Studio Profile

Simply Canvas is proud to announce the April Studio of the Month, Allison Rodgers Photography. Husband and wife team, Jeff and Allison did not begin their careers in photography, but always had a creative background and a love for photography.
           
Allison graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphics Design and Photography in 1997. She immediately began working for the Memphis advertising scene as an art director. She spent a great deal of time looking at photographers’ work and deciding which ones she would hire for specific jobs. She said her job helped her to develop her own personal style of shooting. 

While working as an art director, she met her future husband, Jeff, who was also an art director. Allison said she truly believes the time she and Jeff have spent in the areas of design, marketing and advertising has shaped their business and helped turn it into a success.
           
Allison and Jeff’s studio is what most people would call a “boutique studio”.  Allison is the photographer and Jeff is the art director, putting various design elements into their images. They mostly photograph babies, families and seniors. They do some weddings, but limit themselves to two weddings a month so they can focus on the portrait side of their business and spend time with their family.
           
Allison said her and Jeff love to create custom images and pieces for their clients. When they meet with a client, they ask questions about the color, layout and style of their home; because they want to tailor their image to fit exactly what the client is looking for. They act as interior designers for their clients.
           
Allison said in almost every session, they sell a canvas from Simply Canvas. She said their clients love the product. “It has a timeless look about it, and the simplicity lets them focus on the image.”
           
They began using Simply Canvas in April of 2007, after receiving numerous mailers and decided to try Simply Canvas out. She said she loves the depth of the canvas and the custom sizes. When she designs for a specific place in a client’s home, standard sizes do not always work, which is one of the reasons she loves using Simply Canvas. She said the color and quality are amazing and thinks the customer service is great.
           
Allison said the best way to market canvases is to show them. Having multiple sizes so clients can see how several pieces work together really helps them visualize the final product. “When you walk into our studio and we have a 60x40 over the couch, several 27x40’s, and then groupings that consist of 2- 8x10s, 2- 10x14’s and a 24x24- clients can instantly say, ‘I want something like that!’” She also takes the canvas off the wall and lets her clients hold them and see the quality.

A gratifying moment for Allison was when one of her client’s ordered a wall of seventeen canvases.  It was designed to go into her new home, which was in the process of being built. When the canvases arrived, she couldn’t wait until her new home was finished. Allison helped her reconfigure a design to hang down the staircase in her current house.  She was so excited and wanted to start enjoying them right away.
           
Allison and Jeff are the perfect example of using design elements in their photography and canvases.  By asking questions and getting the feel of the design for each of their client’s homes, they are not just taking a picture; they are creating a work of art. Congratulations Allison and Jeff on being Simply Canvas’ April Studio of the month!

Visit Allison and Jeff's website to learn more about their studio.