A bit of history about our studio and why we purpose-built a photography studio — Thrive Boudoir

I would love to tell you that we had a vision… a burning desire… a creative epiphany, and nothing would stop us from achieving it (Dammit!!!).

Sadly, the reality is not that exciting.

Here is why we did it, but first, a bit of back story:

Like many photographers, I did not need a studio when I started. I worked from home because I was primarily a wedding photographer. Then, as time passed, we started specialising in portraits and commercial photography, and the need for a dedicated studio space became a priority.

So we found a space in Mooloolaba and set up shop there. Like anything, it could have been better, but we loved it, and our clients loved it. Plus, we had excellent landlords in Murphy Builders who owned the complex we leased from, and our business neighbours were awesome. We were as happy as could be there.

Then, in 2021, we had notice from the Sunshine Coast Council that we had to leave. They were, via compulsory acquisition, taking the land for the upgrade and widening of Brisbane Road, and we had 12 to 18 months to vacate.

Not a big deal. It's annoying, but hey, there's not much we can do about it.

The view from the road before construction started and where the studio now stands. . A daunting process when starting out!

My mistake was that I left it about a year before deciding to pull my finger out and find a new place to move into. It was a mistake because this was during the Covid period. What happened was that many new businesses popped up, and many companies moved to the Sunshine Coast from the cities. So, as a result, there was a genuine commercial Real Estate shortage.

We could find nothing to lease. I am not exaggerating. There was NOTHING to lease that would suit. So, after some teeth-gnashing and discussions with the council, we decided to build a purpose-built studio on our property in Eudlo. ( next town down from Palmwoods)

Now, Eudlo is a funny little town, not known by many other than locals, bike riders who love steep hills and Buddhists ( There is a Buddhist temple in the town. ) The population is less than 1200. We boast two cafes, a primary school, a post office, a couple of little businesses, the above-mentioned Buddhist Temple (the Dali Lama visited in 2010!!!) and now us.

It is like time passed this town by. It is pretty unique in that regard.

Delivery of the building kit. We had a LOT of rain hence the muddy mess.

Our concern was that people would not want to come here. So we asked clients who follow us on our online socials, and they all said they would love it. Heartened by this micro poll, we pushed ahead.

Now, I had never built anything besides a wooden box with a sliding lid in manual arts at High School in grade 8, so I had no idea what I was doing. My naive and optimistic goal was to be built and open by July 2022. With rain and building shortages, this quickly blew out to November 2022. We were REALLY lucky to get it done by then. The other result of COVID was the building explosion. Getting a tradesman was next to impossible. It is only that I have lived here my whole life and am lucky enough to know so many people that we managed to get it done.

I will not go into a blow-by-blow of the building process as that would be about as interesting as hearing about me changing the drive belt on my zero-turn mower.

But I will say that we had tremendous help from friends doing things like my neighbour digging the trench for power and my friend Ben Denman, the builder, for doing all the carpentry and offering advice and building vision to his clueless client (me). Another friend, Tony from Scaussie Electrical, for the enormous task of all the custom electrical requirements and installing the monster air con system. And our new friend Mick ( of course his name is Mick!!) the Plasterer, for doing what he says is the weirdest plastering job he has ever done.

So anyway, we opened in November of 2022 and have not looked back. What started as a pain in the arse has turned into a blessing in disguise.

We built this exactly as we wanted it for technical photography reasons (regarding height and layout) and, more importantly, to improve our client's experience.

Everyone is always surprised at how awesome and big it is. It looks smaller from the road. Getting here is way easier for our Brisbane, Northlakes, Caboluture and Gympie clients. It’s only 10-15 minutes off the highway. They do not have to fight through the traffic and never-ending roadworks to Mooloolaba, Kawana or Maroochydore. Also, we are now pretty much right in the middle of the Sunshine Coast.

Also, you can always get a parking spot right at the front door!

Our commute is now 30 seconds from home, a short walk across the paddock, which is excellent.

So, our fears were unfounded, as most fears turn out to be. People love coming here; it has become a real advantage and a selling point. Our Brisbane Boudoir clients especially love it, and some have come back and stayed at bed and breakfasts nearby as they are charmed by how nice it is and how quiet and peaceful it is. The Sunshine Coasters always comment that they should get to the Hinterland more often and would love to live there.

So there you have it—the thrilling tale of how Thrive Photography came to build it’s studio.

We would love for you to visit so we can meet you.

About our studio and why we decided to purpose-build one

Boudoir photography can be a life-changing experience.

What happens on the day of a Boudoir Photography Shoot