It looks like the space I applied for is going to be mine! It took some negotiation to get the remodeling done that I wanted, but it seems like we've come to an agreement that works for everyone. Now I just have to wait for them to get to work...
Now that I know it's going to work out, I can tell you about it without jinxing it. It's a 943 square foot space on the second floor of a newer building in the industrial park a few minutes from my house. The building itself is nothing exciting, but it's clean, well-maintained, and I get a sign over the door, which is nice. 
Here is a picture of the building, but my name isn't really there yet, I just wanted to see how it would look. (I'm a bit of a geek, I know.)
It is basically one main room with two large offices, but I asked them to tear down the wall between the two offices and wall up one of the doors, so I'll end up with two rooms. The front room will be where I meet with clients to prepare for our session, and also where I'll show slide shows of their session and take their orders. The back room with the big windows will be my studio where I actually do the photo sessions. I'll be able to use natural light or work with my studio lights, which will be nice.
Here is the layout after the remodel is done. It will have a space for me to package prints, frames, etc., and a place in the front room for a small play area for the kids so they'll have something to do while mom and dad are watching the slideshow and placing their order. There are some cabinets near the top wall where I can have snacks, coffee, juice, water, etc., and just behind that wall, next to the bathrooms, there is just enough room for a changing table so there is a nice clean place for diaper changes.
Here are some photos of the actual space. The first one is what you see when you come up the stairs. How do you like that yellow? I think it looks particularly nice with the dark gray carpet. One of the doorways and and both of the glass panels will be replaced by a wall. As much as I like the natural light that the glass panels provide, the idea of all that glass at kid level is a little too scary for me!
The second picture is taken from that far corner where the previous tenant thoughtfully left behind a giant poster of Elvis. This angle shows the rest of the front room, the bathroom, and the cabinets. I think the only thing better then the bright yellow is when you mix it with bright green and blue. A fresh paint job and new flooring were the first items on my negotiation list!
Now that I've got the space, I need to finish my final floorplan, shop for furniture, select prints to go on the walls and come up with displays for them. (Any interior designers out there looking for a barter for portraits?)
I've also found just the right graphic designer to help me whip my branding/marketing/packaging into shape. We met the other day to discuss my business goals and see what she could do for me. Her work is wonderful, and I felt like she understood what I was looking for and how to get me there. I can't wait to see what she comes up with!
It's all very exciting stuff. I'll keep you posted!
I am having so much fun proofing this session! Ava was so expressive, and she loved all of her outfits so much. It's funny how much I love doing these tutu sessions, given that my shooting style is so simple, with no props, lots of close-ups, and clean, solid backgrounds. I'm so thankful that I was blessed with a daughter who loves the girly stuff so much, or I never would have discovered how much fun a tutu could be!
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