CREATIVITY ABOUND

EXPOSURE: A Selfie Experience

by Abby Meaux Conques

Three local creative ladies are bringing a big city idea to Lafayette: Downtown Lafayette's only social media photography gallery called EXPOSURE - A Selfie Experience.

Think of it as a multifaceted, interactive selfie studio that’s family friendly, a place that photographers and creatives can express themselves, and a spot that’s set to be a unique event site. In short, it’s slated to be a place where memory-maker meets social creative expression.

337 Magazine recently spoke with the three friends who are the studio’s owners, Sarah Branton, Ali Comeaux, and Carlie Dexter, about the interesting new addition to the Downtown collection of eclectic spaces.

The idea started with a “Why not? Let’s do it!” moment. As a professional photographer, Carlie knew immediately upon seeing a blogger’s posts about their own space that it was possible to do here with the right team. The sharing of the idea with Sarah and Ali was immediately followed by “What better time than now?!” The idea came to fruition quickly and the trio secured the Downtown location, a prime spot for being able to offer themed events and special experiences centered around the opportunities Downtown has to offer such as festivals and Downtown Alive!

The business partners have their root connection through a long friendship between Carlie and Sarah. “She (Carlie) helped me grow my mindset as a woman, a serial entrepreneur, and as a human. We've worked together off and on through the years on different ventures like writing for The Lafayette Mom Blog. She's the 'golden retriever' friend, always caring for everyone,” Sarah explained.

Sarah and Ali connected serving the homeless community downtown where friendship grew into business ventures. Sarah told us, “After CV19 shut down our non-profit, we desired to continue working together and we eventually started Love and Luster, LLC - a business that sells crystals, minerals, and gemstones. I imagine they'll be found in our merch area at Exposure & probably throughout some of our installations as well.”

A creative connection was made between all three and now they spend their time together dreaming up possibilities for the studio that will house photo “walls” which will change every 90 days. The group is keeping in mind “Mardi Gras Krewes, Families, Graduating Seniors, social media content creators, product photography for local storefronts, photographers who want to offer mini sessions without the worry of weather, girls' night out, and anyone who is downtown and wants to remember their visit in a super fun way,” Sarah mentions.

Each member of the team finds their creative inspiration in different places, which should make for interesting backdrops through all of the seasonal changes and special events. Carlie said she gets her inspiration from being attentive to others, following various artists, photographers and content creators on different social media platforms. “Anything I see that sparks my interest, I make a note and think about how to reinvent it or bring it to life in a different way. I also listen closely when people have an idea for a photo shoot or a wall. If I can make it come to life I will,” she said. Ali says her creativity comes mostly from travel and people watching. “I am fortunate to see so much of the world, where the culture and perspective is so different from my own. I try to take in every minute of it and bring it back to my tiny corner of the world!” Sarah’s creative insight lies in the practical use of the space; questions like “How will they use this space?”, “How can we bring Pinterest to life?" and “How can we make it more fun?” She said, “The girls and I all bring different perspectives to the table and, ultimately, when we go back and forth with ideas we end up creating a wonderful blend that will appeal to many.” Creative artist collaborations and art center sponsorships will also lend a wide array of options for visitors.

Exposure: A Selfie Experience will have general admission sessions where tickets grant patrons access to their 5,000 square foot air-conditioned space for a specified 60 minute self-guided session at 806 Jefferson Street. There will be 25+ “walls” with seemingly endless photo ops, to be updated seasonally. They also have dressing rooms and a large bathroom to incorporate different looks with various walls, upping the creative factor. The group is curating a 750+sq ft VIP party space and will offer hosting corporate or social events such as holiday/ birthday parties, family gatherings, bachelorette parties, Mardi Gras Krewe events, and partnerships with other businesses downtown for workshops.

The group expresses a simple vision: to invoke joy and creativity in others and provide a space where people can take themselves less seriously and really enjoy themselves. “I hope visitors bring their friends and families and just love it. Make silly faces, encourage each other, feel good about themselves, laugh out loud, dance if you like the music, spark creativity and make all the memories. Life can be too serious and short if you allow it so let’s have fun and have pictures to prove it,” Carlie mentioned. “I am personally really looking forward to interacting with people again: cheering them on, being awed & inspired by their creativity, and celebrating joy with them,” Sarah added.

The concept will definitely be able to provide our area rich in culture and celebration another dimension of creative immersion and expression. The opening gives our area something else to look forward to following a year of event postponements and lowered capacities; it's planned to open shortly after Labor Day. After the year we’ve been through as a collective, we think we all deserve some fun... especially in the form of some self”ie” care ;)