Part-Time with Studio

[RubenZamora]

I'm really wanting to do photography part-time etc. I got my sales tax ID etc etc. But at this point, I'm having a hard time deciding if renting a office area or studio is worth it. I'd hate to work out of my home, but at the same time shooting only on location is probably not the way to go. My main goals are portraits, newborns, headshots, special events, Seniors etc.

Anyone here doing this part-time with a studio space not in their home?

[WarrenG]

Ruben,

You need to look at your business plan. If you have enough existing client base, and new clients to support making the side money you want, plus cover the overhead associated with a rental space for part time purposes, then you should make the move.

Do not forget besides the lease for the space, include other overhead like liability insurance, phone, internet...and then you need all the furnishings, studio samples, backdrops, props, etc. I cannot speak for how others did it, but I worked out of my home for quite a few years part time before deciding to get a small studio and go full time. While I thought I had "everything I needed" when I moved into the space, I quickly found out how "empty" it looked, and how much more I needed to create the experience I wanted for the clients, plus, I felt the impact of the overhead costs and pay right away. I have been shooting full time for 1.5 years now, and I am still working on getting my space dialed in the way I really want it (which will ultimately mean moving at some point). Are there some advantages to having the studio, sure you bet, but they come with a price. Once you evaluate whether that price is worth what you are earning shooting part time, you will be able to come up with an answer.

You might want to consider a "virtual office" and renting a local studio when you need one (if that option is available near you).

I hope this info helps you out.

Good Luck.

W

[Sweet Caroline]

I only shoot on location, and most parents of young children and babies really appreciate that. I either shoot outdoors at a park, or I take my studio set up to their home. It hasn't been worth it so far to rent studio space. I'd rather save the money and buy a new home when the time comes that has a space that can be designated as my studio and office. I hear over and over again from my clients that they love the "house calls", especially since it's so hard to get young children anywhere on time. Shooting on location also keeps the kids more comfortable.

[keripayne]

Hey Caroline,

What things do you take with you to a client's home? I've wondered the same things as Ruben, but am not ready to take on the additional responsibility of a studio right now.

Do you just take lights and use existing furniture and walls and such? Or do you take along an entire backdrop set-up with a stand and muslins? Also, if you DO take muslins, how do you keep them from being all wrinkled when you arrive?

Thanks for all the good information!!!!!!

[Sweet Caroline]

It really depends on the clients taste and wishes. Many clients have lovely homes with little clutter that provide a beautiful setting, sometimes with a little furniture moving first. For clients who want a studio look, I bring backdrops and a portable stand system that cost me around $125. I use fabric that looks okay wrinkled, or black which doesn't show in the final product. I put my flashes on light stands and have softliter umbrellas with diffusers. I set my camera to commander mode and fire the flashes wirelessly. If your camera doesn't have that capability, you can use radio poppers. It's not an expensive set up, and I can get it all ready to go in about 15-20 by myself.

Hope this helps:)

Caroline

[HotHolly]

Before we had a studio we used to market this as an exclusive in-home session. For young children, its really helpful to them to be in their own space. Night and day attitude changes.

Anyway, if you don't need a studio, don't get one or share one or rent one for the times you need one.

[keripayne]

Thanks for the info guys (girls-lol). Sometimes it seems like a detriment to not have an actual "studio". But it really IS all in the marketing! Lol

[RubenZamora]

Thanks for the insight guys. I'll have to think long and hard about this move