When Luis Escobar moved to Santa Maria from Atascadero in 1984, one of his first jobs was working at Reflections Photography Studio. At the time, Joe and Bella Jackson owned it.
Escobar was a student at Hancock studying photography, and the Jacksons decided to sell the business. Escobar jumped on the opportunity to take over and has since become the owner of what he said has become a thriving studio. For the last 30 years, the studio has enjoyed a continuing metamorphosis and changed locations a few times, including most recently with a move from Broadway to Depot St.
At one point, the studio also combined with Images, a separate photography studio formerly owned by Tom Smith, a friend who Escobar describes as a “brilliant photographer” and an inspiration.
“We combined all customers from both businesses,” Escobar said.
Smith’s studio was located at the classic craftsman house formerly owned by Edwina Twitchell located on 824 South Broadway. Escobar said it was Smith’s dream to convert the home into a photography studio.
Smith retired and offered to sell the business to Escobar, who moved Reflections from the corner of Clark and Bradley to the historic residence where Images once existed. The house is a local icon with lots of history. It served its purpose for 40 years, Escobar said, but he added that he’s going to miss the history and tradition of sharing the same space with Smith.
Escobar was looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Broadway, seeking a more discreet location. He said that Reflections had become busy to the point that it no longer needs to rely on a visible storefront.
Escobar had a chance to move to 2232 S. Depot Street, so he did. Although, the new facility comes with a bit of a square-footage downsize, he said he wants everyone to know that even though he moved to a smaller facility, his studio is alive and well and still in business. All he did was simply become more efficient. In fact, he said he’s busier than ever.
“I can accommodate more work here,” Escobar said. “We wanted a bigger, cleaner and more modern camera room.”
The new spot is located at the business park between Betteravia and McCoy, behind the first building. Escobar continues his photography services there, doing portraits and events. Reflections has been voted one of the top studios in Santa Maria through the Sun’s annual Best of Northern Santa Barbara County reader’s poll several years in a row, and Escobar intends to maintain this tradition.
“Our photography business is alive and well and ready to take on the assignments we’ve had for the last 40 years,” Escobar said.
For more information, Reflections’ number is 805-522-2932, which has been the same number for the last four decades, or visit www.reflectionsphotographystudio.com.
Staff Writer David Minsky wrote this week’s Biz Spotlight. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, email, or mail.
This article appears in Nov 26 – Dec 3, 2014.