Terry Snyder Opens Photography Studio in Waukee

It's been a few years since Waukee photographer Terry Snyder had studio space outside of her home, but as of Nov. 1, she's back in business.

Situated in a strip mall near the corner of Alice's Road and Southeast Westbrook Drive in Waukee, Snyder Photography is open again at 475 Alice Rd. in Waukee.

After nearly 30 years of taking pictures - 20 of them in Waukee - Snyder decided the time had come to set up shop again.

Yes, again.

Prior to 2010, Snyder had rented studio space in Waukee. She says around that same year, with a downturn in the economy, she found that people just weren't able to spend the money on photos like they had previously.

"It was in like, 2009, 2010 when I could really see things start to slow down," said Snyder. "I always said pictures are a luxury. It’s not something you have to have and there isn’t a home in this whole state that doesn’t have a camera. They can go take a picture of their own kid if they want to."

Knowing she could still photograph "on the go" and within a smaller space, Snyder moved her business into her home, something that also allowed her to spend more time with her grandchildren.

"I was really more part-time at that point only because of the kids," she said. "I wasn't going at it really hard, I wasn't sending out proposal letters to get new clients. I just didn't have time to do that and take care of the kids. Family comes first."

Snyder said her new space had been in the works for a while, a safety net for a time when she was ready. In the meantime, Snyder has kept busy volunteering with the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, the YMCA and the Waukee Area Historical Society, among others. 

Now that the studio is open again, Snyder says she'll start focusing on getting back to photography full-time, though she admits her grandkids still come first. Either way, it's clear Snyder isn't one to rest on her laurels. 

"I will work until the day I die," she says. "I can’t sit still, too much nervous energy or whatever. I just feel like I’m wasting time if I sit and watch TV."

Snyder says she's taking appointments now for everything from weddings to seniors to family pictures and beyond. Still, her favorite subject to shoot is the one that got her started taking pictures in the first place.

"I really love taking pictures of kids," she said. "They're just so funny with their expressions and such."

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Snyder Photography

Where: 475 Alice's Rd., Suite C, Waukee

Hours: By appointment only

To schedule an appointment: Contact Terry Snyder at  515-987-5308 or tasphoto@aol.com