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Montieth 'living the dream' at LeMar Photography

By Natalie J. Ostgaard, City Editor
Crookston Daily Times

June 2, 2005 - Since purchasing LeMar Photography in early March, Jay Montieth has been "living the dream."

"If you'd have asked me when I was 10 what I wanted to do with my life, this is it," he says excitedly.

Montieth studied photography in the early 1980s, but "people told me you can't make any money at it, so I went off and did other things. ... I wish to God I wouldn't have listened, but I'm really happy now."

Originally from Moorhead, he lived in various locations around the country before deciding to return to the Midwest a couple of years ago with his wife, Brigitte, and now two-and-a-half-year-old son, Gabriel. The couple chose Crookston because it seemed a good fit for them.

"The people are nice here, it's good living in a fairly inexpensive," he says.

He's quick to give credit to his two employees, Studio Manager Marilee Hanson and newly hired Miriam Thompson, for helping to make the transition into business owner go smoothly. Hanson has worked for LeMar, a longstanding Crookston business, off and on for 12 years.

"Marilee knows everything about his business, knows everyone in town," he says. "I try not to make any decisions without her."

Hanson, who has a degree in graphic design, performs a variety of jobs, including some photography, for the business. Montieth says he hopes to expand on her many talents by utilizing her skills in creating advertisements, business cards, greeting cards and other graphic works.

LeMar now offers framing and matting services as well, with an infinite number of colors, styles and shapes available, along with competitive prices, he says.

"We now get a couple of framing jobs a week, so that's going well," he says, adding that he and Thompson recently attended a course to learn more about framing and matting techniques. "As our skills improve I anticipate that part of the business taking off more."

While the bulk of his business deals with digital photography, Montieth says he does offer film photography for those who want it, though the service does cost more. He recommends digital, because "it lasts forever, film deteriorates over time."

Montieth says he would also like to get a little more commercial work for the area businesses. "It's fun, challenging and different," he says.

He feels LeMar offer high quality, professional photography at prices that can compete with large department stores that offer "less than professional results."

"It's like art, an interpretation of who that person is," he says. "If just want a likeness you can go to the cheaper places."

'New' studio

The deal to purchase the studio business from Dean Knutson, who no longer lives in Crookston, was the in the works for several months. For now, Knutson retains the contracts for school pictures in various districts from the Canadian border down to Fargo, but Montieth took over the rest of the business, including wedding, family, senior and children's portraits.

He's been sprucing up the historic building at 107 W. Second St. since August. Soon, he hopes to buy the building from owner Steve Kraft.

The main floor includes the reception area, a view room, computer lab, office and a small "head and shoulder" camera room for more straightforward portraits such as passport photos, he explains. the basement is a work area full of supplies and framing equipment.

Montieth proudly shows the newly renovated upstairs, where the main studio/shooting room is located. A large dressing room with plenty of mirrors and appropriate lighting greets clients as they walk in. Three sitting areas that include a vast array of unique props, color schemes, lighting effects and backgrounds are strategically placed across the roomy upstairs.

The room is designed for efficiency to avoid lost time, he points out, with muslins that quickly roll out, lighting and camera equipment that easily moves between areas and interchangeable sets.

"I think it turned out very well," he says. "I'm happy with the sets and the efficiency. There's a lot to choose from that would appeal to everyone - male or female, young or old, simple or fancy."

While the room appears to be nearly complete, he added, it will "probably always be changing. I'm always seeing more things to add for more variety and ways to make it better."

"I love this place," Hanson added. "It's more artsy, more cozy than our last location. That seemed much better suited for a dentist's office (which it currently is)."

Although he purchased the studio at a relatively slow time of the year for photography business, Montieth says he's gearing up for the influx of senior portraits as well as the summer wedding season. One thing he does different than most other studios, he says, is that he does not charge seniors extra for each clothing change.

"If you can and want to change 10 times during your camera time, go for it," he says. "You should be able to wear what you want for these once-in-a-lifetime photos."

LeMar offers various packages as well as add-ons and proof CDs tailored to clients' needs for wedding, senior and family portraiture. Kids World portraits, with no sitting fee, can be scheduled anytime during studio hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The phone number is 281-4219 or toll free at 1-800-568-5409. http://www.lemarphoto.com