J Michael Photography Co. has a new home at 425 Crockett Street. Owner James Michael LeBlanc says it has been a years-long search to find the right location, but the newly-built out space in a century-old building is just what he has been looking for.
The full rehab of historic 423-427 Crockett Street is almost complete!
“On Set Studios encompasses everything I have envisioned in a studio,” he tells us. The space is street front across from Shreve Station and in the middle of a beautiful and extensive redo of two historic buildings that are living to see a better day.
What a difference some love makes.
His studio boasts high ceilings and an unlimited ability to be whatever the client wants it to be. “Through my own experiences as a photographer, one factor that has always been equally beneficial and necessary, is having the ability to manipulate my shooting environment to my own taste.” LeBlanc says On Set will create the same set design processes you see on film projects, allowing him to capture a specific kind of feel and look in a setting that can reflect his customer’s vision.
On Set Studios can offer a variety of backgrounds and ‘feels.’
Need some help in tailoring that vision? LeBlanc has a variety of “set” pieces- textures, backgrounds, props, furnishings, and textiles- all of which will be bathed in professional lighting.
But LeBlanc has bigger plans for the space than just the studio. “As we move forward, we will have small events that celebrate the culture of photography – like galleries, and possible learning based initiatives within the creative realm. We’re also working on partnerships with other local creatives and artists to bring an elevated experience to our clients through their own unique works.”
James Michael LeBlanc prefers to keep his photography, event planning and publishing businesses downtown. He also loves living downtown!
LeBlanc is nothing if not a downtown champion. He has had a studio for almost 6 years in another downtown location, and there was no doubt that his new studio would remain in the city’s urban core. Being able to find prime street front footage was a definite plus.
“I can’t put a number on the amount of times a client has told me how the studio and location makes them feel like they are big time in New York or some other commercially popular artistic hub. These days, you don’t just have to have a good product, you have to give an experience. The downtown project for me, has been a successful one and has opened the door to now grow that concept in new exploratory ways.”
Our congratulations to James Michael on his vision, his hard work and his growing businesses, all of which serve to make downtown a more creative, exciting, opportunity-filled place.
