Reasons why a home-based photography studio works well
Many photographers out there are under the perception that a photo studio needs to be commercially based and in the center of a city, well this is a total misconception. This believe often results in miscalculations and disappointment when it comes to the overheads and generated profits. Unless the studio is working regularly and generating income to pay the bills and still making a decent profit to take home, it is not worth the set up and the effort. The last thing you need in these difficult economic times is to spend this money on setup, and then have to close down and try to start over, it is a waste of time and generally deflates one’s confidence and belief to succeed as a studio photographer.
The cost factors of renting a studio space
Firstly, you need to sign a lease which will involve deposits on the space you are renting. Once that has been taken care of, consider the signage and the stationary for both online marketing and other, this might involve permissions from council ,as well as landlords, and can be costly and take time to precure.
Secondly, you will need a perfect studio space with good light, security and parking for clients that is central and accessible for off-loading, depending on your work specs.
Once you have this all covered and the lease is signed, you’re ready to go, but do not forget that you will now require a proper infinity curve, editing area, as well as a makeup room, changing room, kitchen space and a presentable reception area. As photographers, you will know that infinity curves are no cheap to build, as they need to be the right size and height to accommodate the shoot, as well as have a decent distance and range from where you will be shooting from.
Well if all this is not a concern, and you have the client base and the financial means, go ahead. Alternatively, set up at home.
Why a home-based studio is a good option to consider
You are firstly able to relieve yourself and cross off some of the above-mentioned costs and time implications that are involved. Time plays a large role in your set up, as during the setup phase, you are spending money, not making money, so you are in actual fact turning away current and potential clients.
You will only need to consider online marketing for your stationary, as your clients will be visiting your home. Again, there is normally ample parking in suburban areas during the day, you may even have off street secure parking for your clients which is an advantage. This is definitely in your favor for those rainy days, or when clients have to off load, and thereafter pay hourly for street parking.
Find a space that has the size the you require in your house and start the planning process for setting up a mobile portable studio. Lighting needs to be good, and size always helps. To make this possible invest in a portable background stand to set up your curve. These setups are cost effective and can be stored away after your shoot, so as to restore the room to its original state and purpose. Yes, it is that simple, and now you also have the means to provide location work with your mobile background curve, you are not limited as you would be with a fixed structure erected. You will then need your reflectors and shapers and poly boards, as well as your lighting that will need to be set out and positioned according to your setups for your shoots. These are the only larger items that need room for storage.
Finally, the biggest saving is your rental, take that money and use it to market or build your business. It is really a sensible option that I highly recommend until you have a inflow of regular clients.
Clients preferences to home photography studios
Again, this will depend on who and what you are shooting. Generally, clients prefer travelling to a residential and quieter area, rather than a city environment which is often unsafe and costly on the parking. Inviting clients into your personal space also creates a feeling of personal attention, trust and warmth in building the relationship. This is definitely not the case for large cold studios with very little personality. Small home studios is where many work relationship are forged. A sit down brief over a cup of coffee and biscuits is far more attractive than a commercial workspace setting. To prove my point, would you rather meet a client at their office, or would all parties prefer a coffee shop or a location outside the general office environment.
The above options are worth considering and I trust that I have provided some good pointers in this decision-making process. All the best.