How's Business?
Loop Art & Photo Space has official passed the 6 month mark and our customer feedback just keeps getting better and better.
Starting a small business in the current financial situation was always going to be difficult and boy oh boy have there been times where things have been incredibly tough. At times it’s felt like everything that could be thrown was hurled at us all at once.
It’s super easy for me to focus on the battles we’re enduring but with this piece, I want to express my gratitude for all you amazing friends & customers that help keep the stoke high.
Monthly Photo Walks in the Dandenong Ranges
The monthly Loop photo walks have been growing well. What started as a small gathering almost two years ago has developed into something many are looking forward to & booking in months in advance.
Beginning most walks in Olinda, booking a spot has nearly become essential as the group has grown to almost 15 people on some of our walks.
Learning Photography
This week we needed to get more seats as our Introduction to Photography class came close to maximum capacity. 8 keen photographers met here at Loop in Olinda and dived into the basics of how to make a good exposure.
We’re constantly improving and adding to our photography lessons. We’ve got 1-on-1 classes up to 8 week courses and they’re filling up fast. Our next 8 week course at this point, only has 2 spots left!
The Loop Newsletter
While it’s not as regular or consistent as we’d often like, the Loop newsletter has also been growing significantly. Now with almost 300 subscribers and an open rate often over 70%, we couldn’t be more happy and proud that our customers want to hear about what we’re doing. If you’re not on the list, be sure to sign up at the bottom of the page.
Loop Zine
Loop was always about providing a platform for local artists and the Loop Zine is one such offering. Issue #1 sold out before they even arrived in store. Issue #2 has just been sent to the printers and should be available in store soon. But, you can always go pre-order your copy (& grab a copy of issue #1) in the online store now.
What's Next?
It seems that when motivation or confidence is low, someone will visit us in store and remind us we’re on the right track. We’ve had countless conversations about how much a space like Loop is needed in Melbourne and how our little studio has made an impact on our lives. That is bloomin incredible so if you’re interested in film photography in Olinda, come on in – check out what we’re up to!
Books & Photo Books
You may have already noticed a few more photo books and magazines in store. From our very first vision, books were always on the cards. We’re slowly, probably too slowly, increasing our photo book offering and we’re always on the look out for more.
If you have a book, zine or any sort of publication, we’re definitely excited to help you get them out to the world.
Go To Space
We don’t have any space suits or rockets and we’re certainly not going to get you stranded for 8 months but if you want to use our darkroom or studio space, we’re working on ways in which you can do just that.
We’re working with a few local photographers on how to bring our space to the people so you can make art in our portrait studio and/or purpose built darkroom.
Collaborations and Building Community
Over the past month or so, we’ve spoken to a number of different photo communities, labs and darkrooms and wholeheartedly believe in working together. There feels like a lot in the works right now, from joint photo walks to print nights and more. Oh, typing this brings me so much joy. aaargh!
Cafe Loop?
A big supporter of sobriety, we’ve teamed up with E.T.C.H. Sparkling and are now stocking a fridge full of these delicious NON-ALCOHOLIC beverages.
They’re not only tasty but good for you and are a nice yet sophisticated way to enjoy a drink while staying sober. With 5 flavours, there’s something for everyone. Try one on your next visit.
On the Cafe note...
Evelyn (our daughter) has started making fresh, homemade muffins each weekend.
Eve has tried a few different flavours but the ones that sell the quickest are certainly the Blueberry. Drop in and try one this weekend.
