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Allegro Photography makes new home in WB’s downtown
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · May 06, 2010
Diana Borash started years ago working as a 911 dispatcher, then moved up to assistant communications chief and finished as a director of a communications center.
And while she moved up the ranks at work (and met husband Daniel) she had a lifelong hobby that had nothing in common with her job: photography.
“I’ve always been the family photographer,” Borash said, sitting on a comfortable leather couch in what will become the new home of Allegro Photography. “And I’ve always enjoyed it.”
Family members noticed her photography skills and encouraged her. And when she signed up for a photography class at Des Moines Area Community College to take better pictures for scrapbooking, she got hooked, especially after her professor took her aside.
“He said ‘You’ve really got an eye for this,’” she said.
Allegro started in her home four years ago, but the West Branch High School graduate and grandmother of 14 decided to retire in October. Four of those grandchildren live in West Branch, three more live to the west in the Clear Creek-Amana area and four others live to the east in West Liberty. Moving back to West Branch, where she had lived for 35 years, was ideal, she said.
She moved here this past Christmas and set up shop at 104 1/2 E Main St., which is just west of Reid’s Beans.
Her favorite subjects to photograph are high school seniors, children and weddings. Sports fans will often see her taking pictures of football games, or anything granddaughter Taylor Wolf plays.
Allegro, which means “up tempo,” fits her approach to photography, Borash said.
“I want to capture the rhythms of life,” she said. “I like to capture people as they are.”
Borash belongs to three professional photography groups as well: Professional Photographers of America, Iowa Professional Photographers Assoc., and Wedding Portrait Photography International.
She prefers the controlled lighting conditions of the studio, but said she offers full-service photography, along with custom framing, collages and printing on items such as purses and keychains.
Borash said high school seniors are easy with whom to work, and she strives to have no two seniors with similar photographs.
“I’m super excited to be here,” she said. “I’ve always loved the community. ... It’s a great fit for us and our grandkids.”
FYI
Allegro Photography is open Tuesdays through Fridays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. You may reach them at allegro@mchsi.com, 643-2700, or www.allegro-photography.com.
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