Danbury Small Business Spotlight: Autumn Studios Photography

DANBURY, CT-- Our Small Business Spotlight shines a light on local businesses we may not know that well.

• Business: Autumn Studios Photography
• Owner: Lisa Weir
• Website: www.autumnstudios.com
• Address: Home office/studio in Danbury, CT

How did you come up with the name?

• The studio is named after our oldest daughter Autumn. We always loved the season and that's why we named our first born Autumn, we liked the name.

Why start a business in this town?

• I have successfully operated the business for 32 years. Danbury is the town I've lived in for 40. My husband was a partner with me until fairly recently when he changed careers. He is a real estate agent in Danbury at Hat City Real Estate. I opened the business with the thought in mind that I could work out of my home while I raised our family.

Briefly, what business are you in?

• This is a photography business. It is my art form. My son, John, helps me with photographing events. Photography is my art form. There's three steps to the art for me. The art capturing the images, memories. The art of editing the images and the art of creating custom designed album.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

• Probably transitioning from what photography used to be and to what it is now. There is a flood of people, some gifted, that are purchasing digital cameras.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

• I can't say there's any one crowning achievement really. I'm proud to be a professional photographer for as many years as I have been privileged to do so. I'm blessed to have been able to operate in my gifted art form and continue to do so.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

• In giving back to the community I always try to give the plus one at all times. I'm always willing to help charities whenever possible and in whatever way possible. I have given not just to the community but to mankind. Several years ago I was able to go on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic withe the youth group from my church. We visited a lot of beautiful people that lived in this third world country. One place was an AIDS orphanage. When I came back to the United States I decided to raise money to put running water in one of that orphanages building. I called it "Portraits for Water." Many people helped out buy purchasing a portrait. The money from the portraits went to the fund. Others simply had it in their heart to donate money towards the project. When I received the images of the water running in the building, the tubs that it provided it was very moving. That actually was a poignant moment for me.

Would you like to see your business featured? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.

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All photos by Lisa Weir, Autumn Studios Photography