BizBeat: The Backdrop selfie studio welcomes customers downtown

Brinn Thorsten, owner of The Backdrop, poses for a selfie Thursday against one of the many backdrops available to choose from at the studio on High Street. (Shaun Zimmerman/News Tribune)
Brinn Thorsten, owner of The Backdrop, poses for a selfie Thursday against one of the many backdrops available to choose from at the studio on High Street. (Shaun Zimmerman/News Tribune)

Visitors of downtown Jefferson City have the opportunity to take their own snaps at a new selfie studio.

The Backdrop, a selfie studio on High Street, opened its doors the week before Christmas to test the waters. Lined with more than a dozen backgrounds, props and ring lights at every station, the studio allows customers to take selfies against more than a dozen designs with their cameras and cell phones.

Brinn Thorsten, who runs The Backdrop with her husband, Richard, said her family visited a selfie studio in St. Louis and were drawn to the idea of opening their own downtown to bring a new experience to the Capital City. That family interest is still a big factor in the business now that its doors are open, Thorsten said.

"It struck us as fun, unique and relevant entertainment, so we decided to give it a shot," Thorsten said. "I have a son and a daughter, and both of them have been very instrumental in helping us come up with ideas and put some different things together."

The studio has had a few regulars and sparked plenty of interest in those walking around downtown, with customers of all ages going to take photos. Even those who are skeptical of a selfie studio find themselves having a great time and making lasting memories, she said.

"When folks come inside and see the experience, they think it's really cool," she said. "The people who come in seem so excited about the fact that Jefferson City has something that is different and new. You can tell people are kicking around ideas in their heads."

The Backdrop also includes a small private party room that can be reserved. The studio can be rented for photo shoots, large groups and private or corporate events.

Thorsten said they hoped to offer new opportunities for customers in the coming weeks with special events for Valentine's Day, including a daddy-daughter date night and a Galantines night.

Customers pay a general admission fee for an hour. It costs $15 for customers aged 4-12 and $20 for those 13 and older, while admission for children younger than 4 is free.

The Backdrop, which is located at 207 E. High St., is open 5-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m-9 p.m. Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

Reservations can be made at thebackdropjcmo.com/booknow.

Know of any business happenings around Jefferson City? Let us know at [email protected] or 573-761-0243.

  photo  Photographer Daniel Aubuchon takes photos Thursday of Matt Comer and Shay Bass inside The Backdrop at 207 E. High St. in Jefferson City. (Shaun Zimmerman/News Tribune)
 
 
  photo  Customers will find a variety of backgrounds to use for their selfies at The Backdrop, a new studio at 207 E. High St. in Jefferson City. (Shaun Zimmerman/News Tribune)