The Dangers of Owning a Photo Studio
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 มี.ค. 2022
- If you want to start your own photography studio, I would really advise you on watching this video. I talk about starting my own photography studio in LA, and everything it took to get it started. That means I cover the good, the bad and the ugly of owning your own studio. This may help you make a decision towards starting one or entirely avoiding the photo studio.
Why I opened my own photo studio: 0:40
The Good of having a studio: 2:42
The Bad of having a studio: 4:57
The UGLY of having a studio: 7:23
Would I open another Studio: 10:20
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Thanks so much. I'm currently thinking about renting a studio space for myself because I found a spot that has really good conditions. You're video was very informative and showed me a lot of benefits and things I should watch out for. Keep doing what you do man!!!
Amazing! Where would your studio be? And thank YOU. I have a whole playlist of the photography studio, so def dig into that. Plus I'm adding new stuff all the time.
I was able to rent some office space as a studio recently, and it's been pretty solid. Because it's office, rather than retail space, I got a better rate, and while it's small (and the ceilings are super low), it's been very useful to have. In my town, there are a number of photographers, but only 2 studios, one other and mine. Having a dedicated location to bring my clients to has done a lot for my perceived legitimacy although I'm relatively new to the field, and I'm hoping that effect will continue to compound.
Crazy how that works, right? The effect will compound, especially if each person that leaves feels better about themselves. I have another video which may be helpful for your studio th-cam.com/video/JvQkpzxcHq4/w-d-xo.html
Wow, completely cough me offguard within the first 2 mins, big up ur self! Very inspirational! Hope your success has exceeded more than you ever though posible! Thanks for sharing your thoughs and ideas with us all!
Thank you so much! That's incredible, thank YOU! I wish the same for you.
Thanks for sharing, I found it to be helpful!
I'm very glad! thank you for visiting the channel page
Yet again another very helpful video, thanks so much!!! :-)
Thanks Tina!
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing your experience with the rest of us. Definitely worth while.
Thank you Eric! I appreciate you letting me know that. Do you have your own studio also?
@@WalidAzamiTV just signed a three-year lease. : )
This was sooolid. Thank you sooo much! I just moved to a spot that has studio space underneath. I’ve been going back and forth on the possibility of eventually making this space rentable but after this, I do believe I’ll just keep it for me and maybe people I build a relationship with. It is more important for me to be shooting and creating than running a whole second business.
Congrats on the space!! And honestly, I'm happy you came to that conclusion because it's right for you, right now! And if you ever change your mind - it's there. You could also make it rentable by referral ONLY. This way it adds additional revenue but you're not public with it. It's a friend of a friend and it's better for everyone all around but still look out for yourself and get cameras, etc...
wow that peerspace story is so sad, I wish you keep the grit, man! 💪🏼 thank your for your time and effort on helping out
Thank you!!! Grit still here :)
Ty♥ you totally opened my eyes.
Amazing!!!!
As a studio owner I agree with all of this. And I feel that before a person open a studio they should at least learn camera settings. A business is not a joke.
You're so right, it's not a joke! I feel a business is like a baby. Thank you for the feedback
Thanks for your time and experience. This is so helpful. =D
Glad it was helpful! Thanks Albert!!!
Thanks! Good luck!
Thank you :)
Great Video Walid. I have a space (owned by myself) which I am considering making a photo studio and this was such a great advice and learning.
Glad it was helpful! I have another video which lets you use this current trend for a very profitable studio th-cam.com/video/JvQkpzxcHq4/w-d-xo.html
I rented a 500 sq ft loft old factory loft unit for five years. Stripped and varnished the wood floor and painted the walls and ceiling all white. Shot tons of work in there. Building was sold, had to leave due to new owners. That’s a bad part of renting. You have to leave any investment/work you’ve put into the space. I miss having a studio so much and would like to have another as soon as possible. Magic happens in your own space, you grow exponentially and your work gets better and better. And of course, if you rent it out, it can pay for itself. I didn’t do that but with a larger space I definitely would.
Hey Pierre, I know the pain of not having it anymore. I'm also looking at space. You're correct, that is the bad part of renting. In my old building we feared a Starbucks coming through. That fear came when everyone who rented my studio said "this would be a perfect locations for a Starbucks!" haha ... but I hope you get that studio again. The game has changed a lot with PeerSpace/Giggster. You can use that to your advantage if you position yourself the right way. Which city are you in?
@@WalidAzamiTV Hey Walid, Chicago. And yes things like Peerspace are great. I’ve rented space through them myself. And if I get another proper space myself I will list it there for rent.
Thanks so much, I’m no wear in the place to have a studio. But thanks for the video. It allowed me to completely understand that I could not handle having a studio. Thanks. ❤❤❤
You're very welcome and if you want one, I hope you get there soon enough! Thank you for watching.
Brave. Inspiring. Thanks!
Thank you so much!
Great Insight .. just subscribed to the channel
Welcome aboard! Glad to have you Monte!
and do you have your studio yet or is that a thought?
Thank you 💓
You're welcome 😊
Thank you for this, have you made a video about the financial part of this and how to stay book.
Hello! 👋🏽 I have a full playlist and i speak on this and so much more.
Thank you so much for all those great advice. Its so valuable.
I have a question though. Did you start the studio with the money you saved from your work as a photographer or did you get a loan.
I’m kind of in the same situation as you were but in Paris.
Thanks Eric! I'm not sure about French law, but right I'd advise not to use a loan. I opened my studio with my own photography money.
I feel you and everything you said. When I setup my 3rd studio (I went from little small spots to a decent stand alone studio) it had the same, 1 outlet. I had pulled a 120v line and setup all the outlets, then in about 6 months all my studio lights started tripping the single breaker. Then I pulled 220V with a sub panel, and had to design a layout for outlets where regardless of where I setup a shoot, all strobes are spread across both phases.
You at least fixed yours! Good job. The whole time I kept thinking "is the studio gonna catch on fire today or nah?" - do you still have the studio?
@@WalidAzamiTV I still have it, its a hodge podge lol - its on a big lot under the freeway - its just for my use, I dont rent it but I let those I know use it. when I went full time I was getting a lot of look book work from designers from fashion week - a whole long story in itself
Great video, Megan! After 2 commercial spaces, I new have a 1400sf studio on the first level of my home. Private entrance for clients, two shooting rooms, a lounge, full kitchen and bath. It is amazing!!! Question for you: My only wish is for old factory windows and 2 story ceilings! Also, which studio stand are you using?
Thanks Ashley but I'm not Megan :)
Bob Procter is a great guy, shot a lot of his videos many moons ago. Great insight on this subject.
You did!? That's awesome. May he Rest In Peace now
Thanks you for being honest, I was actually planing to have my own studio but the cost is high and i can't afford it now, it would be a great opportunity to have your own studio but you have to consider the cost and some issues that you might face along the way.
Honest is the only way I run this account. Here's the thing though... I do feel that the recession will probably hit soon and it'll be global. When that happens, you will notice many rental rates come down. That might be a good time to secure yourself a location and then negotiate a good rate.
@@WalidAzamiTV thanks, will plan for it 😇
great video! lots of good experience shared and insight given. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! :)
thanks for sharing your experience Walid...loved the insight...I plan on opening a studio eventually and I will def keep in mind all the concerns you expressed in this video.
Awesome! If you stay alert on the potential pitfalls, you should have a very profitable business
Thanks for the information I appreciate it. Also you could get an intern to do the things you dont like clieaning idk if youve thought about that
Very true! But I have this thing about getting people to do free labor for me. It's the Bernie Sanders in me lol. However, a paid assistant could be a great idea.
Appreciate this insight. Thank you always.
My pleasure! Thank YOU for watching!
Very good and informative video. As a studio owner I know all too well of all the things you mention here. Well done.
Thank you for your input! It can be rewarding and also trying. Is your studio available for public rentals? Post a link if you wish, others may possibly support it.
there are so many times when someone is leaving then the LED lights on the door turn red and the alarm goes off because they're stealing props and gear...they don't know I have stickers on all of my stuff and and anti theft detectors in the door lmao
also, nobody walks in without at least signing something, it doesn't matter how long they will be in but 10 minutes is enough for a makeup artist to choke a model so get them to sign something that includes how they should conduct themselves ( saves you the trouble of telling people to get their foot off the wall as a minimum and it makes You look like a serious partner for serious clients ) and covering the space with surveillance cameras is a must nowadays, a friend of mine found out about a model hiding her drugs and coco in the studio 3 days after installing cameras, imagine how long he would be gone if by any means someone found it and reported it and he had no way to prove it's not his and even if it was not, the studio is his so...good luck explaining that to the judge!
man be careful, like very careful with this, it's a dangerous business many people assume it's not...I can go on with horror stories all day but keep up the good work brother!
sorry you had a terrible experience(s) like that! I agree, it can be sketchy but there are also great humans who just want to come and create. Having cameras is smart. Having cameras and signing releases is smarter.
@@WalidAzamiTV I totally agree, it's because of the beautiful people we have to be careful and take as many measures as possible to make their favorite studio for their projects as great as we possibly can, You know we have a saying in Morocco '' one fish can make a whole bag of fruits stink '' so we have to do it for us and for the great people.
@@WalidAzamiTV I totally agree, it's because of the beautiful people we have to be careful and take as many measures as possible to make their favorite studio for their projects as great as we possibly can, You know we have a saying in Morocco '' one fish can make a whole bag of fruits stink '' so we have to do it for us and for the great people.
Thanks so much for sharing, I’m about to open my own studio and needed all these insights.
awesome! Where would your studio be?
@@WalidAzamiTV Brisbane, Australia
@@pennyfan13 You will do amazing! Talk it up, market it, and people will keep coming to you.
I own a photo studio, and almost every single point you said in the bad and ugly part are so true. I just realized that ive been shooting less and less since I opened my own studio and have it rented out to others, just like yours. I hope I can bounce back.
You WILL bounce back. I promise.
I owned MacPherson Studio for 10 years. Seen a lot of good, bad and ugly. When u rent it out, the people damages your equipment and furniture. Tonnes of horror stories to say the least. I made my booking system online now and make sure they tick the terms and conditions. The t&c gets longer and longer over the years .
"Seen a lot of good, bad and ugly" yep lol
Assisted for a few big studios and I'm on your side regards on the bad and ugly part, at the end of the day when the photographer or agent booked the studio and cause some problems and issues, not only the studio have to be responsible part of it, those who assisted during the shot also have to be responsible for no reason although nothing happened during the shooting time.
When I got invited to be part of the roster for a photo agent, they have their own studio. The reason they decide to have their own studio is because it is easier to maintain, no worries on either renting it to outsiders and easier for them to take care of the agency + photographer's reputation name.
I went back to my home after a few years and opened my own studio, but it was a mistake because I rent a huge 2,000 sq ft for myself. It lasted for 2 years before I decide not to renew the contract with the landlord.
I'll definitely open again, but a small one between 500 - 800 sq ft.
It can be tiring and it's not for everyone. I understand why someone would have their own studio too, like your agency. Even now as a renter (former studio owner), I'm dealing with overtime and all types of agreements. It can be exhausting.
haha that's what I recommend also, under 1000 sq ft for the win!
Very interesting what you say my friend
Have you considered getting one also?
@@WalidAzamiTV have set up a small one in my flat for minimal cost Walid, just finding it hard to get motivated to shoot, also difficult to get models here to shoot and get myself back up to speed.
Can you share the price at which you rented your studio out? How much did you charge per hour or something
Sure! The lowest I charged was $135 per hour but the highest I charged was $800 per hour with a 12 hour minimum.
First question to ask yourself is do you need a studio or can you do without? I had a studio for 8 years and recently moved out and now just hire it when I need to as I only use maybe once a month as the majority of work I shoot is on location
That's a great question to ask. This video will help the people who answered yes.
@@WalidAzamiTV I could have saved myself $80K over the last 8 years 😳
Most don't have a budget to start a 1000 sq. Ft let alone 5k studio, I feel that's something most struggle with. Any tips on that?
I understand but the principles would remain the same. You have a lot of opportunity for gain, opportunity for setbacks, and some of the dangers.
Great video man! as a filmmaker and photographer myself its very inspiring hearing you talk about it! subbed :)
Thanks for the sub! And welcome, Kevin! What type of films/photos do you create? and have you considered opening your own studio?
@@WalidAzamiTV I’m creating more short travel promotion videos and nature portraits 😁 I do consider it but I have one extra room at home which I’m currently using as “studio”
An "extra room studio" is a great way to start! and if you ever open one that's its own freestanding building, then hopefully this video helped a little!
@@WalidAzamiTV yes it’s very nice start I think. I will definitely have good help from this video when its time for a new studio🙏
Am currently planning on opening a studio and am really having a cold feet about it
that's 100% understandable and I'm glad you acknowledge it. I'm going to release another video in a week or two that will be a MAJOR money making idea for studios. I feel you might be able to win from it. Just keep an eye out for that.
What stand was that Buff B800 mounted on?
Which time code pls?
@@WalidAzamiTV Time code 11:29
الله يوفقك
Thank you
OMG how has NO ONE ELSE said this!!??!?
Said what?
@@WalidAzamiTV the REAL negative drawbacks of owning a studio. Almost everyone on YT almost only says how much money they make and how fast, but no one ever talks about the dangers of SA or the theft or even how much it really takes to renovate a studio. You kept it real by admitting that some customers are extremely shady. Still it's something to think about and figure out if the problems can be handled. Thanks.
I had a studio going until 2013. And yeah, lots of theft and more important damage to equipment and wear and tear to the space from careless people. It's also true that you end up shooting less as you build a crew that also needs to shoot and rent the space for other purposes. The worst day was when I was simply editing a shoot and a elderly client walked in and was appalled at the work I was editing and wanted to sue for some human rights issue because she wasn't warned and it went against her "values". Sorry that nudity exists. Also, I think she was just trying to get a discount, also I suppose she showers fully clothed if it bothered her so much. Anyhow, it was simply more enjoyable to get out of doing that and just shoot daily in a niche I enjoyed and have others book the jobs for me and do the editing so I could just shoot only.
WOW! So much to consider before getting a photo studio!
01:20 the stock footage. Did he is really trying to write on physical paper with an Apple pencil?
LOL we're gonna hope he wanted to write on the standing iPad but damn... nice attention to detail.
In a studio you need a closed circuit TV CCTV.
how much are those?
@@WalidAzamiTV it depends
Being fat is irrelevant. I am a fat photographer and I am booked solid for the next 6 months.
WE know this but the jackass agent was on another level.
I hope this video helps you make a better decision about opening your studio. Subscribe to this channel if you want more advice on making money with your photography business! I got you!!
Why I opened my own photo studio: 0:40
The Good of having a studio: 2:42
The Bad of having a studio: 4:57
The UGLY of having a studio: 7:23
Would I open another Studio: 10:20
This is such great information. Also proves that those around you will decide just how far you go and how good your experience is in the game.
Hello AI art. time to put down my camera again
I understand the fear but I'm not sure that's the best path. I'd say pick up your camera and have more opinions than ever. AI art will be good but there will be a need for human-made art for the high end clients.
I own NORD Studio, a rental studio in Toronto, ON and my space is 1,400 sf. I opened in 2021 in one of the strictest COVID-19 countries, Canada, started off with decent business. After having our first unrestricted summer since 2019, most of my clients disappeared to shoot outside, travel etc and I'm now in jeopardy of losing the space. That would be my "Ugly".
Hold on and try to diversify. See if you can have yoga classes, Meetup.com classes, cooking classes, etc... see if you can have other productions meet in there. It can be anything, even TH-camrs that want the gear and lighting.
Sounds like the bad is the same risk as any other business
Pretty much true
Jesus loves you bro. Thank you.
Thank you kindly!
Too expensive.
Ok
0:58 WTF?! Totally inappropriate and off-base. They didn’t deserve your time or attention.
My fault for staying longer than I should have
You made the whole video sound ugly bra, it must be some good aspects of photography because you’re making it happen
You think I did? Hmm... well there are great things about photography. You're right but this was more about owning a photography studio. There are def pitfalls that people should know about.
Hey Waldi, thanks fot the inspiring video. After living in LA and working in the film industry for 10 years I have decided to come back home to Poland. It took me over 3 months of remodeling, fixing all the electrical issues, plumbing and so on, when I have finally opened a small studio- 65m2 in Sopot (polish Santa Monica ;) @sunset_studio_sopot . To be honest it is something I have been thinking about for a very long time and I even though I rent that space I treat it as my second home. Well, enough about me... Thank you for this channel and topics you touch... they are very eye opening, inspiring and motivating in the times of doubt. Keep up the good work. I look forward for more interesting content. Greetings from Poland, David
I'll check out your studio and I can understand how treating a studio like a second home is a passion project and tiring. I think if you want to move back to Poland, that's because you might have given it much thought, and realize it's the best decision for you. The good news... filmmaking is democratized and you can now have a similar impact anywhere in the world. It's good for the world, bad for LA.
And thank you for that message means a lot to me that you appreciate the content, thank you.