Shared Studio

[picasso]

I have put this out once before and I am going to do it one more time. I am looking for a studio in the Keller, Southlake, Grapevine, or Roanoake area. I will be doing this with or without someone but if I could find one or two serious people I would be willing to share the space. This would also allow for the lease of a much nicer/larger space. Right now my estimates are that it would cost around $500 to $600 per month person plus the split of utilities. If you are interested let me know. I am not interested in leasing space by the hour at this point only in someone that is serious about commiting to at least a one year lease.

Paul

[HotHolly]

That's a nice offer, Paul. Maybe someone will take you up on it this time.

[L Stegall]

I've been giving a similar idea a lot of thought lately, but not in the area you are looking in. I'm in East Dallas and looking to avoid a lengthy commute to a studio. Good luck with your search. I'd be curious to compare notes on how you structure this if you find some takers.

[picasso]

Thanks Lisa. I wish you were closer. I will update this if it works out. The problem at least from what I have seen is.

1. People are scared to share a studio for fear of competition

2. No one in my area is interested

3. They are interested but have no money or don't want to pay that much.

The first fear is a non issue. There are probably 25 photographers part-time and full time within 10 miles of any given area whether they are sharing your studio or not.

Regarding the 3rd issue.. I have been pricing warehouse and retail space. It is not cheap. It would be hard to find anything in this area for less than $900 a month that would work and we are talking a small space. I envy someone that really has enough space to work out of their home. I have seen people try and do it but rarely do they have enough space to do everything that want photography wise.

Paul

[FamilyPhoto]

What size space do you have in mind?

Hoe do you plan to split costs for equipment?

[Wes]

I'm all over this... but it's about 2 years too early for me. I do plan on going down this route but my business is just not there yet.

You could probably recoup some of your cost if you rented the place out during times when you're not using it.

[lscottpht]

I'm interested in this, as well, but I am wanting something at The Cotton Mill in McKinney. Wish you were out in this area.

[picasso]

Originally Posted by FamilyPhoto

What size space do you have in mind?

Hoe do you plan to split costs for equipment?

Space size would be 1000 to 1500 sq ft or larger depending on what the other one or two people would feel they could invest. I have my own equipment but I would share as long as it was taken care of. I would really like to get someone that is serious about starting their own business and will invest in their own equipment. If the space is big enough I don't see an issue w/two shoots happening at once.

[picasso]

Originally Posted by lscottpht

I'm interested in this, as well, but I am wanting something at The Cotton Mill in McKinney. Wish you were out in this area.

How much is the cotton mill? I have heard great things about it.

Paul

[AndrewCCM]

Paul,

You know I was interested in this a while back. Only thing for me right now...I don't shoot many studio sessions these days, so it would be a straight out expense for me until I built up the biz. I am in S. Arlington which also makes it about 30min from my house. Keep me in the loop...I will have to do some serious consideration on the investment/logistics.

Thanks!

[picasso]

No problem Andrew, I thought about you but remembered what you said before. I understand. I don't shoot many studio sessions either but I am really going to try and crank up the high school senior business this next year and this time of the year sucks for me if I don't have a studio so its almost worth it for me because there are times I just can't shoot because of wind, cold, rain etc... Keep me in mind and I will keep you up to date. I might not mind meeting you halfway if your up for it. Not sure whats in that area.

Paul

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

Paul,

You know I was interested in this a while back. Only thing for me right now...I don't shoot many studio sessions these days, so it would be a straight out expense for me until I built up the biz. I am in S. Arlington which also makes it about 30min from my house. Keep me in the loop...I will have to do some serious consideration on the investment/logistics.

Thanks!

[picasso]

Originally Posted by Wes

I'm all over this... but it's about 2 years too early for me. I do plan on going down this route but my business is just not there yet.

You could probably recoup some of your cost if you rented the place out during times when you're not using it.

Hey Wes, I understand. My business is not exactly where I want it yet either but I see it getting bigger. I am investing some personal funds towards it also. If I end up going on my own I will be renting out time to recoup some of the costs but you can't count on that ya know. If I do that I will see if Able will let me post something here about it.


Paul

[brad]

The one thing to remember in setting up a sharing deal like this is that unless you plan to enter a formal partnership with them (be it a partnership, LLC, whatever), the landlord is still expecting you to sign on the dotted line.... and if that partner backs out on you or doesn't pay their half of the rent... the landlord will come looking for you, not them.

Plus talk to the landlords about what you want to do... unless you are a legal partnership, what you are talking about may be considered sub-leasing, which is a no-no on most business leases.

As far as renting it out goes: I originally set up mine with the idea of supplementing with other photographers renting... and except for one steady renter (which hardly makes a dent in the studio's monthly bill), I have virtually no one that rents. However, things have worked out for other reasons and I wouldn't trade what I have right now... but it took several months before the studio started paying for itself.

Just some things to keep in mind.

[picasso]

Thanks Brad. I will keep all of that in mind. I have thought about it. Having a wife that is an attorney and used to be in Real Estate is a plus for me as well. I am not sure how I would work it out. Heck if I have anyone that is interested I would be happy. I know that Steve Kozak (SP?) in Grapevine does something like this. I still need to talk to him about his setup. I think he just negotiates w/the photographers on a personal level since it's his studio to begin with. We shall see.

Paul

Originally Posted by brad

The one thing to remember in setting up a sharing deal like this is that unless you plan to enter a formal partnership with them (be it a partnership, LLC, whatever), the landlord is still expecting you to sign on the dotted line.... and if that partner backs out on you or doesn't pay their half of the rent... the landlord will come looking for you, not them.

Plus talk to the landlords about what you want to do... unless you are a legal partnership, what you are talking about may be considered sub-leasing, which is a no-no on most business leases.

As far as renting it out goes: I originally set up mine with the idea of supplementing with other photographers renting... and except for one steady renter (which hardly makes a dent in the studio's monthly bill), I have virtually no one that rents. However, things have worked out for other reasons and I wouldn't trade what I have right now... but it took several months before the studio started paying for itself.

Just some things to keep in mind.

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by picasso

No problem Andrew, I thought about you but remembered what you said before. I understand. I don't shoot many studio sessions either but I am really going to try and crank up the high school senior business this next year and this time of the year sucks for me if I don't have a studio so its almost worth it for me because there are times I just can't shoot because of wind, cold, rain etc... Keep me in mind and I will keep you up to date. I might not mind meeting you halfway if your up for it. Not sure whats in that area.

Paul

Thanks Paul..

To be honest...I like the idea of having one in Southlake/Colleyville area. It's right over where I grew up and there are already a couple of bigger ones out this way.. Blauvelt among others come to mind..

I just have to make up my mind if this is something I want to pursue... At this point, I am pretty darn booked up on Saturdays with weddings and I do have a day job during the week.. So...a lot to consider.

Thanks for keeping me in mind.