We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Turning our new home into a photography studio was definitely not a part of our original plan.

Our new home search began in early 2021. My husband owns his own window tinting business and, because of that, we either needed to find A) a home with a pre existing shop on the property B) a home on a lot large enough to build a shop or C) land only.

We ended up finding 1.5 acres just outside of town and closed on it in mid 2021 and we began construction that fall. Everything was going great and then…2022 hit and so did inflation. Line by line, our budget began to fall apart. We started wondering how we would be able to finish.

A friend of mine is a branding photographer and I was telling her all my fears and frustrations one day. She is the one who actually suggested that we turn it into a home photography studio. Through her, we learned that there aren’t many location options for branding sessions in north Texas and southern Oklahoma. We thought it was such a great idea we put it into action almost immediately. We came up with the name, purchased the domain, secured social media sites…everything.

It has been a slow start but we are excited to see what the future holds!

What should our readers know about your business?

We decided to turn our home into a photography studio! I think what sets us apart from other home studios is the design. I refer to it as an “unconventional barndomenium”. The exterior is black metal with a mid century modern roof line. It definitely stands out! Inside, we went with a modern, Scandinavian look with natural concrete floors throughout. The kitchen is the focal point and we did natural cabinets with white quartz countertops and one open shelf. We also chose to have a mural in our master bedroom and guest bath! Right now, it is minimal in decor and I can’t wait until we can add more elements and finish the landscaping. That will truly be a game changer.

Building a home, as I have learned, is not easy. And inflation made it even worse. But, it did force us to get creative and we would not have opened it up to photography had that not happened. Right now, we are just in the beginning stages of our business and it’s definitely been a slow start. But, I’m hopeful that as people start to see what brand sessions look like in our home, that bookings will pick up.

I honestly never thought that I would have a passion for home design and decorating. But, I think it all started with watching my mom flip houses! I always said I would NEVER do anything with home construction/remodel because I hated it so much. And here we are! I think it’s something that, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve truly developed a passion for.

I have so many design ideas and love so many different looks! My ultimate dream would be to own multiple homes that are very unique and different and used as photography studios and/or AirBnB’s.

u can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am from Dallas but we live in Denison so, if I had someone visiting for a week I would want to be able to show them some of my favorite spots in both cities!

Denison is a small town about 1.5 hours north of Dallas and sits on Lake Texoma. Summer is definitely one of the best times to visit! Here is where I would take them in Denison:

1. Lake Texoma – literally just chill on the beach
2. Hidden Hangar Vineyard and Winery – 50 acres of planted vines and was the original airport and home to Barnstormers from the 1920’s thru 1950’s. Absolutely amazing Texas wine!
2. Ironroot Distillery – they have won the Readers’ Choice best Craft Whiskey Distillery from USA Today in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. They have also won World’s Best Bourbon. It’s a definite must!
3. Downtown Denison – the historic downtown is a lot of fun on weekends. A lot of fun and unique boutiques!

After a weekend in Denison, we would hit up Dallas! I think we would start off with Sunday brunch at Ziziki’s on Travis. I absolutely love their brunch! And, if the weather is nice, the patio is perfect. From there, we’d head to Bishop Arts, check out the shops, and then settle in at Reveler’s Hall from 2-5 for some jazz!

Some of my other favorite spots in Dallas are:
1. Veritas wine bar – the best wine selection and wine bar in Dallas
2. Gemma – forever my favorite restaurant in Dallas

There are several places I haven’t been to yet that I’d like to check out like Apothecary, Petra and the Beast, Cry Wolf…and several others!

To end the trip, I would need to stop by Central Market and stock up on groceries (and wine) so we would need to make that our last stop and sip a glass of wine while we shop.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My friend, Amanda, definitely deserves a shoutout! If it wasn’t for her, we would have never have thought about turning our home into a photography studio. Not only that, she’s been so encouraging and helpful!

Website: https://www.thebarrowtx.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebarrowtx/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebarrowtx

Image Credits
@hiximaging @high_vis @christiantoews

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.