We welcomed Colcorado based photographer David Tejada as our featured speaker for the first ULS Photographer Networking Evening last week.  There was a great turnout of Seattle photographers (and some from Canada) who had a chance to talk shop with colleagues, as well as learn from David.  His presentation focused on his extensive use of off camera speedlights for location photography.  David shared all sorts of tricks and techniques with the crowd, and then hosted a following day workshop where 10 photographers were able to work 1 on 1 with him.  We're pleased to have David as a friend of ULS and look forward to welcoming him back in the future.

We had a great response to our Photographer Networking Evening and will look to get another one scheduled soon, so stay tuned.  Feel free to email us if you would like to be included on our invite list. [..]

We are pleased to welcome David Tejada as the featured speaker in the first in a series of Photographer Networking Socials at ULS, Aug 18 at 7p.  David is a highly regarded Denver based commercial photographer well known within the national photographic community for his "Small Strobes, Big Results" website and workshop series.  He will give a slide show presentation of his work and discuss his transition to using small strobes for all assignment work.  Stick around afterward for refreshments and a chance to network with other photographers and explore our studio.

This event is free, tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis.  Please email info@urbanlightstudios.com for tickets.   Some spaces may also be available in David's day workshop at our studio on Aug 19, see davidtejada.com for details. [..]

Why yes, that is a gallery in our gallery.   June brought us "Free Life Center" - an arts grant funded touring gallery and exhibition.  Yes, a touring gallery.   Portland artists Seth Neefus and Mark Warren Jaques created a modular art gallery structure out of salvaged materials.  They then set out on a journey through the US and Canada with their gallery and artwork towed beind them.  We were priviliged to be their only Seattle stop as the structure was constructed inside our Main Space for a one night show, then disassembled and gone less than 24 hours later.   All were treated to an especially unique evening of art and music, including a rousing musical set by the Lonesome Billies. [..]

The May Annual Art Walk was our grandest affair yet!  Featuring the endearing artwork of Calamity Jon Morris, the music of Squirrel Butter, and Titianium Sporkestra - YES - a marching band which paraded our hallways, each of the hundreds of visitors seemed to have a smile on their face.  One bewildered first time visitor told us "I feel like I've discovered a secret magical land" and another compared the crowds on Greenwood Ave during the Art Walk to navigating Bourbon Street.  The Greenwood-Phinney art scene is definitely in full force. 

Thanks to all of our artists - Dalton Webb, Justin Ison, Tom Dougherty, to our house DJs, Bobby Trendy, for the beats and all of our old and new friends.  We'll see you next month - June 11, 6-10p for "Free Life Center", a special travelling gallery show out of Portland making a Seattle stop for one night only. [..]

Our newest theme room - "The Library"- has opened.  Designed as a modern take on Grandpa's study, it serves as a cool retro-modern space in the heart of our upstairs.  We carefully selected a variety of rad lounge furniture pieces that look great in The Library, but are also versatile for creating a custom lounge anywhere in the studio for photo shoots or events.   The crowning piece is a light-up globe - a replica of one from our studio owner's Great-Grandma's house.  Be sure to "check out" (ha, witty) The Library on your next visit to ULS.
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The March Art Walk was another big hit, featuring the amazingly intricate work of Tessa Hull's "Grow Me a Boat" exhibition. We were treated to the "Northwest Twang and Groove" sounds of "Decateur Buff" upstairs who were definitely a crowd favorite.  Thanks to everyone who joined us for the evening and our amazing artistic community that always puts together a great show.  Next Art Walk is April 9, 6-10p. [..]

"Refresh" Seattle recently lit up Greenwood with a who's who showcase of the Seattle interior design industry at Urban Light Studios.  Hosted by industry insiders Trish Barnett and Kelli Patch and sponsored by Seattle Homes and Lifestyles magazine, the space looked amazing and we enjoyed a fantastic turnout.  From the biofuel pedestal fireplace on our patio to the one of a kind light fixtures by Jonathan Mathews and a variety of Seattle artists, the event was a feast for the eyes and definitely the place to be seen. [..]

Our fabulous log cabin green room is almost complete.  We started with the walls (from the set of Northern Exposure), and have been searching high and low for the perfect complmentary cabin decor.  A couple sets of antlers for the wall, a wooden mallard, and some great timber furniture to go with our yellow velvet loungers have done the job nicely.  The latest arrival, our overhead elkhorn chandalier, has taken its place as one of the finishing touches.  It's a cool environment for getting ready for photo shoots or weddings or as a nice little escape during evening events. [..]