Studio Tour | Quad Cities Outdoor Wedding Photographer

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Whew. It seems like forever ago that I opened the studio. On the other hand, it feels like yesterday. It’s been in the makings for over a year. I met with a retired entrepreneur last January and we devised a business plan that would allow for a studio. I’m so thankful for his help. I knew I wanted to have a storefront studio so there was an actual place for my clients to meet for consultations, hold awesome events (one is coming up next month, by the way) and for capturing babies under 1. We also knew that we would be moving back to Geneseo and the Quad Cities because we really missed our home. Last April I checked out several places and then fell in love with this space. It’s actually pretty ironic that I ended up in the building.

Here’s a little back story. When we moved to Geneseo in 1988, my mom found this amazing quilt shop downtown. She’s an avid quilter if you didn’t know. She quickly became friends with the owner and started working there. Well, here actually, in this building. Over the next 13 years, the shop had changed hands a couple of times. The last owner didn’t market very much and quickly lost business and it eventually closed. There the building sat. It was quite ugly actually. Matted down dark brown (with wear marks) burber carpet. Icky dark wood paneling. A creepy long hallway that led to a teeny, tiny bathroom. I remember it very well. I spent a lot of time in that building. In fact, I was in the Geneseo Victorian Walk live window in that building each year until I was in 6th grade. Then when I was in high school, I babysat for a gal who lived on the second floor. I’m telling you I spent a LOT of time in this building.

Fast forward to 2001ish. The building sat empty for years. In 2004, a realtor and her husband bought the building and gutted it down to the studs. They re-drywalled the entire place, gave it a HUGE facelift, changed the layout and made each floor commercial. Then the building sat empty again. There have been a few random stores in here but not for very long. Then last April, I took a peek in the window and saw how GORGEOUS the space had become. It was nothing like it used to be. I had to have it! I had heard that the telephone company owned it. It just so happens that one of my clients worked there. So I sent her an email that night asking who I would speak to about renting it. Little did I know that her husband is the general manager of the phone company. Who knew? It was fate I tell you, fate! We met up and I FELL IN LOVE! We signed the contract in August and had our first client in here in October. So, I’m a little slow getting this post up…..whoops! I could not be happier. This place is a dream. A dream come true! Take a peek my brand spankin’ new studio!

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Sarah Sunstrom Photography specializes in outdoor wedding, family, newborn, baby, engagement and family photography in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas including but not limited to Davenport, IA, Bettendorf, IA, Moline, IL and Geneseo, IL.

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  1. That is absolutely gorgeous. And very perfectly you!! 🙂

  2. Ali Rockwell says:

    It is SO pretty Sarah! How awesome!

  3. Kelsey Smith says:

    LOVE this space and what you made your own!!! So beautiful!!! Hope to one day get my family photographed with you!

  4. JAW on the Floor-beautiful!

  5. Ingrid says:

    LOVE everything about this Sarah!! It was meant to be yours!! You make it feel so soft and cozy, I just want to stay in there!! Love it all around!!! Thank you for sharing!

  6. So beautiful and inspiring, thanks for sharing!

  7. Nicole says:

    Simply STUNNING! <3

  8. I want to come live in your studio – stunning!!!!

  9. Can I come love in it?!? Please! This is absolutely gorgeous and I’ve always been obsessed with burlap and lace. Holy crap I’m so in awe!

  10. Galicia says:

    Holy Hannah! Amazingly gorgeous!!!!!!!!! I love it!!!!!

  11. Cris Passos says:

    Beautiful, now I have a studio envy 😉

  12. What a fantastic studio space!

  13. Lori Vieth says:

    WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You hit that spot on!! Absolutely dreamy!

  14. Liz says:

    Shut UP!!! Perfect down to every detail. You’re so right! What a dream!!!! Beautiful, Sarah!

  15. Sarb Glaze says:

    Absolutely stunning!

  16. Jen says:

    What a beautiful space!! I am in LOVE with the building! SWOON!!

  17. Nicole Gulick says:

    What a gorgeous space loved the story sounded like fate! Congrats!

  18. Anna says:

    That is a wonderful story! It was meant to be! I adore how you’ve put your stamp on the space. It’s so you! Gorgeous spot to showcase your beautiful work! Congrats!

  19. Denise says:

    What a beautiful studio. A wonderful story how you have come full circle. Continued success for you and your studio!

  20. Julie P says:

    So pretty! Just amazing girl!

  21. It is FABulous. Amazing job, Sarah. It’s beautiful.

  22. Jenni says:

    It is absolutely beautiful, you did a wonderful job!!

  23. Dan Zepeda says:

    Wow amazing studio. great story of full circle of life events. Congratulations Sarah!

  24. Trish says:

    where on earth did you find that wooden shelving unit holding all your props and blankets?! It’s STUNNING and I need one in my studio!!

  25. Heather says:

    I’m in love with that shelving unit! I need it for my kiddos playroom, where did you find it?!?! Gorgeous studio, best of luck and enjoy!!

  26. ruth damico says:

    I also love the wood shelving unit holding all the props. I was curious if you made it or purchased it somewhere. Thanks!

  27. Lyndsey says:

    Oh my word, this is STUNNING! we are currently building a farmhouse and I would love to know the lavander paint color you used. It’s absolute perfection. Thank you so much!

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