Starting a Photography Business - Home Based vs. Studio Space
When deciding on a place to run your successful photography business, there are a few options:
Home Based Photography Studio
Many photographers are deciding to run their photo businesses out of their homes. This has several advantages:
Low overhead no rent
No commuting time
Your work space is tax deductible
Great if you have kids at home
Family oriented and relaxed
Disadvantages of a home studio include:
Lack of sufficient space
You have to keep a clean house at all times!
Having strangers in your home
Some people may view a home studio as not being a real business
Buying / Renting a Photography Studio
If your business increases and you can no longer operate out of your home, then it is time to look into purchasing or renting a space for your photography business. Advantages of renting or buying a studio space include:
More exposure for your business (window displays, foot traffic, drive by traffic)
More adequate space for your equipment and props
More adequate space for parking
Some may view you as having a real photography business
Your work life and home life can be kept separate
Disadvantages include:
Higher overhead (rent or mortgage) eats your profits
Commute time
High prices may keep you out of more desirable neighborhoods or shopping centers
A less desirable location may mean that you have to lower your prices
Other options
Many photographers choose to shoot on location only. This means that they either go to the client s home or shoot mainly at outdoor locations. This can work nicely because it allows you to avoid renting a space and keeps clients out of your home.
Other photographers may choose to temporarily rent a studio space for a day or more. Some photo studios rent out their space on an hourly basis, but if this isn t available in your town, consider renting a small conference room at a local hotel (this would be good for a portrait event where you will be photographing numerous families).
Cindy Bracken is the founder of http://www.shuttermom.com, an online community for photographers of all levels of experience. Stop by to create a free blog, enter the photo contest, join in the discussion forum and more!
Start your photography business today
[techtags: Family Photography, Senior Photographers, Studio Portraits, Portrait Photography]
Tags: photography
