First off, I have to thank everybody who made it out to the grand opening event. I was not expecting nearly as many people to show up that did, and I am so grateful for all of you. This studio has been a dream of mine for years, and now it is finally a reality! Finding an open retail space in the Claremont Village is not easy, let alone one that would be perfect for a natural light photography studio! I jumped on this space as soon as it became available.
My husband is amazing, he spent almost 2 weeks straight doing everything to get the studio ready to open. He put in new floors, baseboard, painted, cleaned, etc. My dad ran electrical work that was desperately needed as well. I have the most amazing support system of friends and family who came and helped out before the grand opening. Here are some pictures of the journey from beginning to end. (well, almost end..I still have a few things I want to do in there, like get my sign!)
“Before”
This was 3 nights before the grand opening. My husband and sister were keeping me company while I painted my ikea expedit bookshelf.
“after”
Thanks to my mom for providing refreshments!
view from the front door.
<3 Chevron print!
Canvas wall
Look at baby Hunter! He has sure grown up from his newborn photo behind him 
My hubby and I!
Yours truly.
Coffee table, album and book sample.
This is part of the adorable village right outside of the studio. I love downtown Claremont! It has so much character and is perfect for a photography studio.
How cool is this little guy’s name (Zelda, anyone)? He was such a sleeper for our session together, I had so much fun with him and his parents.We photographed him in a swanky Los Angeles loft with the most amazing natural light! Take a peek at a little bit of our session together 
xo,
V
I am SO excited to announce that Valerie Ackerman Photography now has a photography studio in downtown Claremont! I have dreamed of having a space to call my own for a couple years, and now this dream has become a reality. I am still waiting for somebody to pinch me and wake me up because it really feels so surreal. I will be photographing newborns, babies, and children, as well as maternity sessions at the studio from now on. The area around the studio is adorable and perfect for outdoor photos as well. I will still photograph families on location. We are going to have a Grand Opening event on Sunday, May 6th from 2-7 p.m. I will be raffling off a free mini session with digital files, and everyone who books a session that day will receive a gift certificate valued at at least $100! I would LOVE for everybody to stop by and take a look at my new place and help me celebrate! I look forward to seeing old clients and meeting new people
The address is 234 West Bonita, Claremont, CA 91711. (major cross street is Indian Hill).
xo,
V
Ericka and Stephen are getting married! I have known Ericka for years and was so happy when she contacted me about shooting their wedding. They are Disneyland lovers and here all of the time, so it only made sense to do their engagement session at the happiest place in the world
Their wedding will be in October and I cannot wait to share their special day with them!
Enjoy the sneak peek!
xo,
V
I posted last month about this blog circle that I am a part of. The theme this month was reflections. I had this great vision of taking pictures of my kids jumping in puddles after the rain. Well, we didn’t get much rain last month. Then when we did have rain, of course my kids did not want to cooperate. I think I’ve ruined them with too many pictures.
I solicited the help of my husband for this little project. Those are his lovely eyes (well, eye) in the photo below. If you look closely, you can see my reflection in his eye, along with the sunset in the background.
I also thought this might be a fun one to share.
I can’t wait to see what the fabulous Kristy from Studio Six Photography has for us!
This family reminded me so much of my own. They have 2 little boys around the same age as my own boys, and are expecting a third (surprise gender!) little one next month.
The kids had high energy during this session and definitely kept me on my toes, but I loved every minute of it. B family, thank you for choosing me to capture this special time in your life. I can’t wait to meet your new little one next month!
xo,
V
I am hosting spring mini sessions this year at the end of March in Corona! This is the perfect time to get your little one photographed for an amazing price! I have picked out a gorgeous field to shoot at. E-mail me to snag your spot!
xo,
V
I am part of a group of fabulous photographers from around the country who have embarked on a little photo adventure together. Each month we will post based on a theme and photograph based on our interpretation of that theme. Sounds fun, right?! I will link to another photographer at the bottom of each of my entries, and hope that you will keep our blog circle going by following the links to each photographer in the circle.
So the first month’s theme is Discovery. I will admit this month snuck up on me and I did not get to shoot the vision I had for discovery. The photo below is a few months old, but I knew it would be perfect for this month’s theme. I remember this little guy’s mama was telling me this was his first time sitting in grass. How cool was it for me to be there, capturing him “discovering” grass?
Now click here to see what Brie from Brie Homer Photography has for us this week!
V
Jen Snyder: Love it! i agree, pregnancy is FULL of anticipation :)
Liz: Love your take on the prompt. Can't wait to see the newborn pics as a result of these either!
Alice: Love your take on our theme!