taking a look back at the studio in 2025
Thanksgiving is the time of year when we often reflect on what we’re thankful for. I had high hopes for this year at Raccoon Creek Creative Studio, feeling poised to take the next step in my business. I was finally able to get my studio rental rates to a place that I felt was still fair but also affordable for my photography clients. I also got the studio listings up on both Peerspace and Giggster. Being a photography studio close to a major city like Philadelphia means there are lots of other studios to compete with. I found a product called SEOSpace that has been helping me optimize my Squarespace website for better SEO. So although the year started slowly with economic uncertainty for many people, things finally settled, and studio bookings returned to a normal level.
Once things stabilized, we decided it was time for some studio improvements. We added a third seamless backdrop wall mount, for a total of nine rolls in the main space. The stairs finally got painted to brighten up the space and also became another shootable area. My friend James brought a set of Govee Curtain Lights for a cool LED feature; it can do everything from a solid color to displaying video game animations or uploading graphics like a logo. The final touch was a vintage corner couch that is not only functional and stylish but also adds another interesting prop for photography.
We had tons of amazing freelance touring models come through this past year as well. I think it’s the most we’ve had in any year since the studio opened in 2019. In addition to the great American talent we host, we also expanded our international model studio events. I was thrilled to welcome back some of our favorite models from Italy, including Giulia Biagioli, Lady Marusia, Kristina Kiwifree, and my top wishlist model, Sadie Gray. From the Czech Republic, we welcomed back the amazing Veronika LaVery and Tereza. A new face from the Ukraine, Yara Viken, and our favorite French model, Sandrah. We also tapped into a new talent pool from Poland for the first time with the amazing models Kate Ri, Paulina Pastel and Monika Wsolak. Hopefully they’ll be back—and let their friends know about our studio events for international models.
One thing that amazes me is how photographers travel from places like New York City, Maryland, Virginia, and many other locations hours away to come here. There are photographers in New York City who will travel to shoot here with international models who are also in New York City because they love our space so much. I’ve often heard that there aren’t many spacious and affordable studio options in cities like New York and Philadelphia. And when there are, they are often à la carte, so you have to pay not just for the space but also for backdrop paper, strobes, constant lights, Pocket Wizards, and just about everything else. I’m proud that my studio rentals are all-inclusive, so you can use all of my strobes, constant lights, video lights, light modifiers, triggers, and more. It’s also safe here, with no crime, ample parking, and a beautiful location right on the creek for amazing outdoor photography opportunities.
So yeah, I have a lot to be thankful for this time of year at the studio. If you haven’t booked here yet, come by for a studio tour—I’d be happy to show you around! Shoot me a message.
Kristina Kiwifree upstairs in Studio A, incredible model and collaborator.