Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

blazinphotography · **Studio -** 01-29-2009, 08:00 PM

I see alot of posts about studio work and new photographers ect... I have a question myself what is an average cost to start a Studio, I understand rent if it is at another location, and dependent on what type of equipment. Anyone that has a studio what have you ran into investment wise, also if you were able to do it again what would you have changed? Did you take a big loan?

If anyone can help great, I believe we can all benefit from this info.

The reason I am asking is because sometime in the future I would like to open one up.

Thank you for your time

brad · 01-29-2009, 08:50 PM

I can tell you from experience that it will be more than you expect, and more than you plan on. LOL

I know that's not helpful, but every studio is different.. from the space you acquire/rent, to the building, to the electricity and utility needs, and additional tax burdens. This is by no means a comprehensive list...

HotHolly · 01-29-2009, 08:54 PM

If I had to do it over again, I would cut out as much cost/ overhead as possible. Profit is the bottom line in any business. And photogs dont need a studio. You are going to have to work triple time to pull in the same amount of money after you have the studio compared to what you had to do before you had the studio.

brad · 01-29-2009, 09:03 PM

Ya, Holly... I hear you.. but it depends on what you're shooting on whether or not you need a studio. For some types of photography, it adds an air of legitimacy that you can't get elsewhere.

An important thing to think about is what kind of photography you want to do... if you are doing Weddings, for instance, you really don't need it as much as you need a nice place to meet clients and potential clients... Sports, you need even less.

Portrait photography... there is a wide range of things you can do.. if you specialize in location or lifestyle photography - again, you don't really need it.. but if you are going to shoot stuff with sets and backgrounds, you may.

Your target client will also drive your studio choices... a high end portrait photographer probably doesn't want a strip mall location... someone who wants to make money on walk in traffic doesn't need a house in the country.

In other words.. its not an easy question... and there are as many different answers as there are photographers.

CaptainTom · 01-29-2009, 09:12 PM

Quote:

In other words.. its not an easy question... and there are as many different answers as there are photographers.

Fortunately we have no lack of photographers here.

I think that Brad's points are well taken. I can do a wedding business without a studio. I can do most of my work without a studio, but I do leverage the fact that I have a studio (albeit a co-op) to help distinguish my business model from others.

To get back to the original question......
Look into sharing facilities with other photographers. In our area there are quite a few opportunities to do so. It keeps the cost down for all concerned.

HotHolly · 01-29-2009, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brad

Ya, Holly... I hear you.. but it depends on what you're shooting on whether or not you need a studio. For some types of photography, it adds an air of legitimacy that you can't get elsewhere.

Im inclined to agree with you. I can see needing a studio for babies in winter when its cold. I think there are a few exceptions, but you can work around lots of them. I think the air of legitimacy is true, but can be achieved in more cost efficient ways. To each his own. As for me, Id rent when I HAD to have the space and ditch the overhead for the rest of the time.

pbyd · 01-29-2009, 09:34 PM

Mike,
I agree with others, a studio gives you a more professional look to the clients. Having a storefront or office to meet clients will help. I have found it does help in booking the higher end weddings, my clients look for the more established businesses. I have found over the years of having a studio that I have a very large client list because of the perception that we are truly in business and not just doing it for a hobby. I know that this is just what I have found and may not be what other think, but that’s okay with me. As for cost, it is a lot, my overhead (rent, taxes, payroll, equipment cost, utilities ect) is a little over $100,000.00 a year, yes my profit may be higher if I worked out of my home, but my gross would not be even close to what it is with a studio.
Keep shooting and growing and when the time is right, you will make the right decision.

Good luck,
Wayne

blazinphotography · 01-29-2009, 10:34 PM

Wow this is great, I thank you all for your comments this is very usefull information.

toverman · 01-29-2009, 10:40 PM

There is a lot of portable studio lighting on the market now, too, so that you can take a studio to a new mother's home or a high-end client's mansion. Or depending on your neighborhood's zoning, there's always the garage and some backdrops.

Maybe the fire department will let you use some space. :-)

HotHolly · 01-29-2009, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toverman

Maybe the fire department will let you use some space. :-)

Especially helpful when using hot lights.

CaptainTom · 01-29-2009, 11:23 PM

Picture this.

a sign posted on the second floor of the firehouse right next to the "fire pole".

In case of NON-EMERGENCY use the stairs.

bondarnes · 01-29-2009, 11:32 PM

I have built 7 studios since 1975 and have just sold my final location. In today's economy I don't recommend a studio for anyone unless they have fantastic marketing skills. Once you rent or buy a space then you must book X number of sessions per day with an average sale of $XXX.00 per session. Otherwise you will soon be filing for bankruptcy.

CaptainTom · 01-29-2009, 11:34 PM

And they said that I'd never need my high school algebra in real life......

J Eddington · 01-30-2009, 08:30 AM

You’re going to need operating capital to start a business, the amount of money it takes to keep the business going. Operating capital includes expenses such as salaries, wages, rent, expenses, supplies, utilities, advertising, depreciation, and interest payments. Small business advisors recommend that start-up expenses include at least six months operating capital.

Let's think first you need to file for state, county and city permits for taxes and license to run a business with the city. If you don't have these just stop right there.

Small warehouse space nice, not to tacky so that you could bring people to.
If you are lucky you might be able to find a space for $10.00 a sf
I said small (20x20 space 2 car garage) this is not a lot of room. that is 400 sft. To rent this space you have to have insurance on the property. You may have to pay utilities. Oh, don't for get first and last month rent, a year or more lease.

NOW you can turn the key to get into the space. You will need a desk and a couple of chairs for the reception area. Do you need to paint or recarpet this area? Now let's go to the Studio area. You will need to paint/and or have backdrops. Curtains? A couch or chairs. What about the flooring?
Do you have lights or will you have to buy them. That alone is a stripped down version without much to it. I think you will find you will do alot more.
Here is my breakdown it may be high or low depending on what you have to do and what you need.

20x20 = 400sft $10.00 sf totals $4000 per month
Insurance $150
utilities $200
Total per month $4350

First and last month rent $8000

Items to open
Lights? $2,000
backdrops $ 600
Couch/chair $300
Reception $500
$3,400

So are you ready yet?

For those who have a studio how far am i off. This is just a general idea and I don't think it even hits on what you would really do. It is just a start.

nolo.com has an excellent article on starting a business
http://www.nolo.com/article.cfm/pg/1...D/111/228/ART/

bondarnes · 01-30-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Eddington

You’re going to need operating capital to start a business, the amount of money it takes to keep the business going. Operating capital includes expenses such as salaries, rent, expenses, supplies, utilities, advertising, depreciation, and interest payments. Small business advisors recommend that start-up expenses include at least six months operating capital.

Most business fail because they are under capitalized, so I recommend enough funds to operate for two years without making a profit. It takes six months or longer just to figure out what you are doing unless you have worked for a successful photographer in the past.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Eddington

Small warehouse space nice, not to tacky so that you could bring people to.
If you are lucky you might be able to find a space for $10.00 a sf
I said small (20x20 space 2 car garage) this is not a lot of room. that is 400 sft. To rent this space you have to have insurance on the property. You may have to pay utilities. Oh, don't for get first and last month rent, a year or more lease.

When a landlord says $12.00 per sq. ft. that is the yearly rate and would be $1.00 sf per month. Decent warehouse type space can be found for about $15.00sf and up. I had a space in a nice office building that was about $3000.00 per month for about 2400sf

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Eddington

For those who have a studio how far am i off. This is just a general idea and I don't think it even hits on what you would really do. It is just a start.

If you already have some equipment you can set up a basic studio for about $10,000.00. A really nice set up will run more.