In Home Studio

[abril1127]

We are starting the process of looking for a home to buy. (Our old home in Florida is finally going to close on Thursday! ...cross your fingers!)
For those of you with Home studio's what features would you be looking for? ...other than a pretty window with good natural light.
....Would you want it directly when they come into the house or would it matter. Would you use an extra bedroom as your studio or do you think that would make the client uncomfortable? Maybe a house with 2 living areas? Convert the formal dining area?
What feature do you wish your studio had?
How do I find out about zoning? Is it generally a problem, (HOA is not a common thing around here)
Thanks for any suggestions or comments.

[HotHolly]

If you only shoot children, its less of an issue, but tall ceilings so you can shoot whatever you want is good. Id go with the private entrance. Ive seen some really nice home studios where they used a detached double car garage. It has high rafters and the space works well and keeps your clients out of your residence, which is nice if you value privacy.

[toverman]

My optimum setup would be a separate studio structure (like a garage conversion or nicer backyard shed) not connected to the house. I know at least two artists (one is a photographer) who have this setup, and it benefits in a few ways: it separates clients from your house, and you from your house while you're "at work."

If you're staying in Lubbock, in some of the older neighborhoods there are actually "back houses" behind main houses that were typically rented out, etc. (I looked at a back house when I was living out there). If you can find a nice one in your price range in a safer neighborhood, that might be an option and would give you multiple rooms, plumbing and windows. Conversely, a detached garage might serve the same purpose with some work.

Otherwise, a separate entrance that removes you and your clients as much from the daily grind of the house would be ideal. You don't want to see dirty dishes in the sink because a) it's not good to look at and b) you shouldn't be thinking or doing dishes while you're at work. Out in Lubbock, I rented a house that had an outside door for every room in the house. While I'm not sure how common that extreme is, it might be something to watch for.

Good luck!

[toverman]

And forgot to mention I know another photographer who converted her entire two-car garage into a studio. She's mainly an animal photographer (usually pets), and she told me she also uses her living room and back yard as her studio.

[abril1127]

Originally Posted by toverman

If you're staying in Lubbock, in some of the older neighborhoods there are actually "back houses" behind main houses that were typically rented out, etc. (I looked at a back house when I was living out there). If you can find a nice one in your price range in a safer neighborhood, that might be an option and would give you multiple rooms, plumbing and windows.

That would be cool...Good Idea. LOL I saw one in a "safer neighborhood" that I loved...can I borrow $500K ?? LOL it was absolutely stunning! I wonder if I could find one in my price range.
What about zoning? It is a big issue?
Also, Don't ya'll miss your Garages?

[toverman]

If I'd stayed in Lubbock long enough to buy a house, there were several in Tech Terrace that were calling out to me.

Zoning is going to vary from city to city (and whether it's a big issue or not). I'm looking into what my city requires to allow me to use my back yard as an outdoor studio with no signage or anything, so I'm hoping they won't make me jump through hoops.

As for my garage, we use it to park our cars. But I've got an 18-foot by 30-foot shed in the back that I hope to use part of for a studio (also part of the zoning and permit equation). The problem with that is I've got an old antique boat in there that also needs attention. Life was so much simpler for me when I was in Lubbock!

[PhotosbyHollyWood]

I have that north facing windows (the light from the north is coming in) make for nice light... other than that there is not much I can offer on this...

does this make sense? I think I confussed myself... lol

[rkayw]

I use to use my house as my studio. Stopped for many reasons but one in particular was that people coming in loved to plop their items down on my new sofa. one had wire hangers and poked a hole in the sofa before I could tell her to take them straight to the changing area. another one gave her child a sucker and didn't have anyone to watch the child...I had to tell the client to come back another time when they had a sitter & I had some minor sticky stuff to clean up. also had someone drop black liquid eyeliner on a bathroom area rug.

just a few of my unpleasant experiences having a home based studio that came straight into my home...

I would definitely say an area other then your home living area. unless you want it trashed. some people have no respect.

good luck with your search.