Stylish Photography Studio Settles Into Historic Vernon Building

VERNON, CT — From a small camera to modeling to cookie cutter JC Penney sittings to now owning her own photography studio in an historic building in Vernon, Paula Beverage is in a happy place professionally.

"I love it. I'm very happy here," Beverage said Tuesday as town and state officials commemorated the opening of her Luz studio on Union Street's historic Fitch Block. "I had driven by this place a thousand times. I've always wanted to be here."

And she has — since May 1. The 2,200-square-foot space offers high ceilings, exposed brick and natural lighting. Add some touches Beverage has employed — couches, a magnetic board that accommodates just about any backdrop and a tub (yes there's an old style claw foot tub in there) — and a photography studio was born.

Adding to the character of the place are two large Great Danes that greet visitors and clients.

Beverage said she has loved photography ever since she was 14, when her dad gave her a small digital point-and-shoot camera, which he claimed was broken. It turned out, the camera just needed a new set of batteries.

"After a good six months of using this little camera, my mother enrolled me in photography classes during the summer and that's when I got my first Digital SLR.," Beverage said. "Needless to say, I've never stopped taking pictures since then."

Beverage said she had had experiences with a camera on the other end of the lens — as a model. She then tried her hand at taking the photos more extensively and secured a job at the studio inside a Miami JC Penney.

"I was hooked," she said.

She photographs clients from newborns to weddings and even food. The name Luz Photography came from the person who inspired Beverage to start her own studio — Luz Velazquez.

One visitor Tuesday complimented Beverage on an image of a bride and groom. She then joked about her ability to improvise.

"I was braced against a car in a parking lot (the image had trees as the background)," she said. "We were not getting to the original place, so we were creative."

The Fitch Block dates back to 1889 and has undergone a remarkable recovery after a fire last winter. The commercial aspect of the building on the lower floor was not affected, however.

After Tuesday's ceremonies, Beverage was gazing out her front window, where she can see the Fox Hill Tower at Henry Park.

"Great place for photos," she said. "Yes. I'm happy here."

See more about the studio here.