Katelyn Ferguson dates her interest in photography back to her senior year of high school, when she took her first photography class and won a film camera. “... [I] promptly traded it in for my first DSLR,” Ferguson says. “I was, without a doubt, the most in your face, little aspiring photog at that time.”
Her passion for photography continued at the University of Wisconsin - Stout, where she pursued art education. Upon graduation, she fully nurtured her photography business, Hello Dolly Photography. “Being a small business owner is equal parts difficult and rewarding,” she says. “So many hats to be worn but also so many moments that have me pinching myself.”
Ferguson has been capturing smiles for 11 years and counting—but her studio space has been open for just shy of one year. The Doll House Studio, located in Taylors Falls, serves as a space for local photographers, influencers and more to use for creative photography. “We have a variety of people walk through our doors—families, maternity, newborn, milestone, seniors, branding, boudoir, wedding,” she says. “Some people have shared some very personal moments in the studio, like pregnancy announcements, first family photos after an adoption or even family photos after a cancer diagnosis. Providing a space to house these big life moments is really an honor.”
Although the studio space is only one room, Ferguson says each corner is thoughtfully designed with clients in mind. Most of the space features neutral tones, but one corner was created with fun at its core. “We worked with Juniper Rose Floral (who has done two installations for us) and Holland Dee Design to bring to life a funky, disco floral and hand-painted canvas backdrop,” she says, noting that design was removed in September and was replaced with a winter motif. “Our intention is to continue offering something new and exciting throughout the year.” Part of its newest design is a natural wood arch, created by Lindstrom’s Seth Alsaker of Seth Builds.
Ferguson and her fiance, Tucker Lamski, moved to Taylors Falls just over two years ago. “We love our life here,” she says. “Our favorite things to do here [include] hiking around Interstate State Park, swimming at Lake O’ the Dalles (where we got engaged!), hanging out at Wild Mountain, frequenting our favorite small businesses, finding new trails, exploring all of the small towns around us and connecting with our neighbors.”
Ferguson notes that their Taylors Falls home was originally a local telephone building, and the previous owners rebuilt the space to what it is today. “Terri, the owner at the time, created it to fulfill a dream of having a garden shop. We’ve connected a bit here and there,” Ferguson says. “I told Terri that her dreams ultimately made my dreams come true, too.”
Family Photos
With the holiday season in full swing, Ferguson offers her advice to capture the perfect family photo. “My number one golden tip I share with parents: You only need a couple seconds here and there during a photoshoot to capture something special,” she says. If your little ones aren’t smiling or aren’t listening to directions, don’t fret! “Another tip I share with people is to walk into a session with the intention of having fun,” she says. “Let down your barriers, and allow yourself to be in the moment with your loved ones … Leaving room for spontaneity can create such magical moments that you will forever cherish.”
The Doll House Studio
Facebook: The Doll House Studio
Instagram: @dollhousestudiomn
