Smile! Selfie Museum Gallery moves into new, downtown location

Published 9:30 am Thursday, May 19, 2022

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On Tuesday, Chatmans Media Photo & Selfie Museum celebrated its move to a new, more visual location in downtown LaGrange.

Owned by husband/wife duo Derrick and Tisha Chatman, the photography center features over 19 photo galleries where clients can take professional-style photographs with a variety of backdrops that are constantly changed out.

Since 2015, the selfie museum was previously located on the second floor of a shared space at 110 Main St. The Chatmans started out as freelancer photographers and videographers and offered additional services like DJ-ing. Within a few years, the Chatmans quickly grew out of the space and jumped on the chance to rent the space just below them in March.

“We came into a situation where exposure was a must,” Derrick said. “When this [space] came available, we expanded to a gallery so people can come in [and take their own photosl] and we don’t necessarily have to go to them.”

The Chatmans still offer their professional photography services, but clients have free range of how and what stations they can use. All stations are family-appropriate, Tisha said, and several, such as their ball-pit themed gallery or their western-themed gallery, are kid-specific.

The Chatmans recruited their own children to come up with gallery ideas for the older crowd.

Prices range from $18 an hour for full-access to galleries for selfies.

For professional photographs, prices range from $75 for various packages.

“We really looked forward to seeing teens and kids, especially with prom and graduation in full-swing, but the parents have been really involved as well,” Derrick said.

Chatmans Media Photo & Selfie Museum is open Tuesday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday and Monday by appointment only. For more information, call (706) 962-6552 or visit https://www.facebook.com/chatmansmediaselfiemuseum.