Building a Studio

[slimninj4]

UPDATED WITH PHOTOS TODAY:

I guess I will try to make this informative as possible.
I am in the process of building a studio from a shell and starting up a business.
I will update this with information and status as it comes.

This endeavor is with three other people. We decided to make a LLC in Delaware for tax reasons. This costs about 200$. Just paperwork and a check. We chose a generic name to blanket each of our own businesses.

We found a location and worked out a pretty good deal with the management for a lease. GREAT price. We plan to open in a few weeks and right now have most of the framing up. This week the contractors will be in to build the walls. I need to run over there and take some photos before they do.

UPDATE:

So far we completed the frame work ourselves to save money. Pretty easy to do with the proper tools. We paid someone to come in to do drywall and finish. That will be done by Friday he is almost finished after two days. Electrician is completed with putting in additional outlets, transformer, and more circuit breakers.

Weekend plans: purchase paint. Complete drywall finishing.

Next week plans: Paint walls and floor.

http://retratostudios.com/LP/pics/studio.jpg


http://retratostudios.com/LP/pics/studio1.jpg

[NickSimcheck]

Ok

This endeavor is with three other people. We decided to make a LLC in Delaware for tax reasons. This costs about 200$. Just paperwork and a check. We chose a generic name to blanket each of our own businesses.



Do you have any concerns with the possibility of the three other people causing your good name to go sour?

Just a thought... I know I wouldn't be happy if I was trying to run my studio under the name Olan Mills.

[JEC]

Having just installed a new studio at my store, I look forward to reading the stories, struggles, and successes of others.
I look forward to hearing more about yours!
Any details as to size, layout, equipment, etc?
Does each of you have your own special niche in your style of photography?

Good luck, and congratulations!

-John

[PhotosGuy]

I look forward to reading the stories, struggles, and successes of others. Start with the links at the bottom left hand corner of this page.

[slimninj4]

Do you have any concerns with the possibility of the three other people causing your good name to go sour?

Just a thought... I know I wouldn't be happy if I was trying to run my studio under the name Olan Mills.


Not really since this is just an umbrella LLC. We each have our own businesses. Kind of like a barber shop layout. We have several studios in the space for shooting. We all have a set of rules to abide by and a shared calendar for shoots. Rules for 18+ shoots so when family portraits are done there is no "crossfire".

Of course this is a learning experience too so unexpected things are expected.

[JEC]

Start with the links at the bottom left hand corner of this page.

I appreciate that.
I've been (mostly) lurking here for some time, and have read many of the posts regarding studio construction.

Fortunately, mines nearly finished now, but I like to read about, and see what others are doing.

[Tom Reichner]

Hi, Slim!

Do you have a website? I'd enjoy seeing some of your work.

[FlyingPhotog]

<Subscribing>

Wishing you the best of luck and much success!! ;)

[birdman59]

What happens when one persons work is really popular and does most of the work?? Do you split the $$ all 4 ways or does the one working get all the bucks??

[Tom Reichner]

What happens when one persons work is really popular and does most of the work?? Do you split the $$ all 4 ways or does the one working get all the bucks??
Birdman, I think maybe Slim was saying that all 4 photographers run their separate business independantly out of the same location. They just use an umbrella name. Perhaps I'm wrong, but that's the way I understood it.