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Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

04/27/2006 05:50:33 PM · #1

OK,
So I am on the verge of pulling the trigger on one of my latest ventures and I was looking for a little feedback from all you guys on my proposed idea. If anybody could give me good feedback on this it would be you guys.

So here's the deal. I am looking at opening a photo studio here in New England, but not one solely for personal use. This studio would basically be rented out by paying members on a monthly basis. Basically the idea is that for $200 per month each member gets 8 hours of studio use to use whenever they wanted (assuming no scheduling conflicts). Included in this would be complete use of all lighting equipment (3 Bowens strobes and an array of hot lights), staging equipment and backgrounds. Members could use this studio as "their own" business which would give them use to list it on web pages, advertise with it and have deliveries sent to it. Consider this basically a timeshare type of setup.

The studio itself is 1100 sq\ft set in a large converted warehouse with other busniess in a very good area. It has 1 bathroom, waiting room and very large studio space where I plan on setting up 2 staging areas. The walls are concrete and brick and would make pretty good backgrounds themselves (not to mention the backgrounds provided).

So my question is, would any of you join as a member to something like this and why or why not? Minimum requirement would only be for 3 months and then after that you are free to just let your membership expire. The studio would be open nights and weekends to accomodate individuals schedules as most people would probably be doing this on the side of their regular job.

So whaddaya think?

edit to add: The studio would also be located near one of the top photography colleges in the country which could be rented by students.

Message edited by author 2006-04-27 21:54:45.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

04/27/2006 05:56:18 PM · #2

The largest pro photo store in the atlanta area does this (as well as offering photography classes on the weekends) and its their biggest profit-maker from what I was told. Its a sound business plan as long as you can keep the use up enough to pay the rent.

I wish you luck.... keep us informed as you progress.

04/27/2006 05:59:20 PM · #3

Originally posted by JayWalk:

edit to add: The studio would also be located near one of the top photography colleges in the country which could be rented by students.

Ok, to be completely honest ;-)

I assume your main group is those students? Over here students don't really have a lot of money (at least, that's what they say..), so I'm not completely sure about the $200 for 8 hours. But that might be the greedy part of us Dutchies ;-)

Is some sort of a test-hour included? If you don't like the studio - or whatever, you wouldn't loose 200 bucks just like that.

04/27/2006 06:04:14 PM · #4

Students definitely would not be the target market, however there is good potential there should I need to seek renters.

People could definitely come and check out the studio, but I'm not sure why they would need a test hour. Assuming they were complete rookies and needed guidance on how to use the equipment that could be provided, but I was kinda thinking that people who would take part in this would already know the basics? Yay/Nay???

So would any of you sign up for this type of membership, and what are your reason?

Message edited by author 2006-04-27 21:56:48.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

04/27/2006 06:08:43 PM · #5

Originally posted by JayWalk:

Students definitely would not be the target market, however there is good potential there should I need to seek renters.

Maybe some kind of discount? I really have no idea if that's possible

Originally posted by JayWalk:

People could definitely come and check out the studio, but I'm not sure why they would need a test hour. Assuming the were complete rookies and needed quidance on how to use the equipment that could be provided, but I was kinda thinking that people who would take part in this would already know the basics? Yay/Nay???

Hmm yeah you're right, sorry

Originally posted by JayWalk:

So would any of you sign up for this type of membership, and what are your reason?

If I didn't have my own strobes I wouldn't.. it would be too expensive for me. I'd rather rent the studio when I needed it.

BeeCee

Nikon D40

04/27/2006 06:10:59 PM · #6

It sounds like it should definitely be workable :) Addressing the two comments about enough bookings to pay the rent, and $200/8hrs outlay;
If you found you weren't filling up enough with the monthly memberships you could always add books of "drop-in" type tickets good for an hour or whatever, usable any time, but only on kind of a standby basis. Eg.,
They could book same-day only, so that if you had unbooked space they could drop in, use 1 ticket for an hour, 2 for two, etc. That way you could fill in some of the gaps and they could get a bargain if they can't afford the regular price.
Good luck! :D

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

04/27/2006 06:12:50 PM · #7

... and during unrented times offer to teach soccer moms how to P&S for their scrapbooks! :)

04/27/2006 06:13:04 PM · #8

Yeah, that would be a better solution for my situation. If that was possible, I think I would use that method.

But, on the other hand, it's cheaper to rent a studio round here ;)

04/27/2006 06:14:17 PM · #9

Originally posted by biteme:

Yeah, that would be a better solution for my situation. If that was possible, I think I would use that method.

But, on the other hand, it's cheaper to rent a studio round here ;)

What's it cost to rent a studio there?

04/27/2006 06:14:54 PM · #10

gimme a sec, I'll look it up for you.

Message edited by author 2006-04-27 18:20:13.

Beetle

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/27/2006 06:17:37 PM · #11

For pros who need a studio on a very regular basis, 8 hours a month isn't enough.

For amateurs who may be lucky enough to score the occasional gig 8 hours may not be enough one month, but 7 hours too much the next.

Personally I would not sign up for such a deal because of that uncertainty. I might consider renting it on an hourly basis, but even $25/hour is a fair bit of money for my decidedly NON professional needs.

There would have to be some people who find that arrangement useful, but frankly I don't like your chances of finding a lot of them.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

04/27/2006 06:20:34 PM · #12

Originally posted by JayWalk:

Originally posted by biteme:
Yeah, that would be a better solution for my situation. If that was possible, I think I would use that method.

But, on the other hand, it's cheaper to rent a studio round here ;)

What's it cost to rent a studio there?

studio, incl. backdrops, strobes, bathroom, dressingroom, kitchen, etc., 60m2:

75 euro a day (Â± 8 hours) - 50 euro (4 hours)

Message edited by author 2006-04-27 18:30:42.

rox_rox

Canon EOS-20D

04/27/2006 06:35:09 PM · #13

Here are my thoughts (keeping in mind I am not a studio photographer):

I'd rather have the opportunity to rent a space on an hourly or daily basis, with no minimum commitment.

The $200 might scare away those who just need it once in a while; and you might be able to get more from those who would use it more often.

Have you done extensive market research? Is there a call for such a business in your area? Are people willing to pay for this service? What are comparable rates in other markets? Are there other things you can do with the space in the event that you don't get the business you expect?

Have you considered supplementing the studio rental with classes or model shoots? I'm thinking of a gallery which makes quite a draw by providing a weekly figure drawing session with a nude model. Granted, this would be harder to do with photography; but providing a model for some photographers might be a way to get people into the studio.