HeyDay Studios, set up by Ciara Drennan and Pauline McEvoy, are preparing for their official launch this coming Friday.
And to highlight the occasion Ciara and Pauline sat down with LaoisToday to explain what exactly HeyDay studios is all about.
What is Heyday Studios?
First of all, it is a dream that has become a reality. In our premises, we have a photographic studio and an art studio. It has been busy since we opened the door on January 4 and it just keeps getting busier as people get to know about us. It has exceeded all our expectations.
Heyday Studios is a really comfortable place for our clients to visit and for us to be creative. As well as our studios we have ample office and storage space. We love displaying our work all around the studio. It’s like a private gallery.
Who is involved?
Heyday Studios is a partnership between Ciara Drennan, award winning Photographer and Pauline McEvoy, Artist and Art Facilitator. Both have lived in Portlaoise for many years. Ciara is originally from Sligo and Pauline is from Portarlington.
“We have been friends for some years now. We met while working on a community event organising a photography and an art exhibition. It seems this partnership was destined to be from day one.”
What do you do?
Ciara specialises in newborn and family photography in a beautiful, well equipped studio.
Ciara is often called the “baby whisperer” as she is so good at handling and settling newborn babies. People travel from far and wide for a session with Ciara and they return again and again to mark various milestones in life.
Pauline paints a lot of commission work that focus on places/landmarks. Places are part of our identity and her work honours that. She also runs art classes and workshops. All levels are welcome. Small groups gather in a bright and well stocked art studio. Fun and supportive.
“We love the creative process. We love creating images but most importantly we love the interaction with our clients as we work with them to create what they want, whether that is a portrait of their family or a painting of their favourite place”
What was the idea behind this?
For a few years we had been working part time together and other times in separate studios. We work well together and having collaborated on many creative projects. It just seemed like the next step to start Heyday Studios.
Why the name Heyday?
A couple of reasons for this. Firstly, it is in honour of the song “Heyday” by Mic Christopher, from the album Skylarkin, which is one or our favourite album and means a lot to us. Secondly, it is our Heyday! “the period of a person’s or thing’s greatest success, popularity, activity or vigour”. It seems to fit what we are doing.
Where are you based?
In Portlaoise, between O’Moore Park and Telfords. Offical address is Bennett’s Buildings, Clonminam Industrial Est. R32R8XF.
When are you open?
We love welcoming people to our studios. We are a busy studio and our clients all come by appointment whether its for a photo shoot or art classes. Our studio is very busy and we love to see it that way. We love what we are creating.
How much does it cost?
We love painted and printed images. That is what we create. That is what we specialise in. We are not big fans of just selling digital images.
We source top quality suppliers so we can offer the best images and wall art to hang on the wall of your homes. Images that will last a lifetime.
We are not low cost but we are high value. We pride ourselves of giving each and every client a great experience along with great images.
What’s next for Heyday Studios?
We are open nearly six months. We feel we have achieved a lot in that time. We are loving it and we are looking forward to building it and to offering new and innovative products and services to our clients. We are full of ideas and we want to see them come to life. The adventure continues.
Testimonials
Just had our nine day old newborn shoot here today. From the time we booked, Ciara and Pauline were just amazing to deal with. So professional, enthusiastic and just plain down to earth!
Walking into the studio this morning we were greeted by smiles and made to feel right at home. Our bigger boy was put right at ease and loved being Ciara’s “helper”. We didn’t have to lift a finger and between Ciara and Pauline, Riley was so well looked after.
I was very impressed that Riley’s safety was paramount in every pose and was never compromised to get a particular shot. I’m so excited to see the finished products! Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Heyday Studios for your newborn photo shoots.
Heyday Studios oozes calmness, light, and intrigue. As you enter you feel safe warm and welcome. I attend art with Pauline McEvoy. “Harry potter” is overshadowed compared to the magic this lady can bring forth onto a canvas.
SEE ALSO – Check out the Heyday website here
