Tom Sisneros, left, and Brodie Jayne sit in the lobby of Brodie Jayne's Photography, which opens the doors on its new location at 110 S. Church St. today. (Jennifer M. Howell/News-Sentinel)

Moving pictures

Lodi's Brodie Jayne's Photography finds the still life in newer, simpler location

They've heard rumors of illness, rumors of divorce and even rumors of leaving Lodi. But Brodie Jayne and Tom Sisneros of Brodie Jayne's Photography are perfectly content. Sort of.

Happily married for 20 years (together for 22), Sisneros and Jayne are the parents of three healthy young men and happy with life in Lodi. However, after running their business at 14 S. School Street for eight years, they have moved their operation a block away to 110 S. Church Street to better accommodate their simplified life.

"We've had our eyes on this building for a long time," Sisneros said Monday of the new location on Church Street. The couple has been busily working to renovate the space, and they began their move on April 30. They will re-open for business today, with plans for a grand re-opening not far in the future.

Though the space is smaller than the School Street location — 1,100 square feet compared to 2,400 square feet — it is a better situation for the business.

The previous location was longer, presenting a challenge whenever Jayne or Sisneros had to leave on an assignment. Jayne worked in one portion of the building while Sisneros worked in the opposite end. Afraid Sisneros might not hear her when she left, Jayne would often lock the doors or vice versa.

In the new space, they'll be working side by side. But that's not all that's different.

The building is decorated to have a more modern feel, yet is designed around an old Brownie camera for a retro look. Jayne collects the little boxy cameras and will have those on display as part of the decor.

The new location of Brodie Jayne's Photography is 110 S. Church St. The studio is modeled after the old Brownie cameras that have a boxy look to them. (Jennifer M. Howell/News-Sentinel)

"The building kind of looks like a camera," Jayne said of the space, which was once home to House of Clocks and then the Lodi Community Art Center.

Inside, soft hues and subtle wood floors greet customers, as does a 42-inch flat panel monitor. The monitor will be used to show customers exactly what they'll be getting, rather than having them look at a small countertop monitor.

Sisneros insists that nothing has changed in their lives, only that they've simplified their way of doing things. And, whereas they used to have 500 available appointments every year, they now have 300 available appointments a year, which means more time for the couple to take a vacation now and again.

"Every quarter we'll be taking a week off to decompress ... maybe actually watch a sunset on the beach," Sisneros said.

Even though there are still some minor cosmetic touches to finish about the shop — which will be completed in about four weeks — the studio is up and running and ready for clients.

"I am thrilled," Jayne said. "I can hardly wait to get everything in its place."

Brodie Jayne's Photography is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. by appointment. They can be reached at the same number, 333-8863, and their Web site, www.brodiejayne.com.

Contact Business Editor Marc Lutz at marcl@lodinews.com.