Vendor Conversations: C Studios
Amy is another ‘friend referral’ – Jenny from Seedlings told me I really should meet Amy from C Studios a bit over a year ago. So, we had a lunch date and Jenny was right – we hit it off! Our friendship not withstanding, I think she is a fab photographer too!
Business Name: C Studios
Names: Amy Carruthers
Phone Number: 614-432-2073
Email Address: info {at} cstudiosphotography {dot} com
Website Address: www.cstudiosphotography.com
Blog Address: seestudios.typepad.com/see_studios
How did C Studios come to be?
It all began with writing. At twelve I wrote novellas, at sixteen I fell madly in love with short fiction which eventually distilled down to narrative poetry during my Freshman year at Kent State University. Then I took my very first photography course. Photography was pure poetry. The darkroom was heart-fluttering magic. A single photograph said everything, without saying a word. I immediately transferred to the Savannah College of Art and Design to study photography as fine art. I knew I would have a career in the arts, but it wasn’t until moving back to Ohio and accepting a position as a Production Manager for a local wedding photographer that I ever considered wedding photography as a full time career. Then on February 15, 2003 I assisted as second photographer at a wedding, and from the very first click of the shutter that early winter morning…I knew I was always meant to be a wedding photographer. After two years, countless weddings, many mentors and the beginning of my own marriage – I started C Studios.
How would you describe your style
A charming blend of retro glamour and modern editorial photography.
What is your favorite aspect of your job?
If I have to limit myself here, I would say that the common thread of what I love about my job is moments of connection. I love the spark of warmth when a couple connects with me and my artwork during our first meeting, I love watching my couples relax and connect with each other during their engagement session, I adore the moment when my couples connect with me as their photographer and begin to truly feel fabulous in front of the camera, I love connecting with the emotion of expressive, real moments and I love the lasting friendships that have come from personally connecting with each and every client.
How many people shoot for C Studios?
I am the sole photographer for my studio – but do have two associate photographers, Amanda and Leah, who join me as second photographers at my weddings. Both Amanda and Leah are fabulous long-time friends and amazingly talented photographers – I can’t imagine doing this without them!
What is the starting investment for a wedding?
Our all-inclusive collections begin at $4930.
Anything else we should know about C Studios?
Oh, there are a great many things I would like you to know! We should meet up for coffee one lazy Sunday. (Smile)
Childhood ambition?
To be a columnist for Cosmo.
Dream vacation?
Eating and drinking my way across Italy with absolutely no schedule, map or watch.
Last time you laughed until it hurt?
My husband and I were visiting our friends back home in Akron – and I very seriously started telling the story of how I first ‘experimented with swearing.’ They immediately called me out. God, I was such a dork in Junior High. We laughed for 20 minutes straight.
Favorite part of a wedding day?
Genuinely seeing, really seeing, the beauty abounding inside ordinary people.
Last thing you bought?
A fabulous book! ‘The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao’ by Junot Diaz
Greatest length gone to get the perfect shot?
Balancing on a very skinny median in the center of Michigan Avenue during rush hour with one of my couples for their engagement session – we just had to get the Chicago skyline at dusk, right?!
Favorite animal at the zoo?
The sea otter! They just look so dang happy flipping and gliding around in the water.
Can’t live without?
My husband. Seriously, he makes me laugh and love life like nobody’s business.
Hidden talent?
Negotiating. My mom swore I was going to become a lawyer. I debated and negotiated everything from the time I was old enough to string words into sentences.
Favorite quote?
I have two: ‘Everything is negotiable’ and ‘The harder you work, the luckier you get’
Best compliment ever received?
That our images are iconic. (That one blew me away! It was from a guest at a wedding who had just signed the couple’s Fine Art Guest Book, which featured their engagement images.)
If you weren’t a photographer what would you be?
A poet. An actress. A chef. A human rights activist. An interior designer. A movie critic. A Broadway dancer. A travel show host. A sociologist. A beachside bartender. An archeologist. A time traveler.
Describe your perfect day.
Waking up naturally to an early bright sun on a crisp Spring day. Snuggling in bed with Brian for a few extra minutes. Enjoying a Venti Quad Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte at Starbucks on our way to the dog park. Watching Doby, our hilarious hound/black lab mix, clumsily pounce after other dogs, happily trying to fit in. Driving up to Akron for a late lunch at Luigi’s with our parents (oh that salad with cheese is to die for). Lounging around in my mom’s kitchen, chatting about life and enjoying her always perfectly brewed coffee. Shopping with my sister for a cute outfit to wear that night. Hiding away with a great book for a few quiet hours. Then ending the evening laughing hilariously over frosty beers with my sister and our friends at Delanie’s.
Please share with us some of your favorite images from 2008.
Thanks to Amy for answering my questions!
Coming up tomorrow: Cassidy Dawn Photography
