Local photographer Lynn Allen says her artistic life was stuck in "stagnant mode" prior to opening her new shop, Blacksheep Photography, 801 E. Center St. Allen shares the space, previously occupied by Project M Boutique, with friend and fellow photographer, Angela Wangrud.
"I read via Facebook that Bree Rose (owner of Project M) was leaving the space and I jumped," says Allen, who introduced her new business during Center Street Daze last month. "I knew I needed something and had always dreamed of having my own space."
Blacksheep offers a variety of photography services, from very affordable, spontaneous drop-in packages to 30- or 60-minute scheduled sessions. They are also available for some special events and weddings.
"We also offer special prices, or will consider bartering services, for any local artists, clothing / jewelry designers and hairstylist," says Allen. "We believe in working together within the community."
Blacksheep Photography will host a few special events this fall. Allen says her goal is to offer something every month, starting with September's moustache photographs which are now on display in the shop's window. October is dedicated to photographing pets in their Halloween costumes, and it's aptly dubbed, "Howl-a-ween."
Throughout the year, Blacksheep will specialize in pet photography. Allen, a volunteer at Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC), combines her passions for animals and photography.
"Everyone who volunteers and works at MADACC helps in their own way. For me, it became obvious that I could help most with my camera. So I began taking photos of the adoptable animals in hopes to make a better first impression on potential adopters," she says.
Blacksheep has designated space inside the shop dedicated to local rescues where groups can sell products made by volunteers. Allen created a line of cards featuring dogs from MADACC.
Allen says she and her partner want to make the services available to anyone. They aim to be a studio where women on a "girls night out" can stop by for a spontaneous photo shoot or a place where people can document important milestones in their life.
Allen began taking photos in 1984 with a Pentax K1000 that she still owns. She took one photography class in high school, but otherwise is self taught. Wangrud studied photography at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
"She brings a whole other point-of-view to things. Her style and eye are different than mine, she has more technical knowledge and I think that's great because that way we give people more to chose from," says Allen.
Allen, who has lived in Riverwest for nine years, says the Center Street location is ideal for her new shop. She appreciates being near other neighborhood businesses like Fuel, Centro and Stonefly and says the diversity of the residents is inspiring to her.
Prior to opening the shop, Allen worked on a long-term project called "Women In Ink" where she photographed tattooed women.
"Being a photographer has made me the woman I am today by making me slow down and really look to see things others might not, to find beauty in something most people would discard or not acknowledge and for that I am grateful," says Allen. "I want to be the Annie Leibovitz of Riverwest. Ha."
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
