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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> What is needed to start a studio?
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Showing posts 1 - 14 of 14, (reverse)
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 05/28/2006 07:11:49 PM · #1
My wife and I were brainstorming about ideas for a small business to start up. She said, "why not a small studio like Picture People have". Sounds like a great idea but I'm not sure what the overhead would be on a place like that. I was thinking a small space at a mall or strip mall with two actual studio rooms and a lobby. So 2 cameras, several backdrops and random props. A computer and photo printer, cash register, some chairs for the lobby and voila! Well in a nut shell that seems like that would be all I'd need. What do you think? Am I missing anything?
 05/28/2006 07:14:47 PM · #2
You'll also need two complete lighting kits. But, the biggest thing you will need is the cash to support yourself and the business until the time when you can start making a profit.
05/28/2006 07:15:15 PM · #3
Everyone forgets the Sign! :) I mention it because they can get quite expensive.
 05/28/2006 07:18:26 PM · #4
ooo, and the advertising, spend good money on advertising, unless you already have a good solid foundation of customers and word of mouth. that one will hit you in the pocket, but I've heard from many entrepreneurs and business classes that it's well worth it.
 05/28/2006 07:28:49 PM · #5
Oh yeah well lighting as well of course. Didn't really think about advertising. My sister was a marketing major so she should be able to help us with that. Yeah a sign too.
 05/28/2006 07:35:35 PM · #6
Originally posted by A4wheelin:
My sister was a marketing major so she should be able to help us with that


nice contact to have! make the most of it: "sis, remember that time when...?"
 05/28/2006 07:37:45 PM · #7
You could always start with a portrait business and use your home as a setup operation without the overhead of having to lease a building. Unless you've already done that and have the client base or the referral base you cant guarantee you'll be able to make the amount to cover your costs let alone make profit. If your town has a number of walmarts you also are going to have to compete with their photo studio, which is fairly cheap. I'm not saying dont do it but if you're just starting out you could polish your services and products with minimum beginner cost and work up to an established presence.
 05/28/2006 07:40:02 PM · #8
wal mart FAIRLY cheap? try $6.88 for a huge package of prints and no sitting fee... of course, you get what you pay for... lol
 05/28/2006 08:01:11 PM · #9
I would stay away from the mall. Someone mentioned your home which would be good but if that is not viable I would find a small space in a fairly good neighborhood. the mall rent is very expensive depending on your town of course. When i was in Clearwater Fl(tampa bay) my kiosk in the mall was $10,000 per month for 150 sf but my store in the strip mall across the street was $3,500 for 1,500 SF. I looked at a small place near a residential neighborhood that was only $1,000 (this is cheap in the tampa area) the mall will get you much more drop in traffic but your overhead is so high you price yourself out of many peoples price ranges. that extra money could be used on advertising and to help you survive till you make profit.

If you live in a smaller town things can be much cheaper. I can get store front here for less than $400 but the customer pool is very small. SO I would say go for it but really look into your real estate prices before jumping in.
 05/28/2006 08:32:46 PM · #10
Real estate and rental prices are a good point too. I live in San Diego, one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S. unfortunately so to rent a spot at the mall probably is unbelievably expensive. I'll have to look into it. Using my home isn't an option, I live in a 1 bedroom apartment. Did I mention real estate is expensive in San Diego? :)
 05/28/2006 08:38:48 PM · #11
Originally posted by A4wheelin:
Real estate and rental prices are a good point too. I live in San Diego, one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S. unfortunately so to rent a spot at the mall probably is unbelievably expensive. I'll have to look into it. Using my home isn't an option, I live in a 1 bedroom apartment. Did I mention real estate is expensive in San Diego? :)


the plus side of living in a place like san diego is people are used to spending money and more people have it:)
 05/28/2006 08:42:19 PM · #12
Originally posted by Elvis_L:
Originally posted by A4wheelin:
Real estate and rental prices are a good point too. I live in San Diego, one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S. unfortunately so to rent a spot at the mall probably is unbelievably expensive. I'll have to look into it. Using my home isn't an option, I live in a 1 bedroom apartment. Did I mention real estate is expensive in San Diego? :)


the plus side of living in a place like san diego is people are used to spending money and more people have it:)


Very true, I was thinking the same thing.
 06/02/2006 08:23:48 AM · #13
As someone who is trying to break into the wedding and portrait business, I can tell you that it's slow to take off. Unless you have money to spare, I'd say start with a small location portait business, maybe doing some studio work from your home with a modest light set up, etc until you are somewhat established and then move on to a proper studio.

If you are just going to go ahead with the studio from the beginning, then you need to have enough money to last a year. That would include paying your rent/mortage, paying the studio space rent, utilities, business expenses, your salary, food, etc. As you can see, this can add up. Don't underestimate the complications and expense of starting a new business. Best of luck to you!

June
 06/02/2006 08:39:19 AM · #14
I've never heard fo "Picture People" so I have no idea what that business model looks like.

I think you'll have a very hard time competing with any kind of chain. Most corporate franchises have very efficient processes and you will be hard pressed to match that head-on. You'll also have a hard time competing at the low end of the cost spectrum, since Wal-Mart, Sears etc. offer large packages for very little money.

My advce is to looks for a niche and offer something unique. Typically small businesses will do this by offering services that the bigger competition cannot and doing it better. Say you were to offer to do portraits on location as wele as in-studio. Anyway, just an idea.

Whatever you do, make sure you plan your work and work your plan.

Best of luck
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