Every so often our amazing fans ask amazing questions on our Facebook page.
We post them to the wall to get everyone’s help and advice in answering. Because these are often lost in cyberspace within a few hours, we’re now converting the best of the best to blog posts.
Today’s question comes from Kristin, of Captured by Kristin Photography, who asked:
“Question for those who have studios outside from your home- do you feel it has really made a difference in your business to be in an out of home studio. I am trying to make decision to either finish off our basement or purchase an office suite I located near me that would make a great studio location. Just trying to decide if the cost difference will really be worth it.- anyone have any experience or input?”
The answers always roll in like waves!
I’ve summed up the best of them here, for your enjoyment!
Don’t purchase just yet – rent instead. This way you aren’t committed if it ends up not being what you like, or if it’s too costly.
Stay in your home as long as possible. Studio overhead costs are high and many photographers today are moving back into their houses because they can’t afford to stay outside the home.
Share studio space with other photographers. This is a great way to save on costs, but I would recommend getting everything in writing, solidified with a contract, beforehand. It could be an organizational nightmare with 3 different photographers competing for ordering room, style differences, studio equipment and props…the list is endless.
If possible, convert your garage into your studio. You’re still in your home, but it’s completely separate and you can close the door at the end of the day….and easily go back later in the evening to do a little extra work, without the added commute.
Definitely get out the house! One of the best decisions a few photographers ever made. It really set them apart from other photographers and it helped them to take their business more seriously. For example, no sitting behind the computer in their PJs getting distracted by heaping loads of laundry. The initial investment is steep, and a common answer was to ensure you have enough savings to cover your rent for two years. (That’s pretty steep!)
Use external space as a meeting space, not a studio. In my town, a few local photographers came together to provide a professional meeting space for both themselves AND other local photographers to use (you pay a fee to use the space). Additionally, you can display your artwork in their show room. I LOVE this idea as it is cost effective AND you’re not meeting people in your house, or theirs.
Only purchase a studio when your client base expands beyond your capabilities. This is a “grow with it” strategy that is sound, but may not make sense if your house doesn’t lend itself to having a home studio.
Other considerations before spending the big bucks (on either end!):
Is there a possibility of moving in the near or not-so-near future? If you renovate your basement into a studio, your studio goes with the house. Alternatively, with an external studio space, this obviously isn’t an issue.
Does your current zoning allow you to have a home-based business? Sometimes this can be quite the process, or strictly prohibited from the get-go.
If you need to feel and appear more professional, are there other, less-expensive ways you can achieve this? There is merit in meeting clients in coffee shops and going to their homes for design appointments, consultations and ordering sessions. In fact, Design Aglow has a fantastic guide on selling without a studio. (And they also have great resources for selling WITH a studio too).
As always, if you have additional suggestions, we’d LOVE to hear about them in the comments!
Here’s the original post on Facebook:
FYI – this is the flaky embed post feature you can use from Facebook. You HAVE to be logged in as yourself personally in order to see the post in this thread. Alternatively, you can always click on “post” to be taken to the original post.