Studio Five grand opening promotional poster for first Friday event with $100 gift card giveaway at Commerce Building 393 Water St.

Having my own creative space was part of my five-year plan. But life had other ideas, and somehow, the stars aligned way sooner than I expected! It all came together when Rose from Community Futures connected me with Laura from Ashburnham Realty. One look at this stunning space in the historic Commerce Building, and I just knew—this was it. The character, the charm, the creative energy… I couldn’t pass it up. And just like that, my creative space was here!

Day one

Empty room with wooden floors, two windows with dark curtains, and bare light fixtures hanging from white ceiling.
Enthusiastic person wearing leopard print coat and glasses poses excitedly in empty room with painted gray floor.

It all started with a vision — a space where creativity could flow freely, and where I could not only capture memories for my clients but also support fellow artists and photographers. Before I even got the keys, I spent countless hours dreaming about how I could transform a blank space into something truly special.


The day I finally got the keys was surreal. I couldn’t wait to step into my new studio space and see what I could do with it. There was so much potential, and I was excited to get to work making it my own.

The Importance of Being Downtown: Connecting with the Community


One of the key reasons I chose to open my space in the heart of downtown Peterborough is the incredible sense of community here. Being part of this vibrant area means I’m surrounded by other small businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs who share a passion for supporting one another and growing together.

For me, it’s about more than just having a physical space for photography — it’s about fostering connections and collaborations with fellow small business owners. Downtown Peterborough is filled with a diverse group of people who are committed to making this city thrive, and I’m so proud to be part of that.

Having my studio downtown allows me to be easily accessible to clients and gives me the opportunity to work closely with other businesses. Whether it’s popping into a nearby café, working with local event planners, or partnering with other creatives, being in this community provides endless opportunities for growth and inspiration.

I truly believe that small businesses are the heartbeat of a city, and by being downtown, I’m not just growing my business — I’m contributing to the overall vibrancy of Peterborough. I’m excited to see what the future holds and how Studio 5 can be a part of this incredible creative ecosystem.

The first big project? Painting the door! I wanted to create a welcoming, personal space that felt like “home” the moment you walked in. The color was carefully chosen to reflect the warm, inviting energy I want Studio 5 to embody. It’s amazing how a simple coat of paint can bring so much character to a space.

One of the most exciting moments was installing my logo decal on the window. It’s a big step — a visual representation of all the hard work and passion that went into building this studio. It felt like the final touch in making the space officially mine.

White door with silver apartment number and doorbell panel in a modern hallway with light walls and gray flooring.
A hand holding out pink paint color swatches fanned against a white paneled door.
Person with long brown hair and glasses painting a white door frame while wearing a black off-shoulder top.
Someone with long blonde hair in a black sweater writes on a door frame with pink trim using a marker.
A pink painted door with white trim displays text on frosted glass and has a transom window above.

Out with the old and in with the new!


One of the first upgrades I made to this space was getting rid of the old, bare bulbs in the ceiling. I wanted to create a more inviting and polished atmosphere, so I installed brand new, beautiful light fixtures that not only brighten the space but also add a personal touch! I am so happy with them!

A minimalist modern light fixture with two white bulbs mounted on a diagonal pole against a white ceiling.
Two modern pendant lights with simple industrial-style shades hang from a white ceiling above a room corner.

Moving Furniture in

Of course, a studio isn’t complete without some key pieces of furniture. I moved in a mirror, ottoman, and stool to give the space a comfortable, functional vibe. It was a lot of work, but seeing everything come together made it all worth it.

Arched window in white room with leaning mirror and stacked white cushions creating soft natural lighting.
A bright room with white walls features an upholstered chair, ladder, and arched window casting dramatic shadows on the floor.

What’s Next: Wardrobe, Carpet, and Curtains!

There’s still more to come — including a wardrobe, carpet, and curtains. These final touches will bring even more warmth and coziness to the space, making it the perfect environment for photo sessions, collaboration, and creativity. I am so excited to continue making changes to the space and to making it perfect for what I need!

Grand Opening!


On Friday, May 2nd during the First Friday Art Crawl, I will be hosting a grand opening of this new space! I would love for you to be there to celebrate with me! The Studio 5 Grand Opening is an evening full of fun, creativity, and community:

Ribbon Cutting at 7 PM

Photobooth fun

Enter to win a $100 Boro Gift Card

Tour the space and see some of my portrait photography

Enjoy light refreshments and great company!

When: Friday, May 2, 6–10 PM

Where: Studio 5 – 2nd Floor, Commerce Building, 393 Water St, Peterborough


This space isn’t just for me; I envision it becoming a creative hub for fellow artists, photographers, and creators. I can’t wait to see you there and share this new chapter with all of you. Let’s make it a night to remember! See you at Studio 5 on May 2nd! 🎉