What Makes A Good Studio

[Jadam]

I'm curious what particular things everyone here looks for when the rent a studio? What qualities make one studio better than another? Also what things really turn you off about a studio.

[burntpixel]

I've never rented space before so I'm not sure I can accurately answer your question.
I do have an in home studio space that is located in my bonus room above the garage.
With that said, if I were to look at renting a space I would for some more width. The way the ceiling slopes up there I only have about a 4' wide bg.

1. Space...width, height and depth. I think an ideal studio would be 14 - 16 feet wide, 20 - 30 feet deep with a ceiling height of 10 foot or more.
2. Bathroom/Changing area. Are you shooting models/people, they will need somewhere to change.
3. Lighting. What type of lighting is provided? Can you bring your own(if you have them)

These are just 3 quick things that I would for.
Hope this helps...?

[bobbyz]

Is it upstairs or on the ground floor in case you need to haul stuff.

Which part of the town depending on what kind of clients you need to shoot.

[FlyingPhotog]

Major Turn Off: Lack of (Secure If Necessary) Parking...

[Jadam]

Thanks for the replys. I am looking into moving to Chicago and setting up a photo studio. Parking... nice didn't think of that. That's the kind of 'oh yea duh' stuff I need to hear :)

I'm looking in the range of 2,000sq ft. Which would have area taken up by an office, as well as kitchen area, small lounge/client area and bathroom. The rest available for studioness.

What are some opinions on hardwood vs. concrete floors. For hardwood the photographer who did portraits of Ali, Tony Hawk, Jerry Seinfeld ext... come to mind. Can't remember his name.

[eigga]

lots of clients..

[FlashZebra]

1) Don't subdivide the space any more than absolutely possible. Keep the space flexible.

2) Ceiling at least 10 foot high. 11 or 12 foot would be even better.

3) Check the wiring to be sure it can handle the needed power.

4) Ground floor or elevator access.

[Jadam]

wiring, another small detail that is important that I overlooked. Thanks

Anyone have any experience working at a rental studio? Care to share some insights into the business.

[Hermes]

wiring, another small detail that is important that I overlooked. Thanks

Anyone have any experience working at a rental studio? Care to share some insights into the business.

I'll share what comes to mind but I'm sure there will be plenty of basic things I miss.

1) Don't subdivide the space any more than absolutely possible. Keep the space flexible.

2) Ceiling at least 10 foot high. 11 or 12 foot would be even better.

3) Check the wiring to be sure it can handle the needed power.

4) Ground floor or elevator access.


A big +1 to this one. All a studio really needs is one big cyc wall with white/black/grey sections, each large enough for a big group shot or a car. If you can get cars into the studio, that will be another plus - a surprisingly high number of my renters were car enthusiasts or car calendar producers.

Don't waste time building sets unless your customers specifically request them (which I doubt will happen). Sets eat up a lot of your time and money, and they soon become worn-down and dated which makes the studio look cheap. Accept that anything you put in the studio will take abuse so only put it there if you're prepared to clean/maintain it on a constant basis. This is another big advantage of the cyc wall over seamless and muslins - it costs a lot at first but has little/no overheads and is virtually indestructible. The worst you'll have to do is spend a few minutes re-painting it.

Ceilings as high as possible (I'd consider 12ft an absolute minimum) without obstructions is a no-brainer. Make sure any windows are fitted with blackout curtains/drapes.

Not only does the wiring need to be capable, but you need a backup to the main power in case it goes down. You can't afford for clients who have spent thousands hiring models, make-up artists, costumes, e.t.c. to sue you because they can't do any work.

Heating is another big issue - your clients won't be happy working in the freezing cold and since studios are huge with concrete floors, this usually means providing portable heaters that can be moved into position as well as normal heating.

It's a good idea to produce clear and concise guides to how everything in the studio works to make sure clients know what they're doing and don't break anything. You also need to make clear just exactly who is responsible if something is broken, what the costs are, the prices of consumables, e.t.c.

In terms of lighting, buy a brand that is cheap to run & service locally - lights will get broken one way or another.

[TeeTee]

What everyone else said as well as - Character.

Where I shoot has to be conductive to the whole creative process. I can't shoot on a stale set, and generally I get better results when I'm at some quirky/interesting location than on a standard grey walled black backdrop set.

[Cathpah]

I'm in the process of looking for a studio as well....but I heard one tip that sounded like a good idea: a waiting room for guests/chaperone's where they can sit and watch tv/movies and basically stay out of the way and avoid interfering with the shoot.

[Jadam]

I really dislike sets. I find them to be cheesy. So that shouldn't be a problem :)

backup power, Check
portable heaters, Check
creative inspiring aesthetic, double Check (I like that one)

those are some good ones. Thanks

How many times a year do all of you rent studios? If at all.

[FlyingPhotog]

The gentleman who hosts/moderates the Photo Group to which I belong has a very nice studio space in a pre-fab building behind his house.

While he does have some set pieces inside, he has assembled some very cool stuff and uses it around the outside of the building to great effect.

[sfaust]

I've owned a few studios in the past, and have rented those spaces as well. First off, who would be your clients? Without some clear idea, you could overbuild and price yourself out of the market, or under build and not be able to attract the clients you need to stay in business. Secondly, what research have you done on the demand for rental space in your area? You need to identify your clients, competition, demand in marketplace dollars, how much of that you expect to capture and why/how, understand what you will offer that your competition doesn't, etc. If there isn't currently a rental studio in your area, that can be a big red flag, or a great opportunity.

Thinking about the space before doing your due diligence isn't the best way to approach it. Plug into the photography industry in your area first, udnerstand the need and desires of your potential clients, then back end that into the studio space requirements and need in your area.

[Jadam]

I've owned a few studios in the past, and have rented those spaces as well. First off, who would be your clients? Without some clear idea, you could overbuild and price yourself out of the market, or under build and not be able to attract the clients you need to stay in business. Secondly, what research have you done on the demand for rental space in your area? You need to identify your clients, competition, demand in marketplace dollars, how much of that you expect to capture and why/how, understand what you will offer that your competition doesn't, etc. If there isn't currently a rental studio in your area, that can be a big red flag, or a great opportunity.

Thinking about the space before doing your due diligence isn't the best way to approach it. Plug into the photography industry in your area first, understand the need and desires of your potential clients, then back end that into the studio space requirements and need in your area.

That's exactly the info I'm looking for! your spot on. That second part is really wise.
"Thinking about the space before doing your due diligence isn't the best way to approach it" also very wise advice. thanks ~I had to look up 'due diligence" :)~

Currently my target client would be local amateur photographers, as well as working ams/pros without a personal studio. Also any small business looking to set up product shoots with their personal photographers. As well as photography work from my photography business. There any other profitable business oppertunitys from such a space I'm leaving out???

Actually all these questions I'm asking here, I'm asking in a bunch of other photography forums/groups. Trying to figure out a broad demand for studio rental. I contacted the local Chamber of Commerce, the local Arts Resource Center, and the SBA to get some information. This is the start of my market research. Any other avenues you know I can take. I'm looking to suck in as much data as I can so when I go to the banker for a loan, he says Yes Sir! How did you get started?

It would be great to talk to someone with experience. Shoot me over a PM if you wouldn't mind letting me pick at your brain about this some.

[Cathpah]

Jadam-

Are you planning on furnishing lights/stands/sandbags/everything in the studio....or are you asking the clients to furnish their own equipt?

In reality, I'm not really sure which would be better, as I've got equipmentt but lack a good indoor space. That said, I guess I'm more in the market for a leased rental space rather than something hourly. If I've got all this gear, the cost for the lease compared to what I've already spent on equipment makes a long term rental space make much more sense. So maybe that means you ought to furnish lighting equipment to cater to people who haven't invested in gear yet? The other alternative would be you'd cater to photographers who need a specialized space (i.e. giant space with huge doors to bring ANYTHING in to the studio), but that may get a good bit more costly. Also, that would most likely only work in a big city setting...so that all depends on where you're opening this studio.

[RichNY]

I've owned a few studios in the past, and have rented those spaces as well. First off, who would be your clients? Without some clear idea, you could overbuild and price yourself out of the market, or under build and not be able to attract the clients you need to stay in business. Secondly, what research have you done on the demand for rental space in your area? You need to identify your clients, competition, demand in marketplace dollars, how much of that you expect to capture and why/how, understand what you will offer that your competition doesn't, etc. If there isn't currently a rental studio in your area, that can be a big red flag, or a great opportunity.

Thinking about the space before doing your due diligence isn't the best way to approach it. Plug into the photography industry in your area first, udnerstand the need and desires of your potential clients, then back end that into the studio space requirements and need in your area.

I agree completely and was going to post something similar to this. When I saw your post the first thing that came to mind was a money losing business because of a lack of understanding the business side of studio management, market conditions, and competition. This, along with solid marketing is what will determine your success or failure far more than what gear you have, etc.

[Jadam]

Are you planning on furnishing lights/stands/sandbags/everything in the studio....or are you asking the clients to furnish their own equipt?


I will be upgrading my current lighting set-up by the time I would have the studio (if it is a viable business plan). So yea, all that jazz. Depending on what the potential to rent it out is I may choose Profoto. Whenever I rented gear before I got my Photogenics I always rented Profoto. I really loved their gear. If it dosen't look like it would get much rental use I would just get a kit of White lightning instead.


I am putting together a questionnaire that pertains to what people want from a studio. I've got a bunch of questions i think are important on it all ready. I would like to hear what types of questions you all think would be good to have on the questionnaire.

I think it's really great of everyone who is guiding me through this process with their individual experiences and expertise. I really appreciate it!

[sfaust]

Currently my target client would be local amateur photographers, as well as working ams/pros without a personal studio. Also any small business looking to set up product shoots with their personal photographers. As well as photography work from my photography business. There any other profitable business oppertunitys from such a space I'm leaving out

These are very diverse clients, and the requirements don't overlap as well as one might think. The amateurs generally won't pay the fees required for a studio that is setup for professionals, and professionals generally won't rent a studio that is setup for amateurs.

If you are going to entice the pros, you need a kick ass studio that will impress their clients as well. The client amenities need to be there, it needs to be large to accommodate large products or setups that require a lot of space, high end lighting and lots of it, client lounge area, small kitchen for photographer/client use and also food photography, private bathroom w/ shower if possible for models, various backgrounds and flats for fake walls, wireless highspeed internet, climate controlled, a private client work area, lounge, etc. It should also be very convenient for people traveling in, ie, right off a major highway centrally located in the target market area, and with plenty of parking. There should be an easy way to load/unload large equipment such as a loading dock or large garage door that unloads into the studio. If on a upper level, a large freight elevator. Ceilings a minimum of 16' for shooting from extreme angles and for lighting. The ceiling should be white so it can also be used for bounce if needed. It really helps is there are a couple good restaurants and cafes within a short walking distance. Equipment should be current, high end, and have more than enough to light multiple sets, and still have backups. Its not uncommon for a professional rental studio to have $40K invested in lighting and grip alone.

On the flip side, amateurs are unwilling to pay the costs needed to support a professional studio, which can easily be $1,000 a day or more. Most are just looking for a space with some basic lighting, air conditioning, easy access, a dressing room, sitting area, and some props and sets. It seems that the majority of the amateurs in my area shoot models, and want to show up at a studio with a model, and have a white seamless or cyc wall, and some sets to shoot against. Most are unwilling to create a set themselves, nor do they want to bring in props. The rental studios that lasted more than a year offered props and sets, and changed them often. The ones that didn't, never made it past a year or two. In fact, none of the rental studios aimed at amateurs in our area made it past 4 years, and from conversations with the owners, none really made any money either. A studio aimed at the amateur photographers is a tough business model to make it work.

I think targeting both pros and amateurs will compromise both, thus make turning a profit much harder. I personally wouldn't even target the amateur photographers, but would go after the professionals with a studio that is setup for still photography and videography (needs to be sound proofed) as its primary purpose, but also setup for other uses as well (small theatre groups, art receptions, post production suite, etc). But, it takes lots of $$$ to put it together, requires a long term lease and cash outlay for the build out, etc. A large risk indeed, something I wouldn't do without partners. And since I don't want partners, that option if off the table.

If I went after the amateur market, based on previous studios in our area, I'd model it as a 5 year business. That seems to be the lifespan in this area. Perhaps they tire of shooting at the same place and want something new, or the business just failed due to management, lack of funds, or whatever. I really need to look hard at why the others failed in order to make any assumption that mine would be different.

Just some thoughts from what I've seen over the last 15 years or so in my area.