Starting a studio out of your home...need some pro advice

[embdaw]

I need to pick some of your brains....I am trying to start my own studio and would like to get some opinions of what to do and what not to do....

I am planning of running the studio out of my home...I have a great location for outdoor shots (I live on a lake) and have a room in my house that will be dedicated for studio shots...

Pretty much, for the technical part (lighting, backgrounds, etc.) I am covered...my biggest hitch is the business aspect...I am totally clueless when it comes to that!! I've tried reading books and researching on the internet...but it can be a bit overwhelming...I just need some advice from some people who have been there...done that...;)

Any comments are appreciated!!

Thank you in advance.

[DustinC]

Marketing can be one of the most difficult aspects of getting your photo business of the ground. Eventually word of mouth will carry you. There are many ways you can promote yourself. There is a good article at prophotosource on marketing your business on a budget.

Dustin Cannon
http://www.ProPhotoSource.com
Serving Professionals in the Business end of Photography

[MediaMagic]

Not sure if this will help or not. The way I got my little part time studio business off the ground was pretty much luck, but I don't see why the formula shouldn't work again.

I basically showed up and started practicing little league football shots (with no business idea in mind I just wanted to play with the new dSLR, though I have been into photography since childhood). I talked to the parents, etc etc, and then offered my photos as a fundraiser for their little league program. I gave all the proceeds from this to the league.

The parents began asking if I do family photos. I said "sure, but I charge for those." Once I said that, my wife kinda took over and began setting up appointments with parents who wanted portraits. Word of mouth sort of took over from there.

Word of mouth and just "being out there" taking shots. Being seen with your camera and talking to people, politely exchanging a business card or two. You'd be surprised how much business comes from polite conversation when you show up to take shots of something else.

While I don't really consider myself to be a "pro", I have made enough from the portrait gigs to pay for most of my gear and by the end of this year, I should have enough in the bank to get my 1Ds mk II for the studio without going in debt.

My photography business is strictly part time and I have no desire to quit my day job, but I would say that getting out there and talking to people, being seen, etc, can get you started with some decent jobs.

Good luck with it.
David

[PhotosGuy]

trying to start my own studio A studio to shoot WHAT, Erin? Give me a hint? ;-)

[embdaw]

A studio to shoot WHAT, Erin? Give me a hint? ;-)

Well now, I guess that information would be usefull :lol:...

a Portrait Studio....kids, pets, families..maybe senior pics...(the high school is right down the street)...

[w10d]

One thing: If you intend to run a studio out of your home, be sure that you don't break zoning laws, and if you do, be sure that your neighbors are cool.
.

Good point. But don't stop there, check on your home insurance, many policies will be invalid if you run a business from home (more equipment=more risk of burglary). On the bright side, I did find a cheaper home insurance by combining my business insurance with the same company (work at home=less opportunity for thieves to get in).

Consider any Public Liability insurance too, especially as you'll have people in your studio.