talk through our add-ons — behind-the-scenes session photography ($150/session), a photography assistant ($50/hour) — plus our maternity and motherhood gown rental closet, our canvas and paper backdrop collection, newborn room supplies, and all the lighting gear available in the warehouse.Oh, and we may have mentioned once or twice that we are fully booked this weekend. First time ever. We're a little excited about it.A few things to rememberBook enough time — always include load-in and load-out, especially on busy weekends.Reply to the furniture catalog email the night before so we can have your space ready when you arrive.If something you want is in our storage unit, let us know by the night before — it opens at 7 AM and we can grab it for you.Members get booking access up to 3 months in advance. Holiday weekends fill up fast.After your session, we'd love a review — and don't forget your mirror selfie and tag us!Links & resourcesBook your session or learn more at The Arlen Studio website. Find us on Instagram and DM us anytime — there's also a chat feature inside the booking app if you have questions before or after your shoot.Thearlenstudio.comInstagram - @thearlenstudio

✨ Episode SummaryIn this episode, Natalia, Michele, and Megan take you behind the scenes of The Arlen Studio’s grand opening brunch—a dreamy, Bridgerton-inspired celebration that brought together photographers, friends, and family to experience the space for the first time.From last-minute décor decisions and floral overload (yes, there is such a thing) to croissant towers, champagne, and sisterhood moments on the studio floor, this episode captures the heart of what The Arlen is all about: community, creativity, and building something beautiful together.

🎙 Episode — Behind the Scenes at The ArlenBeauty Campaigns, Studio Growth & What’s NextWe’re back — and catching you up on everything happening behind the scenes at The Arlen.After a little break, the three of us (Natalia, Michele, and Megan) are back on the mic talking through what’s been going on inside the studio — from our first full beauty campaign production to the growing pains (and wins) of building something bigger than just a rental space.What We’ve Been Working OnWe recently wrapped one of our first large-scale beauty campaign shoots at The Arlen, led by Megan — and let’s just say… it was a lot (in the best way).We’re talking: • Full production days • Models, makeup artists, lighting setups • 10-hour shoot days • Multiple setups and moving partsHonestly, it felt like shooting multiple weddings back-to-back — but inside our own space.It pushed us creatively, logistically, and operationally — and gave us a really clear vision of what this studio is becoming.Real Talk: What We’re ImprovingWith that kind of production comes a lot of learning.We’re constantly asking: 👉 How can the space work better? 👉 How can we support bigger productions?Some of the upgrades and ideas we’re working through: • Creating more dedicated shooting space • Investing in a heavy-duty boom for larger lighting setups • Improving the makeup / prep area • Better flow between rooms during multi-set shoots • Making the space easier to use for teamsWe’re building this in real time — and bringing you along with us.The Power of Behind-the-Scenes ContentOne thing that really stood out during this shoot was how valuable behind-the-scenes content is.Not just for marketing — but for storytelling.Showing the process, the chaos, the creativity — it adds so much depth to what we do and gives clients a better understanding of the production side of things.Also… we may have fallen a little in love with shooting BTS on Fuji 👀What’s Coming Up at The ArlenWe’ve got a lot in the works — and we’re really excited about what’s ahead.✨ Bridgerton-Inspired Open HouseWe’re planning a fully styled open house event (yes, think Bridgerton vibes) to bring the community together and showcase what the studio can do.👉 Listen to the episode for a little discount drop 👀📖 The Arlen Coffee Table BookWe’re brainstorming a larger creative project — a cohesive coffee table book featuring local creatives.This would include: • Portrait sessions • Personal interviews • A deeper look into the creative community around usSomething meaningful, collaborative, and lasting.🎤 Workshops & Speaker SeriesWe’re also exploring a fall speaker / masterclass series — bringing in photographers and creatives to teach, connect, and share knowledge.Education is a huge part of what we want The Arlen to be.Growing as a TeamWe also talk about what it’s like working together — finding our rhythm, building our brand as a trio, and figuring out how each of us fits into the bigger vision.There’s something really special about building a women-led creative space that supports collaboration instead of competition.What’s NextWe’re heading into a season of growth, learning, and a lot of experimentation.We’re also planning to attend: • Imaging USA • WPPI in Las Vegas…to continue learning, connecting, and bringing new ideas back to The Arlen.Let’s Keep the Conversation GoingWe love hearing from you — what do you want us to talk about next?Send us a message, submit questions, or come be part of the conversation.

Join us for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about the real cost of becoming a photographer.In this episode, Natalia, Michele, and Megan dive deep into everything no one talks about—the hidden expenses that come with building a photography business. From gear and lenses to subscriptions, websites, client management systems, studio needs, camera bags (yes… multiple), and all the little things that quietly add up.Whether you’re just starting out or already in the industry, this episode offers a transparent look at what it truly takes to invest in your craft and grow sustainably.If you’ve ever wondered “What do I actually need to get started?”—this one’s for you.Www.thearlenstudio.comhttps://www.instagram.com/thearlenstudio/

Here is our update for the studio! For those of you interested in learning about how its going!

In this episode, Natalia and Michele dive into the realities of newborn photography—what it takes to do it well, why safety and education matter, and how they’re turning years of hands-on experience into newborn workshops at The Arlen Studio.Michele shares how she found her way into the newborn niche, why it’s much harder than it looks, and what helped her grow (including extensive training, mentorship, and constant practice). The conversation breaks down what photographers truly need to succeed: a camera and lens that allow you to work safely and efficiently, a strong understanding of newborn handling and workflow, and the confidence that comes from guided, hands-on education.They also discuss ideal timing for newborn sessions (and why mornings often work best), navigating sessions with siblings, the value of documenting parents with baby even when they “don’t feel ready,” and why newborn photography is a true luxury investment—for both the client experience and the photographer’s cost of doing business.Finally, they touch on editing newborn skin (a skill all its own), learning resources, and what’s coming next on the podcast—like pricing, cost of doing business, and how to start a photography business.Extra: We’ll be sharing photos from our early work in the show notes so you can see how far growth + education can take you.Where we started - www.thearlenstudio.com/blog/wmjxkjbeaffmls1i49ff2skivne36zFollow Michele’s work: • Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/collecting.beautiful.moments/Website/Portfolio: https://www.michelepanizphotography.com/Follow Natalia / Lavender & Honey: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavenderandhoney_photography• Website: https://lavenderandhoneyphotography.comThe Arlen Studio: • Website: https://www.thearlenstudio.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/THEARLENSTUDIONewborn Workshop Info + Booking: • Workshop page: https://www.thearlenstudio.com/open-houseEmail us: • [email protected] • [email protected] us: • Instagram DMs: https://www.instagram.com/THEARLENSTUDIO

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most requested topics inside The Arlen Studio: studio lighting.We’re breaking down the differences between strobes, speed lights, and constant lighting, when to use each one, and why understanding light is the foundation of confident, professional photography.Whether you’re brand new to studio work or you’ve been shooting for years but still feel unsure adjusting light settings, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of The Arlen Studio: Unedited, we sit down with Megan Blomqvist of Blomqvist Creative. Megan is a commercial beauty photographer who also specializes in family documentary sessions, blending polished imagery with real-life storytelling.We talk about balancing two very different photography worlds, building a brand that allows for creative freedom, and staying true to your voice while serving a wide range of clients. An honest conversation about growth, intention, and creating work that feels aligned.https://www.tuttleblomqvistdesign.com/photographyhttps://www.blomqvistcreative.com/

Join us for some behind the scenes stories on how we manage to build out the studio. The failures and the successesWith Natalia Allen of Lavender and Honey Photography and Michele Paniz of Collecting Beautiful MomentsThearlenstudio.com

Take a look at our studio, meet Natalia from Lavender and Honey Photography and Michele Paniz from Michele Paniz Photography.We go into depth about who we are, how motherhood has changed us, how we started and where we are now.

Why did we decided to build The Arlen Studio, why now and what its like to start publicly before we open.