Studio or House

So the time has come, many years of work have gotten me to this moment. At this point I need to make a serious investment into my career as a photographer (media developer would be more correct)

I have seen and personally know people that run very successful business out of a home office, not a home they live in - but a home that they work in.

I was wondering, do you think the customer that I am trying to attract (the family people, advertisers, real estate, artists and mostly government work) would rather come to something they are more familiar with - a house - where all their business needs are met in a safe, comfortable, professional and most importantly stress free environment.

- FLIPSIDE -

The image that comes with the "downtown studio" brings in an entirely different clientele - I have worked in both and this is a whole different world of people, artistic visions and the dedication to those visions. I love it.

So the question is this, would you purchase a house and fit it with everything that you need to run a successful, professional and effective studio - in the suburbs. or would you opt for the downtown studio.

Let me know your thoughts, and if you can, explain why you feel the way you do.

thanks.

The company I worked for did business with a software company based in an old Victorian house close to downtown. Going there was like visiting someone's home. The kitchen was certainly put to good use. There was a play room for kids, with Disney dvds, toys etc., and a bedroom to take a nap. This company had about 20 full-time employees.

Suburbs I don't know, I think those real estate prices will continue to fall. Something closer to town might hold value better. If business falters, there is real estate profit for fallback...

I think it depends on what you can afford or what fits you the most. There was a photographer here in town that worked out of a house that was very successful. Personally, I would think it would be great. Different rooms with different backgrounds, different props, different looks and you don't have to move them around for each shoot, heck yeah!! But just my 2 cents.....

We have a lady here that has run a studio in her house and back yard. Her studios are the envy of some of the people running in the business district. The upside she is relatively close to the downtown core so it is almost like she is running in the business district. I know another fellow that started one out in the burbs with an address that is hard to find. It is so new it is not even in some of the GPS units yet. He spent alot on renovations and his studio is really nice but he is trying to lure corporate clients and they just won't make that trip. There is something about going to one's house for a business meeting that just doesn't sit right with some.

It can be done and it has been done. Its all about the way you set things up. Imo, customers should never see any of your living quarters. You should have independent washrooms for the business end of things as well as a dedicated entrance for it. Its not cheap to do this so I would make sure that its a well laid out plan.

Houses have yards. Yards mean indoor and outdoor settings. I'd rather go somewhere that gives me both options over just one.

Also check local ordinances about running a business out of the house (mainly one that customers come to). Some cities may prohibit it. Would suck to get it all ready ony to have the city shut ya down.

ssim wrote in post #12711335
We have a lady here that has run a studio in her house and back yard. Her studios are the envy of some of the people running in the business district. The upside she is relatively close to the downtown core so it is almost like she is running in the business district. I know another fellow that started one out in the burbs with an address that is hard to find. It is so new it is not even in some of the GPS units yet. He spent alot on renovations and his studio is really nice but he is trying to lure corporate clients and they just won't make that trip. There is something about going to one's house for a business meeting that just doesn't sit right with some.

It can be done and it has been done. Its all about the way you set things up. Imo, customers should never see any of your living quarters. You should have independent washrooms for the business end of things as well as a dedicated entrance for it. Its not cheap to do this so I would make sure that its a well laid out plan.

I agree. A lot of people here do something very similar in very upscale Birmingham with success where homes are only a block away from a small downtown.

I think that, "a house - where all their business needs are met in a safe, comfortable, professional and most importantly stress free environment." is a lot more friendly environment to most people.

And don't forget a nice padded room where you can lock up the kids while you talk with the parents!

PhotosGuy wrote in post #12713099
I agree. A lot of people here do something very similar in very upscale Birmingham with success where homes are only a block away from a small downtown.

I think that, "a house - where all their business needs are met in a safe, comfortable, professional and most importantly stress free environment." is a lot more friendly environment to most people.

And don't forget a nice padded room where you can lock up the kids while you talk with the parents!

Thank you everyone for your input.

I did not even think about the kids - you are so correct - I should probably dedicate a play room at the office (perhaps it will even attract parents to come to us just to get the kids off their backs for an hour)

To make some extra money, I am also planning on renting the studio space (along with my gear and time to help people use it) - so would that change your decision?

Studio... It's safer...

If you are after capturing commercial work from other businesses then I'd definately say go downtown (and voted that way). Working B2B I'd rather go to a commercial building than a home environment to conduct work.

In reality though it depends on what you are trying to achieve and the space that you need.

Commercial properties are, for instrance, more likely to goive you better ceiling height than you would get in a house.

No. If it works for you, it should work for them, too?

Good point, & something to watch for.

Nightstalker wrote in post #12714445
Commercial properties are, for instrance, more likely to goive you better ceiling height than you would get in a house.

Not always! When I was doing the whole debate between renting a studio or just running it out of my house ceiling height was a contributing factor to the decision. Of course... I suppose not everyone can have 11 foot ceilings in their home or have a studio space with an open ceiling so it's actually 22 feet...

But seriously, this is a good point. A modern home will have, at most, 9 foot ceilings. An older home may have higher... or WAY lower. But on the flip side, a commercial space that wasn't built for photography may not have the highest ceilings, either.

YamahaRob wrote in post #12711806
Also check local ordinances about running a business out of the house (mainly one that customers come to). Some cities may prohibit it. Would suck to get it all ready ony to have the city shut ya down.

Zoning laws that prohibit 100% commercial business in a residential area can be an important consideration . . .

I think you should base your decision on the clients you're attempting to attract. I think a home would be the better choice if you're trying to attract kids/babies/families. On the other hand, I think a downtown location would be far better if you're trying to attract a more professional client base. If you're playing both sides of the fence, I would suggest a downtown location because I would think that families would be more willing to visit a professional downtown studio than businesses would be willing to visit a residential location. I have a studio located in the downtown area of my city and one of the perks I also enjoy is a really cool urban set located in the alley ways all around me. This works great for senior/modeling photo sessions.

jra wrote in post #12722880
I think you should base your decision on the clients you're attempting to attract. I think a home would be the better choice if you're trying to attract kids/babies/families. On the other hand, I think a downtown location would be far better if you're trying to attract a more professional client base. If you're playing both sides of the fence, I would suggest a downtown location because I would think that families would be more willing to visit a professional downtown studio than businesses would be willing to visit a residential location. I have a studio located in the downtown area of my city and one of the perks I also enjoy is a really cool urban set located in the alley ways all around me. This works great for senior/modeling photo sessions.

Great point, I will include the search for proper scenery around the studio.