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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> A new business idea, community studio.
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07/23/2015 11:46:14 AM · #1
So I have this idea for a business around here but I don't know where to start or if it is even a viable option so I'd like to see what you all think.

I want to open a nice size studio with plenty of space for lighting in a few separate areas, maybe even a nice space for natural light if I can find the right place. Also a couple or maybe just one consultation room and a nice sales room.

What I think would be different is I would have it not as just a personal studio but more of a community offering. A place where photographers and beginners can come and learn and experiment with lighting without needing to buy all the equipment and find a space to set it up.

I could rent out time slots for those wanting to do a shoot or learn, I could have classes teaching some hands on lighting and maybe editing. I could do a club or sorts or contests or get togethers or classes and maybe even summer camps for kids wanting to check it all out. And of course I would have it for my own uses as well.

So, is this something you think there could be a demand for? Would it be something you would use if one was around you? Would the overhead be too high to make a decent profit while keeping rental costs reasonable? How would one even start something like this.

I know there are crowd sourcing options or maybe an investor or loan but would it be worth it or is this something that would have to come from already having a successful photography business and this is just a by product?

I'm posting this on lunch break so I may not be able to check out the thread for a bit but I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Positive and negative are fine, no sugar coating needed here. Thanks.
07/23/2015 12:06:04 PM · #2
It's been done before, as long ago as back in the 80's in the film days, so it's basically "doable". I'm not sure if it's affordable/practical, but I'm out of touch with all that. One thing to bear in mind is that all the lighting gear you'd be renting out is fragile and easily screwed up. You's have to think about having an "assistant" be part of the rental fee...
07/23/2015 12:06:11 PM · #3
I think it an idea with some merit. I was approached a while back by someone with a vaguely similar idea. They had a studio in a building that housed studios for photographers, potters, painters and all types of artists. They let me know that, if I ever wanted I could rent the space for a few hours or a day I could contact them. I never did -- mainly because I make no money off photography so I could not justify the expense. They encouraged me to spread the word that the space was available. I am not sure if they ever got much traffic.

It is hard to tell how much demand there would be for renting studio space. I assume the target audience for rental would be part time photographers with no studio (or perhaps lights) of their own. Getting the word out to the right folks would be critical. The idea of holding some classes and workshops sounds good. If there are any camera stores around you that haven't closed -- you might want to partner with them to promote both classes and studio availability.
07/23/2015 12:21:44 PM · #4
Here we have fully equipped photo studios like that all over. In general there's space for MUA, kitchenette, space for models to change etc.
Renting fee depends on level of equipment. A caution is requested for the equipment.

Works well when located on a good spot.
07/23/2015 12:45:03 PM · #5
There are quite a few of these around these days... here's one that I've visited locally (//www.myphotostudio.org/). GREAT studio with lighting, triggers, props, and backdrops available, along with changing areas, a nook to show proofs, snacks, and an entertainment area to distract kids. They even have a full sized infinity wall set-up that can handle large groups. The staff is friendly and always willing to help with ideas or tech support. You can even rent 'em to be your "assistant" as needed, which is a huge help!

All in all, quite a few photographers use this place on a regular basis, and it's a fantastic resource! Plus, being in basically a "warehouse" or open loft environment, multiple sessions can be going on at once. This one is the one and only offering of this type located in a city of about 400,000 folks, with quite a few smaller communities within a 30 minute drive, so there's a larger marked to draw from...

Good luck to ya in your ventures!
07/23/2015 01:10:59 PM · #6
The idea is sound. We have dozens of such places here in L.A. But the first thing you need to do is search to see if there are other such studios in your area. Depending on the size of the photography community where you live, it may (or may not) support such a venture. Everyone else has chimed in with concerns about size, equipment, etc., with which I agree.

The more successful studios here are quite large, offer many services/equipment, and additionally, are architecturally engaging.
07/23/2015 01:17:35 PM · #7
There are a couple of those around OKC - sounds like a great idea but like Mark I can't justify it because I don't make money from photography.

Bound to be plenty of people who would use it, though, but advertising would be a constant factor especially for starting up.

The education plan is a good one, charge a bit to the students, pay a few established photogs as instructors, and you've already set up a decent client base.

Helps if you're already a member of a photography club locally I would imagine.
07/23/2015 03:51:22 PM · #8
quite a few in the Philly area as well, many come fully equipped with lights and backdrops too.

you rent by the hour as needed. I looked into a few places, but never really to use one yet.

Message edited by author 2015-07-23 15:53:33.
07/23/2015 03:53:24 PM · #9
Is there anyone in your local area that already rents lighting equipment? You might be able to cut your startup costs by negotiating a deal with them where you rent the lighting gear from them, at a bulk discount, possibly with some sort of deal where you store their equipment on your premises so that you have ready access if someone just shows up and wants to rent it. The deal you work out would kind of depend on what kind of negotiator you are, and what their needs are.

Not having to own your own lighting gear would greatly reduce your downside risk.

07/23/2015 03:57:24 PM · #10
its not like you would need a whole lot of equipment, maybe a few grand in capital to start up. you could sell off and recover some of it in the even the business failed.

it would be the monthly rent, taxes ,utilities and insurance that you would need cover with rental fees.

i would start out by conducting a market analysis to see if there is a demand for this in your area.

Message edited by author 2015-07-23 15:57:58.
07/23/2015 06:12:11 PM · #11
I'm not even sure where to start with all this. We do have one local camera shop and I know the owner. I think he even mentioned wanting to open a studio of sorts with the shop so I should start there. I wish I had the funds and skills to jump in on my own again but after stopping my business just a year in to help take care of mom I am a bit gun shy.
08/14/2015 02:08:26 AM · #12
splendid idea!

the most important part is not to get a space that you can't afford on your own for 6 months to a year, and then not to get locked into anything long-term until after you've established a reliable rental stream.

next is to be in a relatively safe and secure place, both inside and outside. the most preferable place would be on the edge of a revitalization area where there are still affordable properties, and where you might get some consideration for doing the heavy lifting building out the space to your specs, as opposed to having it done for you.

is there a local artspace? there are a couple art incubators here in richmond; plant zero is the largest. partnering, utilizing, or starting something like that might be something to consider.

a friend in denver told me about a studio she and her daughter uses. the owner has two locations, one offering lighting, previewing, sets - the whole nine yards - and the other is bare-bones. she requires booking and charges accordingly for the full-service studio, but allows the bare-bones to be used for free on an as-available basis (but it can be reserved for a small fee).

i have a friend here in richmond that has a downtown studio that he rents out when he's not using it. his fees depend on whether you bring your own lights (and he won't rent his lights to anyone without them proving to him they know how to use them first).

you might want to commiserate with as many local (as in a 40-50 mile radius local) pros and semi-pros as possible to get an idea as to how much support you might have, as well as to gauge the competition.

along those lines,
- how many actual studios are there within a hour's drive, including c'ville? (don't count mall or drive-by studios)
- how many of those rent out space?

again, joshua, it's a great idea, and it might be just what lynchburg needs. you just need to make sure you don't screw yourself financially, having to put more into it than you can reasonably expect to get out of it.

good luck!
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