Unforgettable Photos Moving to New Main Street Location

Unforgettable Photos will soon be found in a new location in downtown Manchester! Hours will be by appointment only.

It’s an exciting time for Mary Bortmas at Unforgettable Photos, Manchester’s most visible local photography studio business.

As of October 15, 2014, the business will be “taking its show on the road,” and going mobile as Mary seeks new directions and new heights for a business that has afforded her unlimited opportunities over the past 15 years.

After incorporating Unforgettable Photos in August 1999, Mary at first worked from her home for several months before renting studio space at 109 E. Main Street. Four years later, as her reputation and clientele continued to grow, she expanded for the second time by moving to 117 E. Main, where she stayed for nearly nine years.

In early 2013, Unforgettable Photos was again outgrowing its rental space and Mary arranged for a two-year lease with an option to buy at the old NAPA building, located at 101 W. Main Street.

“After I had been in the new location about a year, I had even more new opportunities arise to take the business in a totally new direction,” she explains. “As I was contemplating these changes, I also knew of an existing business in Manchester that had shown an interest in the building … so I made arrangements with them and the building owner. It turns out that having me move out early affords them an excellent opportunity to grow, while allowing me more flexibility in my schedule to accommodate the growth of my own business.”

One of several changes in direction that Unforgettable Photos will see in the coming months is the exciting news that Mary has been accepted as an affiliated photographer for “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep,” a charity that provides remembrance photography for parents experiencing infant loss.

“I really want to be able to provide this service to parents,” she says. “I’ve felt led to do this for the past couple of years–and that was one of the deciding factors in my decision; I will need to be on call at a moment’s notice for these situations. You can’t pre-schedule them; you can’t put it off. I will need to be available to provide this service, and easing my in-studio commitments will allow this to happen.”

The new studio, which will be located in the Main Street Suites above Comerica Bank, will adhere to a “by appointment” schedule. Clients are welcome to call at the same phone number, (734) 428-0888, and will continue to find Unforgettable Photos on Facebook and via their website, www.unforgettablephotos.biz.

Over the past few years, Mary has noticed a changing trend in her clientele’s requests for location photography, destination sessions, and other out-of-town or even out-of-state events.

Unforgettable Photos captures special moments through family, senior, and children’s photography. Courtesy of Unforgettable Photos.

“Fewer of our clientele are actually being photographed at our studio,” she explains. “This has made my decision simpler. In order to accommodate the changing needs of my clients, I have purchased a mobile studio–a vintage travel trailer–that is being customized for my needs.

“I’ve also committed to a small studio/office space in town, so I will still have a Manchester location for clients to meet and to do some indoor photography for families, seniors, kids, and other needs. In addition, I have partnered with the Dancer’s Boutique in Ann Arbor, to offer limited-edition specialty sets, starting with Santa Claus the first weekend in December.”

Special seasonal sets will be offered and publicized via Unforgettable Photos and Dancer’s Boutique Facebook pages as well as the businesses’ websites and other venues as dates and schedules are confirmed.

Throughout the process, Mary looks forward to continuing her relationships with Manchester Community Schools, Youth Sports, and other community groups, while expanding her commitments as requested by her clients.

“Shedding the confines of a retail space will allow me to better fulfill my company vision for the future,” she adds. “I’m expanding my design and marketing services for small businesses; I can’t wait to help other small businesses find their niche and promote themselves in professional and creative ways to set themselves apart in their industry.”

Over the coming few weeks, present and former clients can make Mary’s move go smoothly by helping her downsize. Furniture, props, and costumes are currently listed for sale and are moving quickly via Facebook buy and sell sites, as well as Craigslist sales. Unclaimed photos are also available for pickup through October 10.

“I am honored to be part of your family milestones,” Mary concludes, “and I hope to continue to capture your memories so you can enjoy them for generations to come!”

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.