Ever since Kimberley Rae Sanderson was six years old and won a photography contest in a community fair, she knew that photography was for her.

“I was instantly hooked,” said Sanderson.

Now, years later, Sanderson has opened her own studio offering photography and related services in the lower suite of 505 7th Avenue in Invermere, behind Gone Hollywood Video.

The studio offers professional photography, with subjects including architecture and real estate, maternity portraits, as well as photographs for commercial and advertising purposes,

Framing, printing, and photo restoration in all varieties is also available out of the studio, which “officially” opened on August 1.

Sanderson began working in photography studios when she was 13, and by 16 she was second-shooting for weddings as a hired photographer.

She did two years at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) for photographic technology, further broadening her creative abilities and technical and business knowledge.

Sanderson came to the valley in 2004, but while knowing that one day she would like to have her own photography studio, she did not seek out the business venture right away.

“I didn’t start actively looking until the past two years,” said Sanderson. “And even though I wanted to do this, I wasn’t planning on it so soon. But then this space became available and the rent was good, and I just jumped right in.”

While the studio vision is still coming together, Sanderson and her work have been well-received, and she is still looking to the business’ future.

“I’m always thinking bigger,” said Sanderson. “I want to have a full studio one day, among other things, and would like to be able to offer full services for photography and more.”

Sanderson is also hoping to work with the Invermere Companion Animal Network for a future fundraising campaign, wherein she will be doing pet portraits to help raise money for the group. Official details have yet to be announced.

Sanderson also teaches photography classes offered through the College of the Rockies.

“Can’t you tell that I live, love and breathe photography?” she laughed.

As for how it feels to have an official, established studio business, Sanderson said, “It’s the icing on top of the cupcake. I’m really excited.”

Sanderson’s studio hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 250-342-5102 or visit kimberleyrae.ca