Mignard Photography reorganizes, adds location

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Gerry Averett and Debby Young McGuire of Mignard Photography scoured Spring-field for three years in search of a place to move their growing photo studio. |ret||ret||tab|

Mignard Photography, which specializes in aerial, business, commercial, children, family, individual, wedding and senior photography, has attracted an increasing number of clients since McGuire joined the business in 1989, and scheduling conflicts in the camera room were beginning to have an adverse affect on the business. |ret||ret||tab|

After McGuire became a partner in the business in 1997, the two began looking for a new, larger studio that could accommodate both commercial and portrait photography. As it turned out, finding what they wanted wasn't easy.|ret||ret||tab|

"We were looking for a studio with artistic character that also had a private, landscaped, outdoor photography area," Mc-Guire said. |ret||ret||tab|

"We wanted the studio to be convenient for our customers, and it had to be a fun place for customers and their kids to go. Above all, it had to be affordable," he added.|ret||ret||tab|

Two months ago, McGuire found a good location for portrait photography, and she and Averett decided to reorganize their business. Under the reorganization, Averett handles commercial, industrial, catalog, small-product, aerial and public relations photography from the studio at 1950-R S. Glenstone, which has been renamed Mignard Commercial Photo-graphy. McGuire, in turn, handles portrait photography from the new Mignard Photography studio near Riverside Inn in Ozark. |ret||ret||tab|

Howard Garrison, who founded Riverside Inn, built the 2,000-square-foot studio that houses Mignard Photography. |ret||ret||tab|

In fact, Garrison, whose paintings and murals can be seen throughout Riverside Inn, once used the space as his personal art studio. |ret||ret||tab|

In addition, Gray Scale Lab, Mignard Photography's in-house lab that provides black-and-white photo processing and printing to area photographers, also has expanded. |ret||ret||tab|

Marty Mignard, the son of Paul Mignard, who founded the business in 1954, is now working full-time at Gray Scale Lab. Mignard also specializes in copying and restoring old artwork and photographs, both digitally and traditionally.|ret||ret||tab|

According to McGuire, being able to retouch a photo or piece of artwork digitally has enabled her to offer better quality, more inexpensive photos and de-creased turnaround time. |ret||ret||tab|

Currently, Mignard Photo-graphy is offering "digital mini-sessions." |ret||ret||tab|

These sessions are geared toward customers who wish to have their children photographed more frequently and would like a higher-quality portrait, according to McGuire. Following the photo shoot, customers can view their pictures immediately and select the photos they want. |ret||ret||tab|

Mignard Photography also offers "one-of-a-kind" portraits. These portraits can be done in the studio, but more often than not McGuire does them in the subject's home. |ret||ret||tab|

"Photos from Mignard Photo-graphy have a very distinctive look," she said. |ret||ret||tab|

"I think that's because I take time to really get to know the people I photograph, particularly if it's a one-of-a-kind portrait."|ret||ret||tab|

McGuire is working to make her new studio as versatile as possible.|ret||ret||tab|

She's purchased several thousand dollars' worth of high-quality movable props that can be used both outside and inside the studio. |ret||ret||tab|

The studio, which is located on four acres of land adjacent Riverside Inn and the Finley River, showcases the Ozarks' natural beauty and is an ideal backdrop for many of her portraits. |ret||ret||tab|

McGuire also is making plans to add other items of interest in and around the studio, including several fixtures that will allow her to take old-fashioned Victor-ian-style photos. She's also thinking of converting a small section of the yard into a Japanese garden.|ret||ret||tab|

"I couldn't ask for a better location," she said. "Most people know where Riverside Inn is, and many weddings and special events are held here. I'm certain that I'll be able to pick up more business in this location because Riverside Inn hosts many special events and dinners."[[In-content Ad]]