Kevin Weinstein Photography Studio Open House

In early 2009, I felt itchy and needed a change to my business identity and web site.  Knowing I am a better photographer than graphic/web designer, I decided to hire a talented team of people to do the work for me.  Cococello, Code 72 and Inkwell Marketing started from the ground up and built me an entirely fresh, new identity and voice for my business.

No less than a month after we completed the overhaul, I signed a lease on the new studio space in February of 2010.  

The entire 1.5 years leading up to today proved to be the most challenging time of my life, both personally and professionally.  I couldn't let my clients know I was stressed, tired from working 12 to sometimes 20 hour days, 7 days a week, month after month and distracted by my emotions.  It took every ounce of energy to run my business smoothly, and without error, as well as provide stellar art for my clients.     

While the opening of the studio marks the last step in the process, it also is a celebration of my freedom from distractions and my return to focusing on what my business is about: wedding photography.  I might just find working 10 hour days, 6 days a week easier than before this all began.  

I am giddy and excited about moving myself out of my home, and into a space that is mine.  Nearly 25 years ago when I started photographing, I never thought it would be possible to have my own commercial space.   Having spent many years working for 9 newspapers throughout the United States, and moving into wedding photography nearly a decade ago, this has to be one of the most notable times of my life.

I am thrilled my family flew from San francisco and Vegas to celebrate with me.  I don't think I have ever needed them present and by my side like this ever before.  Thank you for being here to witness the most special moments of my life.  

I also need to thank, one last time, the crew involved who built me an incredible business identity and studio.
 
Deb Pang Davis of Cococello for the identity overhaul, fully customized web site and marketing collateral.  Deb is brilliant, an expert and a goddess.

John Knotts of Code72 for his incredible, meticulous coding of my web site.  His brain is not normal.  And that's a good thing.

Lindsay Berger from Inkwell Marketing for the incredible copy on my web site and marketing materials.  Lindsay took a 1-hour phone conversation and created every word on my site as if it were coming from my own mouth.  I still call on her often.

Libby & Patrick Castro from LP/w Design Studios for designing my dream studio furnished with mid-century goodness.  Give these two some cash, and they will spend every dime in the right direction.  Your vision, help and shoulder during every little panic attack is appreciated.  I love you both.

And Brian Poslter and his partner from 360 Interior Design / Build Firm for the incredible buildout of the woodwork in the studio.  If you call these guys the construction crew, you will get an earful.  And if you saw the wood walls in the studio, you will clearly see they are artists with power tools.  

Thank you.  Seriously.  You all did a fantastic job.  You have made me very happy and proud.

Also, a huge thank you to the following people for making the opening a huge success.

Florist: Scarlet Petal
Sweets: Tipsy Cake
Catering: Cucina Pazza
Photography: Joseph Kang
Video: Poetic Productions
Planning: Ali Phillips
DJ: Toast & Jam