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Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from the tri-states. In addition to this update from Dubuque, we will share additional developments in Tuesday’s edition.
A well-known Dubuque portrait studio has relocated.
Scott Kelly Portraits, formerly S. Kelly Photography, recently opened its new studio at 150 John F. Kennedy Road, Suite 1, after the building it previously operated out of in the Historic Millwork District was sold.
The new space is equipped with two rooms for indoor portraits, a consultation space and office, as well as a dressing room for clients’ hair and makeup.
“We really aim for quiet luxury,” co-owner Scott Kelly said of the new space. “Not a lot of people still offer these kinds of elegant, high-quality indoor portraits, and that’s something we take pride in.”
Scott Kelly is the studio’s sole photographer. Kris Kelly, Scott’s wife, handles the business management and client relations. The two have been in business for over 20 years, 18 of which were spent working out of their home.
They moved into their Millwork District space roughly two years ago before learning last year that the building would be sold. When they again began looking at available commercial space, they were drawn to the JFK building for the second time.
“Three years ago, when we were first looking for our first retail location, this was actually our second choice,” Scott Kelly said. “When we learned that it was still available when we started looking again, we decided to go for it.”
The studio is best known for its indoor and outdoor portrait photography ranging from senior photos and family portraits to more personal women’s beauty and boudoir shoots. Each session is accompanied by a consultation to establish what the client is looking for, and installation services of wall portraits are included.
The goal with each session, Kris Kelly said, is to ensure that clients feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. That is particularly important with the women’s beauty sessions, she added, which focus on building the women’s self-confidence.
“It’s great to get to watch people grow,” she said. “We’ll have clients who come in and will sit at this table just scared out of their minds during the consultation who, as we talk it through, really begin to relax and get excited to have their portraits taken.”
The best way to contact Scott Kelly Portraits is by text at 563-543-0306. There also are Facebook groups for the business’ family and senior portraits as well as a separate group for women’s beauty clients.