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Photographer + designer best friends to open Charlotte selfie museum with local art backdrops

Sharetha Cooper and Melissa Fuller co-founded Picture Project CLT, which offers space to record a podcast, host a corporate event or have a night out with friends while grabbing Instagrammable photo shots.
Sharetha Cooper and Melissa Fuller co-founded Picture Project CLT, which offers space to record a podcast, host a corporate event or have a night out with friends while grabbing Instagrammable photo shots.

Two childhood best friends brought a new, interactive selfie museum to Charlotte during the holidays last month.

Picture Project CLT celebrated its grand opening on Dec. 11 in the Independence Shopping Center. Located in MoRA, the new concept is simple: It’s a place where you can visit, take striking photos and have the time of your life.

Co-founders Melissa Fuller and Sharetha Cooper are the brains behind the innovation and creativity. Cooper is a professional photographer with experience in commercial and business branding, and Fuller brings two decades of event planning and design experience. Picture Project CLT combines their experience and passions.

“We definitely wanted it to be creator-focused,” Cooper said. “Our museum can be a realistic alternative for people to create great photos every day. There’s lots of opportunities for people to create great content anytime.”

While there’ll be more than 30 opportunities to capture that perfect, Instagrammable photo, visitors might be more impressed with the ability to be fully immersed in the experience through interactive sets.

It’s more than a selfie museum. Whether you’re recording a podcast, hosting a corporate event, or having a night out with friends, Picture Project CLT has options.

The new selfie museum and event space Picture Project CLT plans to open in MoRA on Dec. 11.
The new selfie museum and event space Picture Project CLT plans to open in MoRA on Dec. 11. Tricia Tam/MoRA

What you should know

Here’s more information about the museum:

  • It has plenty of backdrop options are available. More than 20 exhibits have creative props and other fun surprises.

  • There will be no fuss over tiny details. Leave your ring light and phone stand at home — each space will supply both.

  • Get a picture in front of local art. Your favorite Charlotte artist’s work may be highlighted in some of the rooms.

  • There will be changes with the seasons. Each visit — and experience — will offer new studio backdrops.

  • If you want to bring someone back for the experience you had, no worries. Some of the main themes will stick around.

  • If you’re hosting a podcast, there’s a room for that too. Creators can rent the podcast room to record, and there’s a waiting room for guests.

  • Where to get holiday photos or photos for any occasion in Charlotte, you’re covered. Picture Project CLT has professional photography services available.

Melissa Fuller and Sharetha Cooper will bring more than 30 photo opportunities to visitors of Picture Project CLT.
Melissa Fuller and Sharetha Cooper will bring more than 30 photo opportunities to visitors of Picture Project CLT. Brandon Grate

Combining creative talents

Cooper is not only thrilled about being a part of MoRA’s revitalization, but she’s looking forward to adding to Charlotte’s creative scene and MoRA’s community.

“I’m excited about everything, just kind of having people to be able to see our vision,” she said.

“Both Melissa and I own our respective creative businesses — she being an event designer and balloon stylist, and me being a photographer,” Cooper said. “And just being able to put our creative talents together to bring something great to Charlotte. I’m just excited to see it happen.”

Picture Project CLT

Location: 5648 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28212

Neighborhood: MoRA

Hours: Open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m -8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Closed for private and corporate events on Monday and Tuesday.

Instagram: @pictureprojectclt

This story was originally published November 17, 2021 at 6:30 AM.

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