Five years and three studios later, I’ve learned a few things along the way! But, I think one of the most important things I can share with you is that I didn’t start where I am now. It’s taken years and along the way, there were a lot of sacrifices, lessons learned, and being realistic with myself about where my business was at that time. Sure, I dreamed about a huge commercial space five years ago, but that wasn’t what was realistic. Each space along the way was exactly what I needed at that time.

In-Home Photography Studio

My first studio was in my home in a 110 square foot bedroom. You better believe I made the most of that space though. We joked that my studio was like a “transformer” because I had multiple surfaces I could move to create different looks. It was in that small space that I discovered more of my creative side, gained confidence with photographing newborns, and ultimately grew my business to a point that I not only needed a larger space but could afford one as well.

While I have no plans of having another home studio space, I am SO incredibly grateful it was my first. In fact, I think it’s a very good stepping stone for photographers that want to start offering studio sessions. There’s lower overhead, it’s a little less scary, and it allows you time to gain so much experience. It can also be really convenient too depending on your family dynamic.

Commercial Photography Studio

If you are ready to open a commercial photography studio, here are 6 tips to consider:

1 – Know your CODB

Before you even look at studio spaces, you need to know what it costs to operate your business as it is now. You need to know what you can afford to add to those expenses. Factor in rent and any other additional overhead costs that may come with a studio space. Break it down and know what you need to make in order to break even and also what you need to meet your income goal. 

2 – Build Your Savings

To be totally transparent, I saved around $10,000 for my first studio. I wanted a certain amount of income set aside to help in the event something catastrophic happened. It was also that “safety net” that gave me the extra bit of confidence I needed to take the leap. Keep in mind, depending on your family’s needs and the area you live in, that number may be different for you. I just encourage you to sit down and not only know your CODB but that number as well. 

3 – Know Your Market

Get a feel for the local market, the going rate to be in a high traffic area vs side street, etc. It’s typically based on square footage. A lot of times with commercial spaces, you have to be able to act fast, knowing the market and what to expect will help you with that when the right space comes up. 

4- Plan for the Build-Out

A lot of photographers get in the studio and go wild with the studio built out and did not plan appropriately. I’ve watched photographers drain their entire savings with no bookings. Push the limits but do it smart. Approximately $100 per square foot is a good estimate to budget for. Think about flooring, walls, doors, locks, cameras, furniture, samples, shelving and organization, desks, chairs, etc. It can add up quickly, so have a plan going in! 

5 – Hire a commercial realtor

This is a great opportunity for you to put a call out to your clients to see if any of them are commercial realtors or can connect you with one. Having a commercial realtor is invaluable. Most of the time it’s no cost to you and they can negotiate on your behalf.

6 – Know your Must-Haves

When opening a commercial photography studio, you are investing a lot of time and money. You need to know what your must-haves are and what may be willing to compromise on or go without.

• Location – I don’t think you have to be in a fancy plaza or high traffic area. The more important thing is that it is easily accessible within your city and for your ideal clients. For example, I am very central. I know people on the outskirts and have moved more central and they have a bigger reach. Others do fine in the suburbs. Depending on your city/town, it may or may not matter for you.
• Light – if you’re a natural light photographer, the direction of light is going to be really important. Sure, you can make any light work, but generally north-facing light is going to allow you the most consistency throughout the day and year.
• Accessibility – floor level is ideal but if not, is the elevator easy to access?
• Parking – keep in mind who your clients are. A lot of them will have just had a baby and/or have small children. Having easy and close parking can be really important when it comes to their client experience.
• Noise – how quiet is the space and who is around you? Also, consider the noise level you may have come from your studio and how that may impact who is around you. 
• Build-out options – can you paint, put down new flooring, and make it your own? Also, will your landlord give you a build-out allowance if it’s increasing their property value? These are also things your commercial realtor can help you with. 

I know all of this can feel a little scary and incredibly risky, but if done right, the reward is high! Yes, it’s going to take a lot of hard work and strategic planning, but if having a commercial studio space is part of your dream, then I say go for it. I’ve coached 45 women in the last two years and 15 of them have opened or upgraded to a commercial studio space since completely Leveraging to Luxury. They are proof that it is possible!