Today we’d like to introduce you to Allie Roepe.
Allie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After nearly a decade of photographing families, couples and children in an outdoor, casual style, I found myself more than ready for a new creative challenge. While digging through a box of old family photographs, I came across my dad’s vignetted portraits from 1957. I couldn’t help but feel an immediate sense of connection to the timeless black & white style. I’ve brought this classic portraiture into our modern age and the reception has been tremendous!
This timeless style of capturing little ones is resonating with parents, grandparents and families in a completely new, but familiar, way. I’ve been blown away by how fun and meaningful this change in my work has been.
I am now celebrating nearly 6 years in business as the Triangle area’s only dedicated heirloom portraiture studio!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a pretty smooth road! The only bumps have been me having to completely teach myself a new style of photography, from shooting and lighting to editing in the heirloom style. It’s been a really fun challenge and journey to figure things out along the way. The other piece that has been so rewarding is how I’ve been able to share my brand in a smaller, closer knit market such as Holly Springs. I think local moms think of me when they think of heirloom photos, and that is the best compliment!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In 2021, I started my heirloom portraiture studio out of my home playroom. I knew right away I wanted to solely specialize in just heirloom children’s portraits, and I’ve continued that over the past five and a half years.
I am known for a warm, joyful, delightful session experience as well as true vintage style portraiture. Moms and their children alike love to come to my in-home studio and feel like they’re spending time with a friend while they’re here. I offer fun toys, yummy snacks and a calm, smooth environment that instantly puts little ones at ease.
After their sweet session, families are given the most traditional, timeless artwork that they can display in their homes now as well as pass down as tangible heirlooms. It is so incredibly special!
I’m most proud of how deeply I’ve built my brand locally. I think what really sets me apart is my unique in home experience. Families love being welcomed into my home studio environment, and often don’t want to leave! I’m also the only local studio in the Triangle that specializes solely in heirloom portraits. This is important because many other photographers ‘dabble’ in this, but it’s not their main focus. I am only dedicated to creating the single best heirloom experience and artwork full time, which allows my artwork to be uniquely special.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I grew up in Florida but moved to the Raleigh area in 2010. I’ve been here 16 years and I like to say I’m a honorary Raleigh native as this is very much my home.
My favorite things about our city are: the vibrant, Southern culture, the true Southern hospitality and the focus on the arts and creative businesses. I love how we have literally something for everyone – whether it be the latest cutting edge technology, a wonderful school system or our beautiful suburbs and neighborhoods.
I truly can’t imagine living anywhere else, and I still feel so lucky to call Raleigh home!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @allieroepecreative
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/allieroepecreative
