Inspiring space: The rustic and cozy photo studio of Meredith Bernard

The moment I saw Meredith Bernard‘s unique studio space, I fell in love.

Just like Meredith herself, it is full of sweetness, personality, and southern charm. She has crafted her North Carolina studio to perfectly compliment her authentic and timeless imagery.

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Meredith about her beautiful studio and her approach to photography.

Can you tell me a little about your studio? Where is it located? How long have you been there?
My studio is located above an old General Store turned antique shop in the town of Milton, NC that borders the NC/VA line along the Dan River. With a population of less than 200, the town is small in number, but big on southern history. Directly across from my studio is the historic Union Tavern, which is now a museum and was originally the home and workplace for Thomas Day, the renowned free black cabinetmaker from Milton.

Only five miles from the cattle farm I live and work on with my husband and two children, this studio space offers the perfect complement to my on-farm photography sessions. I’ve been in the space for about six months and have loved learning the light and all of the new possibilities it offers.

What is your favorite part of your studio?
It’s hard to name my favorite part of the studio, as it’s really a combination of things. The one thing that drew me to it originally is the natural light that pours through the large, tall windows and then bounces around the old brick walls. When people ascend the wooden staircase that leads to the studio, most say “this is the neatest place I’ve ever seen!” and I tend to agree. There are days after a session I think I’d like to curl up on the studio bed and stay a while – and sometimes I do.

Another thing I love about the studio is that it gives the feel of being in someone’s home, which keeps with my desire for authenticity through my photographs. I have an antique bed and iron crib to use for family and baby photos and there is a wooden rocking horse that is perfect for toddlers – and an awesome bribe when they need a reason to smile or interact just a little bit longer. I’m never above bribing with a rocking horse or wooden toys or food! ☺

What has been the biggest benefit to having this beautiful space?
The biggest advantage to having this space has been the ability to delve deeper into newborn photography. I love doing in-home newborn sessions, but there is something beautiful about the controlled light and setting that comes with having my own studio. I’m able to create more uniform work and still keep the authentic, timeless feel I strive for in every session. Having this space has allowed me to use my creativity to add my own personal touch, but still keep the rustic character it has all its own.

How would you define your photography style?
I would define my photography style as rustic, yet refined. I began photographing professionally on our cattle farm, as I fell in love with the light, the land and how the two interacted around and with the subjects I photographed. The heart of what I do as a photographer is capturing genuine connection, whether it is between couples during an engagement session or on their wedding day, new mothers with their babies or families with their children. You will not see a lot of props in my photos, other than perhaps a basket or bowl in the studio. I prefer organic interaction and use of naturally occurring settings, like my studio bed, the beanbag and blankets, my crib and then the simplicity and beauty of a baby in their parents arms. I want the viewer to see authentic connection and beauty in photographs I take and my wish is that they would be considered timeless. I never want my photos to highlight me as a photographer, but always to emphasize the moment and subject I’m capturing. If the photos I take are considered family heirlooms to be passed down for generations, then I consider my goal accomplished.

What keeps you motivated?
I’ve given a lot of thought the past year to my “why.” Why do I do what I do? What is it that keeps me going on the days when I get caught up in what everyone else seems to be doing better and how far I still have to go to be where I hoped to be?

From the beginning, my tag line has been, “Authentic moments deserve authentic photographs.” I still use that phrase and believe in it wholly. When I can remember that I’m not just “taking pretty photographs” and remember that I’m actually telling someone’s life story through my lens and my pen, it makes it easier to press on and through the hard days.

Running a business from home, while homeschooling and helping on the farm as needed, can be really hard. But God keeps showing me over and over that He gave me these gifts for a reason and He is not done with me or my use of them yet. I’m humbled that He allowed me to quit my sales job that kept me away from home for 10 years and still have to pinch myself some days when I realize I’m living a dream I never even thought possible. But with Him all things are possible and that’s never been evidenced more than through my own life story. In the end, my faith in God is my biggest motivation to keep doing what I know He’s called me to.