Part time photographer question.

[esanchez]

I am a full time IT person at my place of employment and I do photography on the side as a hobby. I don't plan on doing photography full time, but only when my services are requested and I'm available. I have website as listed below just to show people some of my work. How many of you do the same as I and have a studio for your clients. Right now I have a room 10x12 for one or two persons. Mostly head shots and 1/2 body shots. What should I do if someone requests like a family shoot of 4 and I don't have the space??? I thought about doing some sort of outdoor shoot but what if a client wants a studio shoot?? I guess what I'm trying to say is how should I advertise myself to make a client know I'm a limited/partime photographer and don't have a full size studio. But what if the client still likes my work and rates because I'm not a pro???

[ShaneKislack]

Rent studio space by the hour.

[LoungeLizard]

Your clients shouldn't care you're part time. If it comes up in conversation, let them know but they're interested in the quality of your work - not your work status.

As far as your rates, don't underprice yourself.

[Alyson]

Where can you rent studio space by the hour?

I, myself, don't use a studio right now... because I am not a big fan of backdrops (meaning I like them on occassion when I'm shooting my own kids or something, but I don't like getting bored with "work" so I like the variety of locations) If someone contacts me who really wants a studio shot I refer them to someone who has a nice studio, someone I respect. I ahve no problem giving business away if I know the client wants something other than what I offer... I think we are both happier in the end.

but I sort of offer a specific product- catering to children in their element.

[ShaneKislack]

http://www.vipphotographystudios.com/ are TPF members I think.

[TxKent]

Guys, esanchez is in Brownsville, the Valley. It will be much harder to find a rental studio down there. Trust me. I lived in Corpus Christi until 2000, and travelled to the valley about once a week for a couple of years.

I've thought about converting my garage to a studio... but can't think of putting my car outside.

[esanchez]

TXkent is correct I don't think there any rental studios around here at least I don't think so. I have a friend that owns a photo studio and he has let me use it before. I just don't want to be bothering him, but I know he doesn't mind. I just wanted to know what some of you are doing.

[Dsheree]

I'm a full time photographer with a side job....

[bfphoto]

Eddie,
Advertize yourself as an enviomental photographer. You do family portraits outdoors or in the clients home. Make this a selling point.

Also think about joining TPPA and then attening some of their seminars. You will gain a lot of new ideas.

[island bound]

How about adopting the slogan --
family portraits at a location of your choice :)