Steve & Robin Murrell pose in Robin’s studio, 1838 Photography
Walking through the doors to this historic corner building in Metamora means being transported back in time to an era when Metamora was just becoming a community. Robin Murrell, along with her husband Steve who proudly proclaims he is Robin’s “unpaid help,” is the proprietor of an establishment that whispers of early settlements, hard lives, and tough characters. Visitors are invited to channel the essence of those who lived in that period and create their own story through photographs.
1838 Photography is much more than an old-time photography studio. Robin has gone to great lengths to offer realistic costumes, props, and backgrounds, but what makes this studio truly a memorable experience is the way Robin encourages visitors to lose themselves in the story they create, if only for just a little while.
Robin became interested in family photography in 2019, and shortly after beginning that venture, a local person suggested that she open an old-time photography studio. It just so happened that there was an escape room in town that was 1800’s themed, and Robin was invited to use that space with all its props and decor as her studio. The Murrells continued to add thrifted and gifted furniture, costumes, and props to enhance the experience for visitors and increase the breadth and depth of the stories they could tell.
Robin’s clients are from all over the United States, Cuba, and beyond, and they love to tell their personal stories. She once had a couple, one being from Bosnia and the other from Serbia who talked of finding love in warring countries. Families have come to create precious keepsakes when one member is facing terminal illness. A man came who was interested in taking railroad photos. When asked how he discovered Metamora, he answered, “I followed the railroad tracks.” Robin told of a group of NICU nurses who came for group photos and then participated in a paranormal investigation on another venture owned and operated by Robin, Whispers on the Canal Ghost Tours. Another family came during the mother’s pregnancy in 2024 and returned in 2025 with their baby. They plan to return every year and make it a treasured family tradition.
Robin smiles when she talks about watching families play together while creating their photo experiences. She tells of parents sometimes opening up about never having been given permission to dress up and play when they were children and then watching as their children lead them into an imaginary world where they can be playful and whimsical. It would not be a stretch to say that healing takes place inside those rustic rooms.
In addition to 1838 Photography and Whispers on the Canal Ghost Tours owned and operated by his wife, Steve Murrell has started his own business venture as a blacksmith in the small shed behind the photography studio. A precision machinist by trade, blacksmithing has been a dream of Steve’s and seems to be a natural fit. In the Ugly Duck Forge he creates jewelry, keychains, and plans to have some Christmas ornaments available. His wares are a welcome addition to a town that gained popularity due to handcrafted items. During Metamora’s season which is typically May – December, the Murrell’s businesses are open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Over the winter, photography sessions can be scheduled in advance and ghost tours by reservation of five or more. You can reach Robin by calling 765-265-3819, and Steve can be reached at 765-309-3586.
