Just wondering

[Tapper]

You know, I would love to have some studio space. I'm probably what you would describe as a serious amateur, and I need studio time to continue to pursue my interests. I also get offered the occasional paying job.

Renting studio time is expensive and inconvienient. So I'm wondering if anyone has tried something along the lines of a co-op studio - a small group of shooters sharing the costs on a space. It seems that it wouldn't take very many to keep the costs down. It would give cheap studio space, shared resources (like lighting and knowledge), and an address for business cards even. It might even provide an interesting social aspect - a place to hang out with like minded folks, and experiment with photography, etc.

I'm just wondering how many folks would be interested in such a thing. I'm sure someone somewhere has tried this before, but around here?

[babybluetx23]

there are several members here who have a co-op studio. I think there are three or four of them. I know someone was looking top open a co-op studio in Plano or richardson or somewhere close to The north end of town near you. You may want to do a search on the forums for it.

[lscottpht]

Yeah, we talked about it, but nothing ever happened.

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

Archinal in Richardson has a medium sized studio space-more for shooting people and not large product- and his rates are reasonable and he has a full studio light setup that can be rented with the room. BTW He is a member of the forumn (ACR I believe) but just doesn't post much.

His shop is on Main Street about 1 block east of Hwy 75 on the south side of the road.
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=30281

[Tapper]

Originally Posted by DEMDeepEllumMusic

Archinal in Richardson has a medium sized studio space-more for shooting people and not large product- and his rates are reasonable and he has a full studio light setup that can be rented with the room. BTW He is a member of the forumn (ACR I believe) but just doesn't post much.

His shop is on Main Street about 1 block east of Hwy 75 on the south side of the road.
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=30281

I'm familiar with Archinal, and like his place, but at $30 an hour, I can't afford to rent it just to fool around experimenting or practicing lighting, or whatever. I already have lighting, I just need someplace to set it up and use it, and I don't mind sharing either.

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by Tapper

I'm familiar with Archinal, and like his place, but at $30 an hour, I can't afford to rent it just to fool around experimenting or practicing lighting, or whatever. I already have lighting, I just need someplace to set it up and use it, and I don't mind sharing either.

I know exactly what you mean. Me too. My front living room/dining room is looking awfully cluttered these days..

I am interested in the same thing. I had a lead on a place off I35 and 635..but 3 other photogs already rented it. I am on the list to be contacted if one leaves. Still I am interested in something like this if it's reasonable. I am in Arlington, but do not mind driving to Dallas at all. I am just getting tired of having tons of modeling inquiries only to tell them.. well.. I have to go rent a place... UGH!

Let me know if you come across anything.

[boxofrocks]

I keep wanting to do the same thing, but like everyone else (understandably) and my client base, it would need to be close to me. I haven't found anyone looking the the Coppell/Irving area yet. I'm open to discussion if folks are looking in that general area.

[boxofrocks]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

I know exactly what you mean. Me too. My front living room/dining room is looking awfully cluttered these days..

I am interested in the same thing. I had a lead on a place off I35 and 635..but 3 other photogs already rented it. I am on the list to be contacted if one leaves.

That's not too far from where I need to be, as a matter of fact.

[raevyncent]

Well, if you could find a loft for rent or something,really cheap, everyone pitch in their % of rent, everyone buy one piece of equip (or split costs evenly), you could make it work. Then to cover costs, you could either offer memberships, or rent it out by hour, to non-co op photogs. But I think finding an inexpensive place is first step.

[Tapper]

There's actually quite a few locations in the $800-1000 range, and that's not counting houses, which might be adaptable, and are available everywhere.

[kenw]

what about a temp-controlled storage space?

houses may have zoning issues, not to mention maintenance, insurance, etc.

[David Whatley]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

I know exactly what you mean. Me too. My front living room/dining room is looking awfully cluttered these days..

I am interested in the same thing. I had a lead on a place off I35 and 635..but 3 other photogs already rented it. I am on the list to be contacted if one leaves. Still I am interested in something like this if it's reasonable. I am in Arlington, but do not mind driving to Dallas at all. I am just getting tired of having tons of modeling inquiries only to tell them.. well.. I have to go rent a place... UGH!

Let me know if you come across anything.

Andrew, I have a small in home Studio, that is seperate from the house. Your welcome to use it anytime you would like.

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by David Whatley

Andrew, I have a small in home Studio, that is seperate from the house. Your welcome to use it anytime you would like.

David,

That is EXTREMELY generous of you. Thank you very much. I will definitely contact you..

I really appreciate it.

[darktiger]

Man even if I had a co-op studio, I would not know what to shoot. I am a big time amateur that is lost. Need some training/lessons from some of you all.

[Tapper]

Originally Posted by kenw

what about a temp-controlled storage space?

houses may have zoning issues, not to mention maintenance, insurance, etc.

Ken,

I thought about that, but it wouldn't be very presentable for clients, models, etc. A rental house wouldn't require insurance (other than renters insurance perhaps - pretty cheap), but it might get the neighbors accusing coop members of running a business. In most cities, you can run a business from your primary place of residence, but not from a house you don't live in full time. However, it might be different if it was called a Club.

There are a lot of retail storefronts in "not A-List" parts of town that run less than 30 cents a square foot. A 2,000 ft storefront would run about $800 a month or less. With 5 or 6 members, we're talking about the price of one day rental of a studio. A small expense for electric and water, and presto - a studio.