Starting Construction Process! - DPChallenge Forums

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

07/18/2008 08:44:51 PM · #1

After an hour long conversation with the architect, here's what we ended up with for the basic layout of our new studio.

The front, at the bottom, is full plate glass windows facing due North. Should be nice for catching some natural light. We're not putting in a ceiling per say, just the beams of the building painted a nice neutral dark grey. Floor glazed concrete (easy peasy maintenance and cheap). We do need to put in some type of moveable wall or drape 8-10 feet from the front windows. To both block the light if needed, and to give us some privacy for more "adult" type shooting situations (oh yeah....have one of those coming up too. Full nude for godsgirls.com (NSFW) with my no longer pregnant model from blue dreams.

Doors leading from changing room to bathroom, and bathroom to office. Probably need to add a makeup/hair area with mirror and lights not sure where yet. Above the virtual background screen I plan on putting a few wall mounted rollers for muslins and such. Need a really nice black one.

So, any advice?, suggestions... Are you crazy comments?

I know most aren't interested, but like

Eyesup and his biz, this is my life right now, so I'm going to update this thread as we progress, just to keep myself sane.

edited to add... Oh Yeah, size is 20'x60'

Message edited by author 2008-07-18 20:45:36.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

07/18/2008 08:52:54 PM · #2

I gotta wonder about an entrance in the front and an office in the back behind the cyclorama; this is not very good for security...

R.

07/18/2008 09:11:04 PM · #3

Office is mostly for storage, and I'd planned on putting a bell on the front door. That's another reason I want the front wall moveable, so it can be all opened up.

Editing staion will likely be across from the virtual screen.

SDW

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

07/18/2008 09:21:14 PM · #4

Is this layout at a retail strip mall location? if so what are the dimensions?

nemesise1977

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro Super for Canon

07/18/2008 09:38:27 PM · #5

Couple comments for what its worth North light being indirect is great for making portraits, I would be tempted to put the studio there and curtians to close it off if needed Have a few pics in the window where they dont block the light. A hallway from the door back to a viewing area, the changing room and storage accessable from the the studio room. Have photo workstation in one corner of the studio room. That way you have natural ight to use, and will be working mostly in front with good visibility and storage and changing rooms right where they are needed and no need for moveable walls or to leave the studio to get supplies/props or for client to change.

07/18/2008 09:41:05 PM · #6

Yes on the strip center. 20' wide by 60' Deep (approximately)

Can't put anything IN the windows, though they can be on easels behind them.

Which reminds me, does anyone edit using a projector? Or is that just nuts?

SDW

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

07/18/2008 10:23:35 PM · #7

Nice size strip store. A radioshack I worked at was about that size. I was surprised at how much the rent and occupancy cost was. If I remember my P&L correctly it was like $2250/mo. + Occupancy cost and that was based on a 10 year lease.

ETA: It may have been a little wider.

Message edited by author 2008-07-18 22:24:13.

Prof_Fate

07/18/2008 10:58:31 PM · #8

I can't see editing on a projector for several reasons (color, detail, perhaps response time, cost / life of the projector bulb are a few).

I'd be tempted to put in a slanted wall instead of the curtain - make one side very shallow at the front of the store - it only needs hold an easel. You can put prints on the wall (can't do that too well on a curtain). The deeper slant could be a waiting room. Behind the slant on the one side I'd put the editing station/office. I'd not want folks going thru my office to the bathroom - and if they have kids they will likely want access to the bathroom. It puts you up front near the action, or lack there of and I don't think it will be any less space efficient.

I looked at a house today for studio space (1 acre commercial, house on 1/2 of it, 1/2 acre just empty grass) and it's about 1200 SF and would work (30 wide, 40 long) as is - the cost is still an issue as i'd need a loan/morrgage of some kind- a lease is easier to get for sure!

It had a room 40' x 12 foot (DR/fam room combo) that would be great to shoot in - so your length at 40 feet is generous, 25 would work fine too but to me is more near the minumum. Walmart's photo studios can make do with 9 to 15 feet deep - but there are some limitations on what they can do.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

07/19/2008 08:38:00 AM · #9

Rent here including taxes and insurance is just over 2500 a month. We're hoping/planning that when this lease is up (5 year) we can find a house with some acreage to buy for shooting. At the very least this should get us some much needed exposure with the right crowd.

The bathroom has a door from the dressing room too, no reason to go into the office.

I think the shooting space will work out very well, I need to put my strobes on rollers to make them easier to move. We have four, will probably need a couple more in the end to do everything with them stationary.

If we do REALLY Well, we could add a grid system for the lights, which I'd love, but once I started thinking about it, I think you lose a lot of flexibility with it.

Next investments after this will be more lenses, and newer bodies, more ways to play with the light (additional strobes and accessories)

Prof_Fate

07/19/2008 11:58:17 AM · #10

I too have 4 lights and non-roller stands - i'm thinking 2 more lights at least and some wheels as well. Grid system is great so I hear but i've not worked with one to see how flexible or limiting it is.

I'd like a couple of Bogen/Manfrotto 231 stands //www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/227463-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_231CS_231CS_Chrome_Steel_Column.html . One for the camera and one for a softbox - they'll go all the way to the floor and have all sorts of adapters and brackets to hold laptops, or shelves for lenses, etc.

Message edited by author 2008-07-19 12:00:01.

DarkRider

Nikon D300

07/19/2008 01:17:24 PM · #11

$30,000 lease per year $150,000 over five years. Too bad you donâ��t have the space to build on now. You could defiantly build bigger for much less! I have been tossing up the idea of renoing my garage to put two apartments above and extend it 15-30 feet. I figure that would cost me $30,000 max(doing the work myself-it's my real job). My garage is 22'x34', I keep a full wood shop in there and room for my truck and want to add studio space. I can't give up my wood shop and it would be way too dusty to setup a studio in the same space. I figure the rental apartments would pay off the reno in 5 years max with 50% occupancy and then finish my mortgage in another 5 (7 years total payoff is a likely estimate for both). We have a college within a 20 minute walk from us too (target market).

What do you estimate in monthly sales if you donâ��t mind me asking!
Does your strip mall have rules about what times you can be open till/or having to open for regular hours?
Do they pay for your setup and maintenance or you?
What else is in the mall to help attract clients?
What type of signage are you allowed?

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about starting your new adventure please feel free to PM me. I have a degree in small business management and have been self employed for over 10 years and am always willing to share my experiences/advice.

Message edited by author 2008-07-20 19:50:00.