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03/01/2005 10:39:01 PM · #1 |
yeah, well through circumstances I think I may have a building to open up a studio! yeah, I know it's exciting but that has worn off and given way to "ohh crap, I have to get a whole lot of equipment" I have no doubt in my skills...though I do have a long way to go, I just don't much about all the equipment it takes to run a studio. If anyone out there runs or works for a studio, what are the essentials? I have a my d 70, so I don't think I should need a new camera. I am thinking more in the way of lighting. are alienbees good? if not what is? I have had two internships with local photographers...it's weird to think I am going to go into business competition with both of them.
(this is all God opening doors for my life, and I'm not taking any credit for it)
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03/01/2005 10:44:56 PM · #2 |
| Alienbees are great. Get 2 B800's and 2 B400's, a giant softbox, and maybe another softbox, a couple umbrellas, some honeycomb grids, several good backdrops, and learn how to use them all to get the best portraits. You can't open a studio without experience. |
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03/01/2005 10:52:49 PM · #3 |
I have the experence, but mostly with large format film. I have 3 years of internships in this sort of thing, and hey I'm young so if it goes under I still have the rest of my life to start it over again. I am opening it up as a coffee shop from 4-8 and useing the counter and stools allready there as props during the day. should be a great adventure
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03/01/2005 10:57:06 PM · #4 |
tell you what...You're off to a great start at age 17.
Even at the age of 23, it's a bit too late for me. I tell myself often that if I could do it over again, I wouldn't have used my credit cards for stupid stuff like vehicle accessories and other stupid things -- instead, I would have gone in debt opening my own business...investing in something that could possibly pay off some day.
Well, I'm working hard and curbing my spending habits and trying to get to the point where I'm comfortable again...so that I can invest more time into something that may pay off.
stick with it...even if you fail, at least you tried...and even that is worth the attempt. I'd rather try and fail than to never have tried at all.
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03/01/2005 11:12:04 PM · #5 |
thanks, thanks alot.
This site is a great pick me up (no pun intended)
I just got the quote for all the lighting I think I will need and it's not too bad $1038.45 if I go for the alienbees. I can even curb that a little by looking at other softboxes and umbrellas. I have the camera and I'm also a painter and can do a lot of the backdrops myself with just basic walmart fabric.
Message edited by author 2005-03-01 23:12:31.
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03/01/2005 11:40:21 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by deapee:
tell you what...You're off to a great start at age 17.
Even at the age of 23, it's a bit too late for me. |
Yeh, you guys are over the hill. Keep an open mind there DP. Like Joe said, God can open all kinds of doors, but only with a positive attitude. Don't believe in God? (I don't know if you do or don't) Then call it chance. Want it to happen and it will.
Oh, and good luck with it Topher.
Message edited by author 2005-03-01 23:42:07.
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03/02/2005 01:41:54 AM · #7 |
way to go and i really wish you lots of luck. I have been working in a privately owned studio for the last two years and I see how much work one has to do to become successful but at your age you will manage, no doubt. I am 27 and I still think I have got a whole life in front of me, even to correct my mistakes. Cross my fingers for ya!
cheers
nasti
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03/02/2005 01:51:05 AM · #8 |
This is something that I would certainly like to do in the next couple of years.
Topher, I think you should go for it, as long as you are in a financial position to cover yourself, if it goes wrong then the worst thing is that you can end up with lots of cool equipment. :)
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03/02/2005 02:00:41 AM · #9 |
I have been throwing about this idea for quite awhile, but have a decent paying 36 hour a week ER RN job (and $30,000 loan to pay off), along with vehicles, mortgage, bills, etc. BUt...I want to.
My major reserves are not anything with the photography aspect...it is the business aspect. This is the reason I am REALLY holding out, I don't have the "knowledge" in that area. Working on it, but this is the major reason studios, artists, etc that try to start businesses fold. think that just go shoot pictures, people give ya money and you continue on your happy way. They forget about paying quarterly taxes, leases, overhead, insurance, equipment, utilities, on and on.
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03/02/2005 02:16:07 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by dacrazyrn:
I have been throwing about this idea for quite awhile, but have a decent paying 36 hour a week ER RN job (and $30,000 loan to pay off), along with vehicles, mortgage, bills, etc. BUt...I want to.
My major reserves are not anything with the photography aspect...it is the business aspect. This is the reason I am REALLY holding out, I don't have the "knowledge" in that area. Working on it, but this is the major reason studios, artists, etc that try to start businesses fold. think that just go shoot pictures, people give ya money and you continue on your happy way. They forget about paying quarterly taxes, leases, overhead, insurance, equipment, utilities, on and on. |
I ran my own business whilst I was in England, I also used to be a financial auditor, one thing that I learned along the way that there are the business gurus that make millions, the business gurus that procratinate and do nothing but talk about it (I'm 95% one of these) and the ones that just go out there and do it, ignorant to the fact that they can fail (me: 5%). Many of these latter group do fail but there are also a fair number that weather the storms, battle on and create something that they can be proud of.
In essence the best approach is to just do it, keep within financial limits, keep clear records of everything you do and put 25% of what you earn into a seperate account.
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03/02/2005 03:06:53 AM · #11 |
The most commonly overlooked absolute essential is a written business plan.
The primary difference between a dream and a goal is a plan to get there.
I also encourage you to check out mavrik's writings on this topic:
New Studio Part 1: Starting Out
New Studio Part 2: Organization
New Studio Part 3: Plotting a Course
New Studio Part 4: Financing
Good luck!
-Terry
Message edited by author 2005-03-02 03:11:07.
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03/02/2005 06:58:52 AM · #12 |
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03/02/2005 08:58:26 AM · #13 |
Hey Terry, thanks for the nod. I'm going to be adding another section soon.
At the age of 23, I was in my last year of undergrad, hadn't gone to law school yet, nor Korea, and definitely hadn't even picked up a camera. I started our business at 29 and we are in great shape right now! You aren't too old, DP. I wish I knew at 23 what I know now about this stuff. :)
Originally posted by dacrazyrn:
My major reserves are not anything with the photography aspect...it is the business aspect. Working on it, but this is the major reason studios, artists, etc that try to start businesses fold. think that just go shoot pictures, people give ya money and you continue on your happy way. They forget about paying quarterly taxes, leases, overhead, insurance, equipment, utilities, on and on. |
Tracy, you just nailed the number one reason I haven't said a word about pictures in my series that CJ reposted yet. First and foremost, a studio is a business, not a picture taking day. All of the things you mention ARE the reason people fail at this. We see it on other forums - people with TONS of talent go under all the time. They can't see past the lens.
Think about it this way - in 5 years, you could assign someone to do the photography. You could assign someone to do the record keeping. You could assign someone to be an office manager even. But you can't really "run your own business" if you don't make decisions and know every aspect of what's making you money and losing you money.
If nothing else, my PM box is always open for anyone with questions. I may not know the answer, but I'm going through this now. I'll try!
M
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03/02/2005 11:04:06 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by deapee:
Even at the age of 23, it's a bit too late for me. |
you have GOT to be kidding. *slaps forehead* that's some serious bullsh*t right there. If you were near by I'd give you a good talkin' to. |
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03/02/2005 11:24:47 AM · #15 |
I started my own studio last year at the ripe old age of 34. It has been doing great, but it is tough being disiplined when you are working for yourself. I am building a indoor studio this year, then I am gonn treat it like a regular work day. Customer relations and a good product will win you ALOT of repeat customers and their friends and family. I live in a small community, and most everybody knows everyone else in one way or another.(Or they are related.Hehehe.This is Kentucky after all! J.K.) Follow your dreams, follow your heart, your head will follow! B
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03/02/2005 01:01:45 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by GoldBerry:
Originally posted by deapee:
Even at the age of 23, it's a bit too late for me. |
you have GOT to be kidding. *slaps forehead* that's some serious bullsh*t right there. If you were near by I'd give you a good talkin' to. |
Yep I agree...23 is still babe in the woods territory. But he is old enough now to realize why the drinking age is 21...a sign of maturity that.
Give him another 10 years...unless his attitude changes he'll be a middle manager with 2 mortgages, a bald spot and bore us all with pics of his 4 kids. LOL
If you want it bad enough, go do it. Do it before youhave a family, house, kids! I am working on my plan, and improving my knowledge of the photo end of things (I feel if i am going to call myself a professional, i better have 98% of the answers on how to take a good photograph). The business aspects I know (from experience) and I know perhaps 30% of your time, if that, will be spent taking or editing pics.
Debt and having to support a family (or yourself) is a great motivator for success.
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