If you’re a photographer dreaming of a successful, full-service business, you might be thinking, “But I don’t have a studio! How can I possibly pull it off?”

The truth is, you don’t need a dedicated studio space to succeed. With the right approach and a little creativity, you can build a thriving business right from your home or a client’s.

Chelsey Kraus, a full-service photographer and Leveraging to Luxury alum, is a perfect example.

Chelsey has built a successful photography business without ever owning a studio. In 2023, she booked 27 sessions, sold 5 frames, 1 album, and captured 1 newborn. In 2024, she’s already booked 25 signature sessions, 25 frames, 6 albums, and 8 newborns! This significant increase in business wasn’t due to opening a studio or making drastic changes to her business model. Instead, she continued to implement the LTL model and refine her client experience, even without a traditional studio space.

So, what are the key elements to running a successful full-service photography business without a studio?

Chelsey shared her invaluable insights on what she believes are the essential things you NEED and DON’T NEED to run a successful photography business without a studio:

What You NEED:

• Artwork Samples: Having tangible examples of your work is crucial. This could be prints, albums, or digital samples.
• Educated Conversations: Before sales appointments, have conversations about artwork. Normalize it, explain the benefits, and share your expertise.
• Client-Centric Approach: Cater to your client’s preferences. If they want frames, don’t push albums.

What You DON’T NEED:

• Prior Sales Experience: You don’t have to have sold artwork before to get your first sale. Confidence, knowledge, and showcasing your work (even online) are enough to start.
• A Studio Space: A dedicated studio isn’t a prerequisite. You can work from your home, a co-working space, or even a local coffee shop.
• A Client Like You: You don’t have to be your ideal client. Your preferences and tastes might differ from your clients’, and that’s perfectly okay.

The Advantage of Not Having a Studio

One of the greatest advantages of not having a traditional studio is the unique opportunity to conduct in-person design and ordering appointments at your client’s home. By visiting your client’s home, you’re stepping into their world, taking in valuable information through your eyes… seeing what they like just by observing the furniture, decorations, and finishes THEY chose. This allows you to tailor your design recommendations to their specific needs and style. Doing an in-home design and ordering appointment allows the client to visualize how your work will look in their space, empowering them to make informed decisions about their purchases.

The Power of Leveraging to Luxury

Chelsey credits her success to the Leveraging to Luxury mastermind program. This exclusive coaching program provides you with the tools, strategies, and support you need to build a profitable, polished, and lucrative full-service photography business.

By joining LTL, you’ll learn how to:

• Break through the limiting beliefs that have you thinking that people won’t value and pay for what you offer.
• Curate or refine your products so that your clients will purchase again and again.
• Create a membership that ensures your business is sustainable and booked year-round.
• Exactly how to run consultation calls so that you convert leads to clients effortlessly while creating deep connections and confidently conveying your value.
• Build a client experience that ensures the purchase of artwork with every session.
• Master the luxury client mindset and overcome the limiting beliefs that are keeping you running your business with confidence.

Remember, a studio is not a prerequisite for success. With the right mindset, the right tools, and the right support, you can build a thriving photography business from anywhere.

Ready to take your photography business to the next level? Join the Leveraging to Luxury waitlist today and start building a business you love.