TL;DR | The Croix Studio Opening
- The Croix Studio is opening in Downtown New Richmond, WI, with a soft opening in May 2026
- Founded by local photographers to create a shared creative studio space for the St. Croix Valley
- Designed for photographers, families, and creators to gather, create, and grow
- Mandie of Alabaster Photos will be offering newborn, maternity, and family sessions in the new space
- A warm, natural-light, and professional light studio created with intention for timeless, storytelling photography
- Booking now open for newborn sessions in New Richmond, Wisconsin
The Story Behind The Croix Studio
There’s something powerful about saying a dream out loud.
Because sometimes… it answers back.
Not long ago, this was just an idea. A quiet what if shared between conversations, tucked into late-night thoughts, and spoken gently into the universe:
What if there was a space for creators here?
What if we built something together?
And now… here we are.
The Croix Studio is coming to life in Downtown New Richmond, Wisconsin, and it feels like something bigger than just four walls and good light. It feels like a community. Like possibility. Like the beginning of something that will hold so many stories.
Built With Intention (and a Little Bit of Courage)
This studio didn’t come from a perfectly polished plan.
It came from two photographers—two business owners—who saw a need.
A need for space.
A need for connection.
A need for something that didn’t yet exist in the St. Croix Valley.
So we decided to build it.
Together.
There were moments of excitement, of course—but also moments of “are we really doing this?” The kind that comes with risk, growth, and stepping into something new.
But the truth is… the best things usually live right on the other side of that feeling.
A Soft Opening | May 2026
We’re opening our doors with a soft launch in May 2026, and it feels surreal even to type those words.
The space is being thoughtfully designed to feel:
- Warm
- Inviting
- Light-filled
- Versatile for all kinds of creativity
It’s not just a studio—it’s an experience. A place where you walk in and immediately feel inspired.
A place where ideas come to life.
What This Means for My Clients 🤍
For me, this is especially meaningful.
As the heart behind Alabaster Photos, I’ve spent years photographing families in homes, in fields, in quiet in-between moments. And while that will always be a part of what I offer… this studio opens a new chapter.
One I’ve dreamed about for a long time.
I am so incredibly excited to begin photographing:
- Newborn sessions in a calm, cozy studio environment
- Maternity sessions with professional lighting
- Family sessions that feel timeless and connected
There is something so special about having a dedicated space—one that’s designed specifically for these fleeting, meaningful seasons of life.
A space where:
- You don’t have to worry about tidying your home
- You can simply show up and be present
- Your story is held and documented with intention
Especially for newborns… this changes everything.
Why Newborn Photography Feels Different Here
Those early days are tender. Emotional. A blur of love and exhaustion and awe.
The Croix Studio was created to honor that.
Soft textures. Neutral tones. Gentle light.
A space where you can breathe, slow down, and settle into the moment.
Where your baby can be exactly as they are—and that’s more than enough.
I cannot wait to photograph your little ones here.
More Than a Studio
While I’ll be using the space for my own sessions, The Croix Studio is also something bigger:
A place for:
- Photographers
- Creators
- Small business owners
- Podcastors
To gather, create, and grow.
This is about building something together.
A creative home in the St. Croix Valley.
This Is Just the Beginning
If you had told me a few months ago that we would be here—preparing to open a studio in downtown New Richmond—I don’t know if I would have believed you.
But sometimes the things that feel the most uncertain… are the ones meant for you all along.
We’re just getting started.
And I truly cannot wait to see all the stories that unfold within these walls.
Now Booking | Newborn & Family Sessions in New Richmond, WI
With our May 2026 soft opening, I am now booking:
- Newborn Sessions
- Maternity Sessions
- Family Sessions
If you’re expecting or simply want to document this season of your life, I would be so honored to create something beautiful with you.
If you have the ability and feel so inclined, we started a GoFundMe to help with some of the startup and building costs that you can contribute to. Thank you for supporting our dreams.
