Globe-trotting professional photographer, Amanda Dixon, is focusing on establishing some roots in the Shopping Village at The Trentham Estate.
The Portrait Lounge is the latest addition to Trentham’s “high street”, and will be offering photo-shoots for family groups, pets, weddings, new-born babies, as well as a wide variety of specially-themed portraits.
Dixon has worked as a photographer now for 15 years, during which time she spent a lot of time on the road, and taking photographs in some of the world’s most exotic locations, including The Caribbean, Australia, Easter Island, China, and Malaysia, as well as slightly closer-to-home, across Europe.
Having completed a masters degree in photography, and also worked briefly as a teacher after returning to Staffordshire from her travels, she set-up her first portrait studio in Rugeley, where she has worked for the past five years.
But as the business has grown, Stafford-based Dixon began looking to move onwards, and upwards; and decided that Trentham Shopping Village is the best place to put herself in the frame.
“Living so close, I know The Trentham Estate very well,” she explains. “I’ve never used it for wedding shoots before, but the new studio is a perfect base for what I do, and we also now have so many great locations and backdrops on our doorstep.
“We’ll be offering portrait photography for all-comers, and all reasons. One of my favourite specialities is pet portraits; and, given the location and the footfall at Trentham, I’m really excited about starting-up this new venture here.”
In addition to taking photographs of new-born babies, Dixon also offers hand-castings, which combine to make the perfect memento of a very special occasion.
Another of her specialities are themed portrait days, including monthly “Princess Boutiques”, when youngsters not only get a chance to have a chance to meet their favourite princess, but also have their portrait taken with them.
Dixon has two daughters herself – Grace and Amelia – and has also worked with autistic children, so is keen to “focus” on family and children’s portraits, as well as offer an autism and disability friendly service which requires no flashlights.
Some walk-in shoots will be available at The Portrait Lounge, but booking appointments in advance is highly recommended.
Further details can be found at www.theportraitlounge.co.uk.
“We are thrilled to welcome The Portrait Lounge to Trentham Shopping Village,” says Trentham Shopping Village Manager, Marie Legeckis. “A photography studio is a genuine ‘first’ for us. We are pleased that Amanda has chosen Trentham as the next step to grow her business, and we wish her well in her new venture”.
She adds, “The Portrait Lounge helps the Shopping Village complete a hat-trick of new arrivals after the announcement of The Beauty Outlet, open now, and Peak Pursuits, which opens in September.
“And perhaps most importantly of all, it’s a great boost for us, for our visitors, and for the area as a whole, to see that business have the confidence to start new ventures here, at The Trentham Estate.”
For further information about Trentham Shopping Village, visit https://www.trentham.co.uk/shopping-village/.