New business idea

[mike3767]

I'm trying to find that next big thing and I came up with an idea. Let me know if it would be a flop or a good idea. Have some office space and set up 3 to 4 studio areas for photography. Provide the lighting, backgrounds and props. You bring the camera. I rent the space out but in the mean time, I can use it for my small business. Anybody ever heard of this?

[jimbob85]

You'd be renting studio space, it's been done.

[fashionphotographer]

I'm trying to find that next big thing and I came up with an idea. Let me know if it would be a flop or a good idea. Have some office space and set up 3 to 4 studio areas for photography. Provide the lighting, backgrounds and props. You bring the camera. I rent the space out but in the mean time, I can use it for my small business. Anybody ever heard of this?

Yep, rental studios are fairly common. If you Google "rental photo studio" you will find several thousand, some which are little more than a tiny room and others which you could roll a jet into.

[Dan Marchant]

+1 to what the guys above said.

[JacobPhoto]

where are you located?
how much would this location cost you to build out, and how much per month in rent?
how many hours per week would you need to rent it out to cover your overhead (much less profit?)
how many photographers are in your area that would use it?

[Mistabernie]

While it's been done before, it never hurts if you can incorporate something that other studios can't. Some sort of location -- rooftop access perhaps in a picturesque part of a city (or other area), or some other 'thing' that would make your studio a draw against any other(s) in the area..

Just because the wheel is round doesn't mean it can't be improved upon.

[kenwood33]

my main concern with renting out space is liability.. for example if someone fell in your rental space and got injured who is going to be responsible..

[smmokan]

God forbid the person who fell is held responsible. :)

[Mistabernie]

This is America.. where we're always looking for new and interesting ways to sue each other.

[jimbob85]

I'd go with a contract along the lines of it's the person renting's problem.

[Dan Marchant]

God forbid the person who fell is held responsible. :)
Which they wouldn't be if the studio floor was in a poor state of repair or the OP had left unsecured equipment laying around or other hazards. When starting a business where the public/clients will have access you need insurance.