Hello! Are you all still out there?
It feels like absolutely ages since we last caught up with you all. So, what have you been up to?
Well, we’ve certainly been busy. In fact, we’ve probably been busier than we’ve ever been!
If you remember, way back in February we told you that we were moving studio. Well, we’re finally here. Welcome to our new home, our new creative space and, we hope, our forever home for Laycock Photography in Stalybridge.
It has been quite a journey getting here.
From Stockport to Stalybridge
Our old studio was amazing. It gave us a fantastic creative space and holds some lovely memories, but over time we simply outgrew it.
With more and more props, backdrops and our ever-growing collection of beautiful dresses, we were running out of room. It was time to start looking for somewhere that could grow with us.
But where?
Did we stay in Stockport and find another studio? Or was it time to look a little closer to home?
We decided it was time for a fresh start. A new area, a new audience, a new challenge and somewhere we could really put our stamp on the business.
And then we found Stalybridge.
Finding Our New Photography Studio
We started searching for suitable spaces and eventually came across a studio in Cheethams Mill, Stalybridge.
If you asked a photographer to describe their dream studio, this would probably be pretty close to the answer.
It’s a beautiful old stone mill with huge windows, high ceilings and a wonderfully open, characterful space. Most importantly for us, it has loads of beautiful natural light.
When we first viewed it, though, it looked very different!
The space was being used by an engineering company and had been divided into smaller areas. There were huge machines everywhere and, at first glance, it didn’t exactly scream “fine art photography studio”.
But we could see past all of that.
We stood there looking around and started imagining what it could become.
And we both knew.
This was our space.
A couple of weeks later, we had the keys.
Turning an Old Mill into Our Photography Studio
Then came the hard bit!
There was a LOT of cleaning. And when I say a lot, I really mean a lot.
There were endless trips up and down the stairs, packing, unpacking, moving furniture, painting, scraping, wallpapering and laying carpet. Slowly but surely, though, the space began to transform.
What had once been an industrial workspace was becoming our new Stalybridge photography studio.
And now, finally, we’re here.
I’m actually sat writing this from our new reception area, looking out across everything we’ve worked so hard to create.
It feels amazing.
We’ve created somewhere that feels like us.
A warm, relaxed and creative space where we can welcome our existing clients and meet lots of new families from Stalybridge, Tameside and the surrounding areas.
And Then There Was the Wedding…
Of course, moving studio wasn’t the only thing happening!
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Elizabeth.
Hi! 👋
I’m the other half of Laycock Photography.
Most people know Sam. He’s the larger-than-life character who is, quite literally, the Laycock in Laycock Photography!
A couple of years ago, we met and, eventually, Sam proposed to me on Christmas Eve.
It was incredibly romantic and one of the best moments of my life.
So, naturally, we decided to get married in July.
Because why not add a wedding to everything else we had going on?
A studio move, a wedding, a honeymoon… and the six-week school holidays.
Oh, and did I mention that we bought a house too?
Yes.
We did that as well.
(Insert head-in-hands emoji here!) 😂
Our four children have been absolutely amazing throughout everything. They’ve helped us with the move and supported us through what has been a pretty crazy few months, and we’re incredibly grateful for them.
A New Chapter for Laycock Photography
So that’s where we’ve been.
We’ve been the busiest we’ve ever been, but we’re finally here. We’re settled, we’re surrounded by boxes that are gradually disappearing, and we’re ready to start this next chapter.
Our new Stalybridge photography studio is ready.
And we’re looking forward to filling it with laughter, families, beautiful portraits and plenty of new memories.
We’re also planning our opening night, so keep your eyes peeled for details coming soon! 🎃
We’re genuinely excited about becoming part of the Stalybridge community and getting to know more of the wonderful people and businesses around us.
Looking for a Photographer in Stalybridge?
If you’re looking for a professional photographer in Stalybridge and want to create beautiful, timeless portraits of yourself or your family, we’d love to hear from you.
Life has a funny habit of moving incredibly quickly. Children grow, families change and special moments pass us by before we realise it.
That’s why we believe photographs are so important.
Not just something to leave sitting on your phone or hidden away in the cloud, but beautiful heirloom photographs that you can actually hold, display and enjoy for years to come.
So, if you’re thinking about a family photoshoot, children’s portraits or fine art photography in Stalybridge, come and have a chat with us.
Come and Say Hello
Our new studio is at Cheethams Mill in Stalybridge, near the Labour Club.
Pop in for a brew. The kettle is always on!
Come and have a chat about your ideas, meet us, have a look around the new studio and tell us what you’d love to create.
We can’t wait to see all our old clients again and meet lots of new ones.
For now, enjoy those cosy nights that are drawing in.
Sending love,
The new Mr & Mrs Laycock xx