before we tell your story, here is ours
it all started with two friends will really big dreams.
coming together is beginning.
staying together is progress.
working together is success.
carris and katie's paths briefly crossed while attending high school together in the roscoe/rockton area. but it wasn't until katie and carris started shooting weddings together a few years ago that they realized their teamwork was like dynamite + they were truly destined to be best friends (and later, you guessed it... business partners!)
in late 2021, carris really wanted to open a photography studio but knew she couldn't do it alone. this led her to the idea of opening up a collaborative studio space where creatives could share the space, work together, and build community in the rockford area. katie, of course, was the first person that carris wanted to be a part of it.
weeks later, the eight one five collective was established and moved into its first space.
the eight one five collective is now a group of female creatives who are local to the 815 area + who emphasize community over competition. it has continued to grow into everything carris and katie envisioned it would be.
since the start, the eight one five collective has grown tremendously by moving to different locations, expanding into larger spaces, adding new photographers, as well as an in house MUA + esthetician, and so much more.
the eight one five collective offers various services and sessions in the studio and continues to be a space where everyone can thrive.
why we love what we do
the eight one five collective has helped establish the photography community of my dreams. when i moved back to the rockford area in june of 2021, i wasn't met with an overwhelming sense of encouragement or open arms from other photographers in the area. as so many know, the photography industry can be cut-throat and extremely competitive. when you work in an area like rockford (which is FULL of talented individuals) i wanted to change what the local industry looks like for people, just like myself. i wanted to create a place where other creatives, even while being in the same industry, could be acknowledged and could work alongside others in a non-competitive environment.
the eight one five collective takes pride in being cheerleaders for all creatives, not just photographers, but artists, estheticians, musicians, makeup artists, florists, and more. when it came to opening up the studio, i really wanted to work with other likeminded individuals who thrive in collaboration and celebrate the success of others. the studio space i wanted for myself and those around me would feel like home when you walked through the door. i wanted the studio to be a place where you could kick your shoes off, be a part of meaningful conversations with people like myself, laugh together, and learn from one another.
i am so excited for what is to come for us and i really hope everyone gets a chance to experience the collective - because it really is something so special. - carris bunjan