 Tim |
How to Start a Studio and What Software to Get I want to start a portrait studio in my town! But where do I begin? I've been in touch with SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration). But they need the layout of what equipment I need. So can anyone give me some ideas of what kind of studio equipment to get, and if there is a place that sells used equipment? I'm going to be doing both digital and film, but mostly digital. Can you point me in the right direction. Thanks for the help!
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BetterPhoto Member |
Tim, There are lots of places to buy equipment, and most large city camera stores carry it. I have to ask if you have experience at taking portraits and running a studio? Trust me, it is a monumental task - not unlike opening an auto shop, where you gotta know how to work on cars. It also depends on what type of work you are going to do. Do you plan on weddings also? You will not only needs lights, but stands, umbrellas, soft boxes, a background system, painted backgrounds, posing tools, props, and your camera gear. Clients may not want digital, so you will need a film setup also. Then your digital darkroom, color-corrected computer monitors, film scanners, a printer setup, and the software to make it all run. Calumet sells a good chunk of the photo stuff. Good luck!
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Rhonda |
Hi Tim, Why would you want to start a studio?? If you don't already know what equipment you need, it seems you'll be on a steep learning curve - never having used any of it! Can you afford to buy $50,000 of equipment and then be upsetting customers and experimenting on them when something doesn't work properly? Can you afford to have backup equipment? Do you have a business plan? How long can you afford to pay for your equipment without earning an income? I do not wish to be critical. I would just like you to think before jumping into a raging river without any help! No doubt you are already an accomplished photographer, so do what you are already doing, and start out slow. Perhaps start by buying some studio equipment and ensure you have it down pat. Have you worked in the industry before? I do only digital, have a about 4 pro lenses and a Canon 10D. A relatively new computer and Photoshop CS. This was relatively cheap start $A20,000. I don't offer film at all and if someone wanted it I would still do it with my old Canon EOS 300. I also have the 540 EX flash and very basic studio lighting. I shoot mainly with a tripod and natural lighting, but have the flash for weddings, etc. Look further into exactly what you want to offer and buy accordingly. Remember, too, that if you are renting, you need to generate enough income to cover rent, electricity, heating/cooling, wages, bank loan on equipment, broadband, phone, mobile expenses ,and the list goes on ... I hope you are loaded, because the general consensus out there now is no one wants to pay too much per image ...
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John Wright |
Excellent responses Charlie and Rhonda... Rhonda, you forgot to mention that (at least here in the states) you only get to keep a portion of what you earn ... taxes will eat a good chuck. Not to mention insurance (not just for your equipment, studio, and car, but also for yourself)... :-)
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dennis w. mcclain |
check out http://www.owens-originals.com/ go to there studio set ups, they have one thats around 900 bucks, its what im fixin to get, u get 2 jtl srrobes with stands and unbrellas a portable back drop stand one 9x18 muslin one 6x8 old masters canvas they also have deals on some blem back drops, from time to time, tey are 10% usable. I think this would be a good start im using tungstan shop lights right now, and color correcting in photoshop. it works tho u have to put in a little more work. I have had pretty good success tho
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Maria Horvath |
I'm finding these answers very interesting and must agree that its a very big step unless you've been freelancing and have already gotten your feet wet with taking portraits and working with studio equipment. I freelance as a classic car photographer and even though a completely different photo field, I'm a firm believer in starting slow and building things up as you go. Its afforded me to invest in my own studio lighting equipment, backdrop support system,simple backdrop and other photographic equipment so if I ventured into the people market I would have basic equipment. It takes time to build a name and client base and thats so important before you'd take the expensive plunge and hang a shingle outside. Right now I am pretty busy from early spring to late fall with work and don't need an office or studio other than my digital darkroom. I do wish you luck. Maria
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Tim |
Thank's for the help and to answer some of the questions is this! One I've been doing portaits and weddings since high school and that was back in 78. I've done friends and other couples wedding and family get togethers. I have five 35mm cameras that are film and two digital cameras I have six back drops and making a few more. I have the light stands and some props. The question I'm asking is from your experience what is the best light to have to go with my umbrellas I've have a old set that you just attach a flash with a slave unit to it . What I want to do is remove the the flash unit a replace it with studio flash units.And I'm starting my stuidio from my house and things are looking good . Thanks for all your help and comments . Tim
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Cindy K. Bracken |
Tim, Starting out of your home with simple equipment is the way to go. I started out with just a black muslin and two umbrella strobes...and got great results. Sometimes simple is best. Let us know how it goes! Best of luck! Cindy Bracken shuttermom profitable photography
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