So, what, exactly, is the Rustic Shutter and how it came to be?
Introduction to the Rustic Shutter
A LOT has changed for me in the last three years. I purchased the wooded property beside my home and started clearing it by hand. Boy, oy boy! There were a lot of lessons learned there! It was a challenging process that involved deciding which trees to keep and learning how to remove trees and invasive vines in a way that they wouldn't come back. I had NO CLUE what I was in for. When I say that a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this property it is very literal. This property transformation was an ambitious endeavor driven by my faith that it would materialize into something extraordinary – a photography haven with diverse backdrops all within arm's reach.
The Journey of Transformation
I am proud to say that I now own my own private outdoor studio space, which I affectionately call the Rustic Shutter. As much work as it has been and as many times as I have doubted myself over this entire process, it IS a wonderful thing to own my own private outdoor studio space!
Creating a Private and Photo-Friendly Space
My goal was to create a completely private, entirely photo-friendly interior without external distractions, so I am slowly working on clearing the center of the property while leaving the exterior wooded. Spring and summer offer natural barriers, ensuring privacy during sessions. As autumn and winter approach, the tree trunks stand as guardians against unwanted intrusion. I am still problem-solving to make this area more secluded once the leaves fall.
Empowering Creativity and Client Comfort
Having this property be so close to my home and available to me at any time day or night provides me with freedom and creative experimentation that would be unattainable in rented or public spaces.. Moreover, it offers my clients assurances of an uninterrupted session, untouched by competing photographers or unexpected photo-bombers. This comfort particularly aids in capturing candid moments, especially with shy children.
Innovative Ideas and Expanding Possibilities
Having this outdoor photography studio space at my disposal, I have been fortunate enough to see many of my creative and ambitious ideas come to life. While not every idea has proven successful, I am constantly innovating and seeking ways to enhance my photo backdrops. My mind is always racing with new ideas, and I continuously strive to enhance these areas. This studio has become my playground for exploring new possibilities surrounded by the natural beauty of the surroundings. The diverse scenic options available on the property have enabled me to provide my mini session clients with a multitude of distinctive backdrops, offering them a wider array of choices rather than limiting them to just one specific set.
The Iconic Vintage Truck
I have purchased my very own vintage truck, a 1964 ford pick-up! This truck has quickly become a client favorite at the Rustic Shutter as many of you got your first glimpse of both the Rustic Shutter and the black vintage pickup during my Fall and Christmas mini sessions. Just don’t be surprised if the truck changes color every few years to give my clients a little something new, along with the old. Trends come and go, but I believe that it’s safe to say that vintage is here to stay and the vintage look will not go out of style any time soon. Families and couples have quickly proven they love to incorporate this vintage truck into their seasonal and holiday photos.
As the vintage truck continues to steal hearts and frame memories at the Rustic Shutter, This year I've taken the initiative to elevate the farm aesthetic even further. The journey to capture the full feel of rustic charm during your photography sessions here led to me building a barn wall and adding a wood rack. These new elements not only enhance the farm look and feel that surrounds the vintage truck but also provide a perfect backdrop for capturing timeless moments. The 1964 Ford pick-up has become an icon of nostalgia, and its versatility shines through as it effortlessly adapts to the changing seasons. Just as the truck will evolve with a fresh coat of paint now and then, so does the experience it offers to clients.
Evolution of the Stacked Wood Wall
At first, the stacked wood wall I had attempted to build encountered several setbacks, but with the guidance of more experienced individuals who explained to me how to fix what was going wrong a very secure stacked wood wall backdrop was finally securely constructed. This charming, rustic wall was showcased for my 2022 fall and Christmas mini sessions, proving to be an ideal neutral backdrop that complemented any family's attire, regardless of the season or color scheme. During these sessions, I was able to brainstorm a few ideas, and I plan to incorporate them to make the wall even more impressive for the upcoming 2023 sessions.
The stacked wood wall has been marked by significant transformations as well this year from its initial dimensions of 6 feet in height and 10 feet in width, the wall has undergone an expansion, adding hundreds of pieces of cut wood stretching its width to an expansive 14 feet and its height to a towering 8 feet. Retaining its rustic allure, this adjustment was driven by a desire to accommodate taller individuals and larger families, ensuring that every portrait session held against its backdrop is a seamless blend of aesthetic elegance and functional convenience.
Pursuing the Vision of the Barn Wall
I initially fell in love with the concept and aesthetic of the barn door wall. The initial dimensions, standing at 8 feet tall and 12 feet wide, seemed promising on paper. However, reality set in when I positioned my sizable family couch—measuring 7 feet wide—in front of it. The result wasn't the awe-inspiring visual I had envisioned; rather, it felt a bit constrained. This discrepancy sparked a creative fire within me. With determination, I set my sights on a solution. It became clear that a transformation was necessary to fully capture the essence of this concept.
This summer my handy husband helped with my vision of expansion for the barn wall. This undertaking involved not only increasing its width but also incorporating barnwood, instead of a wall pallet, to heighten its rustic charm. The expansion wasn't merely a numerical change; it was about creating a space that could accommodate families of all sizes while resonating with the inherent warmth of genuine barn architecture. With careful planning and skilled execution, the wall blossomed from its original 12-foot width to an impressive 16 feet. This enlargement not only addresses the spatial challenge posed by larger furniture but also introduces a wealth of opportunities for diverse decoration and creative posing.
Introducing a New Dimension: The Authentic Pallet Wall
As my journey of creative evolution continues, this year marks an exciting milestone with the introduction of an entirely new addition to our portrait session backdrop offerings. I am thrilled to unveil a handmade authentic pallet wall, standing tall at 8 feet and stretching an impressive 16 feet in width. This addition not only showcases the beauty of reclaimed wood but also presents an expansive canvas for capturing moments of timeless charm. This carefully designed backdrop promises to infuse a rustic yet contemporary flair into every photoshoot, providing a captivating setting that effortlessly adapts to diverse themes and artistic visions.
The Rustic Shutter is a definitely a product of hard work, dedication, and my love for photography and offering my clients the very best that I can create. The property was a blank canvas that I transformed into a private, entirely photo-friendly outdoor studio space. It provides my clients with the assurance of privacy and a multitude of scenic options for their mini sessions. The vintage truck and stacked wood wall backdrops have quickly become client favorites, and I am continuously brainstorming new ideas to enhance these areas. I have even added a playhouse for photos of just the little ones! I am excited to see what the future holds for the Rustic Shutter. I love what I have created and I sincerely hope that you all do too!!
Ready to Capture Beautiful Fall Memories?
Book Your Rustic Shutter Fall Mini Session in Grand Blanc Today!
Embrace the beauty of the season and create cherished memories against the backdrop of the Rustic Shutter. My unique outdoor studio space offers a variety of captivating settings, from the iconic vintage truck to the charming wood walls. Whether you're a family, couple, or individual, now is the time to book your fall mini session and experience the rustic charm for yourself. Limited slots are available, so don't wait! Contact me to secure your spot and let's make this fall unforgettable.
This blog is written by Jessica Butterworth, a senior and family photographer at Behind the Shutter LLC in Grand Blanc, Michigan.