Meet Whitney Pelfrey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Pelfrey.

Whitney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
Hello, I’m Whitney! I’m a Creative Director based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Founder of Tupelo House. I first began my creative journey at the age of 16 when my older sister let me play with her camera, ever since then I’ve been hooked on photography. I started my apprenticeship right out of high school and opened my photography business shortly after! That leaves me with over 15 years of experience in the creative development world! 

Throughout my career, I have created, critiqued, consulted, styled, directed, and managed many exciting and sometimes exhausting projects. As I came up on my 10th year of photography, I saw a need for a photography studio that offered a bit more than just a blank canvas and a backdrop. I wanted a space that would ignite that creative energy we photographers struggle to find at times. 

So here I am 5 years later, I’ve since dealt with COVID-19, moved spaces and now feel like I have a home. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road! When I first opened my space, I was located above a storefront, which alone had its challenges as I couldn’t remain open without being present to make sure guests didn’t access the store. I loved that space; I scrubbed every inch of every floor and painted every inch of the wall, trim, and doors. I installed a little kitchenette, did a demo, and laid tile. That space was a labor of love, and it was stunning. About a year into owning the space, the store owners told me they wanted the space for their offices. It was extremely sad to see her go, especially when I would show up and see piles of my decorations in corners or my hand-designed tables being scratched and scuffed. That was a huge hit to my ego; it hurt my confidence more than I realized. 

Come winter of 2022, I realize what a huge blessing it was to be removed from my space. I now had the world ahead of me and could build what I wanted, where I wanted, without the restrictions of a storefront! I knew I wanted to stay in Loveland and found the most beautiful space in a historical art studio! The space was originally a storage closet and an abandoned studio, and just like before, I scrubbed every inch of the floors, demo-ed the walls, and painted every wall, trim, and all the doors. 

That winter I was awarded Cincinnati’s Best of the Best Photographers; it was a heartwarming sign that let me know that I’m right where I need to be. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Tupelo House is an adorably curated photography studio designed for versatility and creativity. As a space, it’s available for hourly rent for any photographers wanting to host shoot. 

As Founder of Tupelo House and a professional photographer, I find my heart is happiest when I’m photographing portraits and branding for businesses. When I’m in Tupelo, I’m able to have a minimal set that will showcase my subject and allow me to hone in on their imagery, and within a few minutes, I can have them jumping on a couch with disco balls, pink plants, heart-shaped sunglasses, and angel wings! I love being able to capture the best of both worlds. 

So short answer is, I specialize in allowing people to feel wildly beautiful while staying true to their character and individuality. 

Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Be my guest at Tupelo House! My space is available for hourly rentals with easy online book and self-check-ins. Come over for a photoshoot, a meeting or even bring your cellphone and shoot some content for your socials! 

I always loved collaborating with other businesses. I would love to have a roster of industry businesses that can offer services to clients who want to add to their photoshoots. I would love someone who can make custom cakes, a florist who can elevate a styled shoot or a hair and makeup stylist who will come to the studio for photo sessions! 

Everyone is welcome to follow me on Instagram, where you can see what myself and some other photographers have created. If that inspires you then book your time or message me for a collab! 

www.instagram.com/tupelohouse/ 

Pricing:

• 2 Hour Reservation $45
• 2 Hour Reservation $90
• 3 Hour Reservation $135
• Additional 30 minutes $25
• Pet Fee $30

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thetupelohouse.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tupelohouse/

Image Credits
Tupelo House
Whitney Pelfrey