Staff at a popular photography studio, with bases in Suffolk and Norfolk, are working through "hundreds of appointments" as they prepare to open once more.

Having been a constant in Lowestoft town centre for more than 15 years, Picture Studios expanded to open a Norwich studio in 2019.

Both studios temporarily closed amid the continuing coronavirus crisis on March 23 last year, before re-opening in June and then having to close again during the November lockdown.

Reflecting on the third lockdown, and "looking forward" to reopening on Monday, April 12, Matthew Goddard, managing director of Picture Studios on London Road North in Lowestoft and Ber Street in Norwich, said: "During the third lockdown eight of our staff between the two studios have been furloughed with just myself working full time covering the phones and online enquiries.

Lowestoft Journal: Louise, studio manager, prepares for the reopening of Picture Studios in Lowestoft. Picture: Picture StudiosLouise, studio manager, prepares for the reopening of Picture Studios in Lowestoft. Picture: Picture Studios (Image: Picture Studios)

"With some orders still coming in during lockdown we did have our studio managers return for a few days in March to fulfil these and make them available on two click and collect days we made available.

Lowestoft Journal: Studio manager Aaron prepares for the reopening of Picture Studios in Norwich. Picture: Picture StudiosStudio manager Aaron prepares for the reopening of Picture Studios in Norwich. Picture: Picture Studios (Image: Picture Studios)

"We have taken half our staff off furlough, allowing us to clean and prepare our studio buildings so we continue to stay as Covid secure as possible.

Lowestoft Journal: Staff member Louise making a booking ahead of the reopening of Picture Studios in Lowestoft. Picture: Picture StudiosStaff member Louise making a booking ahead of the reopening of Picture Studios in Lowestoft. Picture: Picture Studios (Image: (c)Picture Studios 2020)

"We are also working our way through the hundreds of appointments that we had pre booked in over the lockdown period to ensure no one misses out."

The team has embraced all of the safety measures installed at the studios to protect themselves and customers.

Lowestoft Journal: Staff members Chloe, left, and Grace, right, prepare for the reopening of Picture Studios in Norwich. Picture: Picture StudiosStaff members Chloe, left, and Grace, right, prepare for the reopening of Picture Studios in Norwich. Picture: Picture Studios (Image: Picture Studios)

Mr Goddard said: "As much as we are very happy to be reopening and keen to rebook our customers in, we want to ensure safety is our first priority.

"It has been a tough year, we have had many challenges but nothing that will keep us down.

Lowestoft Journal: Staff members Regan and Louise prepare for the reopening of Pictures Studios in Lowestoft. Picture: Picture StudiosStaff members Regan and Louise prepare for the reopening of Pictures Studios in Lowestoft. Picture: Picture Studios (Image: Picture Studios 2020)

"We are feeling fresh and ready to face this new year ahead.

Lowestoft Journal: Staff members Louise, left, and Regan, right, prepare for the reopening of Picture Studios in Lowestoft. Picture: Picture StudiosStaff members Louise, left, and Regan, right, prepare for the reopening of Picture Studios in Lowestoft. Picture: Picture Studios (Image: (c)Picture Studios 2020)


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"Both our studios will be opening next Monday again with all our staff off furlough.

Lowestoft Journal: Staff members Grace, left, and Aaron, right, prepare for the reopening of Picture Studios in Norwich. Picture: Picture StudiosStaff members Grace, left, and Aaron, right, prepare for the reopening of Picture Studios in Norwich. Picture: Picture Studios (Image: Picture Studios)

"On top of this we also have a new member of the team starting at our Norwich studio.

Lowestoft Journal: Staff member Grace prepares for the reopening of Picture Studios in Norwich. Picture: Picture StudiosStaff member Grace prepares for the reopening of Picture Studios in Norwich. Picture: Picture Studios (Image: Picture Studios)

"We are confident the future looks bright for us and we still have plans for expansion."

Lowestoft Journal: Staff member Regan prepares for the reopening of Picture Studios in Lowestoft. Picture: Picture StudiosStaff member Regan prepares for the reopening of Picture Studios in Lowestoft. Picture: Picture Studios (Image: (c)Picture Studios 2020)