An OSWESTRY-based photographer has more reason to be happy at the end of the recent four-week lockdown after she opened her new shop in town.

Janine Speake had to wait until after the lockdown to open the doors to her new studio in Beatrice Street, with Shropshire Councillor deputy leader Steve Charmley cutting the ribbon to declare it open.

Previously, Janine was working out of a studio based at home, but will now be operating out of the new premises, which she is looking forward to.

She said: “I got the keys the day Boris Johnson announced there would be a four-week lockdown, so that wasn’t ideal.

“But it’s given me plenty of time to make the studio look amazing, which it does.

“I’ve had to move the whole of my November bookings into what was an already booked-up December, so it will remain busy on the back of the recent lockdown.

“I mainly do photography for babies and newborns, and people have still been having babies throughout.

“I have been following all the rules regarding PPE, and people have been happy to come in and have their pictures taken.”

Janine has been keeping busy during the pandemic, with plenty of bookings when Covid-19 regulations allowed.

She also arranged tasks and competitions for the children of customers to take part in during the first lockdown, and offered free family photograph sessions for NHS workers and care workers over a weekend in August.

She insists the support throughout the pandemic is something she is very thankful for.

“It’s been really good. I kept in contact with customers during the pandemic and sent out little things for kids to do, photography-wise, and set up little competitions and tasks to do for them.

“I was unable to do the same during the recent four-week lockdown because I had been really busy getting the studio ready.

“Everybody has been amazing and very supportive. Loads of people came out to clap this morning as the ribbon was cut which was really nice as well.

“All the nearby businesses have been really supportive too which is great.”

With her new studio ready to go, Janine is looking forward to getting back to work.

She said: “The majority of photographs will now be done in the studio, which is set up like somebody’s house.

“It’s all lovely and white inside and has a bit of a Boho theme to it.

“I do take photographs outdoors as well, but this is great because I prefer to take pictures indoors in the winter months.”

To find out more about Janine’s work, visit her website at www.janinespeake.com or email info@janinespeake.com