Update on the New Studio
The last months have been so insanely busy for our family and the business. That’s why this blog isn’t updated as much as it once was. There are lots of things I want to write about, but I can’t seem to find the time nor the energy. Today I’ll try to make it up to you by writing a little update on the plans for the new house/studio.
We bought our current house about eight years ago. There was some paperwork involved at that time but not nearly as much as we get now. Luckily we can count on the help of the accountant and the bank. But even then, this whole paperwork mountain has been a horror experience for the paperofobian I am. Not even two days go past without a mail or call from the bank, acccountant, … These messages usually tend to eat up at least half a day of my already busy schedule. Incredible how complicated things are in Belgium.
The last weeks things seem to start rolling and it all becomes a bit more real. Since last week I’m not an independent freelance photographer anymore, now I’m the CEO of my own business (where did I leave my tie?). Things are also arranged with the bank and it shouldn’t take much longer before we can finally sign the final documents for the house. My wife Nancy has a painting holiday scheduled for next week. Let’s hope she can actually get started too.
This morning I came to the conclusion that it’s going to be really weird to leave our current house behind. It is after all the place where we lived for more than seven of the most decisive years of our lives. It’s not that we are moving to another country but we’ll still have to build up kind of a new life there. I also have mixed feelings about this new adventure for the kids. One of the main reasons to move was to give the kids more space and a better environment but I also know that Kobe in particular will have some difficulties to adapt. My heart bleeds when I have to have these long conversations with him every few nights about how moving is not a bad thing. Hopefully he can look at it with better feelings once the house has a fresh coat of color and he sees his own cool boys room. I’m sure it will be ok.
Let’s talk about the future studio then. At the moment it’s kind of a barn measuring roughly 12 by 16 meters. That’s a pretty big space already but things get even better when you know that it has two floors for almost the complete surface. The goal is to transform the ground floor into a big open multifunctional space. We’ll have to steal some square meters for restrooms, storage and a small kitchen (or a bar). In the image below you see how it looks now from the second floor. The walls that you can see on the left and on the right will be slammed down.
And here’s an image from the first/second floor. The roof will be replaced by an insulated metal roof with skylights. The left half will be a huge sitting space/lounge area and the ’stage’ you see in the back will be closed off (probably by glass walls) to form my office. That way I only have to heat a small space (that’s still 3x larger than my current office) on cold days when the studio is not in use. On the right you see another slightly higher ’stage’ (about the same size as the future office). I’m not sure what to do with it, so if you have any ideas, let me know.
I’m sure you can tell that we have a lot to do to get the studio up and running by march/april. So don’t be surprised if things are a bit slow on the blog from time to time.
Sweet! Congratulations, Bert. When will it be done so I can rent it?
-DH
It really looks impressive and there is a lot of potential.
Bert,
Looks like a great setup. Congratulations!
It will be tough on the kids but that is usually short term. They will probably adapt quicker than you and your wife, although, right now it doesn’t seem that way.
Say hi to Kobe!
I think I know how Kobe feels about moving to a new place. I am no better when I was young. I can’t seem to adapt to my new house when my family move to a new place. Umm those were the day.
Hopefully Kobe will find his new room exciting
cheers Bert! you have a nice day.
p/s I am so envy your pictures! hahaha so sharp and crystals clear.
Very cool Bert!!!! Congrates on the new space, I’m sure Kobe will love it there after time. So are you changing you biz plan with this new studio? Maybe focas more on one aspect of your photography?
I am so excited for you! I am hopefully on the same path as you, just a few years behind you.
The new local looks to have a lot of potential. Be sure to post photos as you progress in the transformation.
Kobe will be fine after he gets settled in the new house.
Congrats!!!
For me it looks very good. There is a lot to do as You mention, but the final effect will be brilliant. In my imagination I already see Your future studio. I hope that everything will be good.
I love your new space Bert. There appears to be a lot of nice textures for backgrounds. It looks like you should have plenty of room to grow your business. I would make the second stage on the right the lounge/bar sitting area to give you more room for studio space. You could have a cool railing with seating to hold your drinks and overlook everything. The stage doesn’t look as wide as the other space you were speaking of.
Congratulations, I can’t wait to see more photos as you begin working on your new studio.
Congratulations Bert!
Wishing you much luck and prosperity.
Hi Bert,
)
Looks like a nice studio (when it’s all done
Congratulations Bert ! I have moved a lot (15times) and I can imagine how Kobe feels. But as u will be working at home, he will be seeing u a lot.That’s great.
Can’t wait to see the images produced from your studio. Even though it’s a lot of work, it’ll be worth it in the end. Nothing comes without a price.
thanks all
@David H: we’ll be expecting you in april
@David R: I’m not really focussing on another style of photography. I’ll remain basically an on location shooter but I’ll have a cool location available at any time.
The studio will probably allow me to do some more workshops too.
@Sean: my goal is to turn it into a place with lots of backgrounds and lighting situations.
I’m sure Kobe and his sisters will be fine. I just found out that Kobe’s soccer coach makes this huge mural drawings for kids. Wouldn’t that be a nice surprise for Kobe.
Today, we got the keys so I’ll keep you posted about the process.
Good luck with the move and well wishes for your family!
Greetings from Greece
I’ve been following your work for a while now. It’s really good to see that you’re taking the “next” step. Like everyone before me, I wish you all the best
Kind Regards,
Petros