Advertisement

New business brings fun to photography

Error message

  • Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 133 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to get property 'settings' of non-object in _simpleads_adgroup_settings() (line 343 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 157 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in include() (line 24 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/templates/simpleads_ajax_call.tpl.php).

A ribbon cutting and grand opening for The Lasting Image Fun Photos Studio, at 326 Main St., in McGregor, was held Saturday, Nov. 18. Pictured are McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kristie Austin, building owners Dan Sander and Lynette Sander, Rick and Christine Small (Blood’s parents), Lasting Image photographer and owner Cinnamon Blood and her daughter Megan Domenget and husband Allen Blood. (Photos by Audrey Posten)

Cinnamon Blood, owner of The Lasting Image Fun Photos Studio, poses with her husband, Allen, behind the bar that will serve as a setting for the 1800s photo shoots.

The Lasting Image Fun Photos Studio opens in McGregor

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The Lasting Image Fun Photo Studio is now open at 326 Main St., in McGregor, offering a variety of fun family photo opportunities.

The biggest draw, said photographer and owner Cinnamon Blood, is the 1800s saloon photo shoot, which allows people to belly up to a bar or pose in front of a “saloon,” all while wearing period dress.

“We have a variety of outfits put together,” Blood said. “Who doesn’t like dressing up?”

There’s even a toddler saloon, called the Rockin’ Horse Saloon, that will create unique memories for kids.

The studio is now specializing in the 1800s, Blood shared, but other scenes will be considered too. That could include a scene referencing McGregor’s Scottish heritage, she noted.

“Whatever comes to my mind, whatever people are interested in,” she quipped.

Blood has been an avid photographer for 20 years. For the past four years, she has owned and managed a mobile photography service and a photo booth service. While she’s still available for that, Blood said she wanted to bring her artistic abilities to a studio, as well.

“It’s nice to create a business out of a hobby you enjoy,” she remarked.

Blood, who now lives in Muscoda, Wis., said she was drawn to McGregor by her parents, Rick and Christine Small, who live in Harpers Ferry.

“They knew I was looking for a place with more of a tourist attraction,” she said. “When I found out there was no other photography studio, I thought it was my opportunity to succeed. I feel this community is going to be a nice place for me.”

Lasting Image was originally slated to open over the summer, but the July 19 tornado derailed Blood’s plans.

“Before the tornado hit, we had just finished getting everything set up,” she said.

The Lasting Image building was located next to the former INKspiration Tattoo shop, which was destroyed by the tornado. Although it didn’t suffer the neighboring building’s fate, the front window was blown in and bowed. Bricks, glass and other debris littered the interior, detailed Blood.

“It was a disaster in here,” she said.

Busy contractors meant it was a struggle to set the building to rights. Luckily, said Blood, her landlords, Dan Sander and Lynette Sander, were helpful and supportive. 

Blood’s family was also a big help. Her dad, who has a creative bent himself, did a lot of work creating the studio’s sets, props and other touches.

They were all on-hand Saturday, Nov. 18, as Blood cut the ribbon on her new business and held a grand opening.

In addition to the 1800s photo shoots, The Lasting Image Fun Photos Studio will offer family portraits. A green screen allows Blood to insert unique backdrops behind her subjects. 

Learn more about Lasting Image’s offerings by contacting Blood at (608) 647-0626 or thelastingimage@gmail.com. You can also check out “The Lasting Image Fun Photos Studio” Facebook page.

Blood said The Lasting Image Fun Photos Studio is open Friday through Sunday now, but she is available by appointment during the week. Their hours will expand during the tourist season and when there are special activities around town.

Rate this article: 
No votes yet