BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Photography Careers and Making Money

basics for a studio

I am opening my own photography business in March and I am very excited. I have rented a space in my town that I will also use for another business. I've planned this part out: my rent will be paid by the income from my 2nd business, while anything from photography can be used as profit and to get additional supplies. Even better is that I know the landlord and he is giving me the space rent-free for three months and 1/3 rent the next three months so I will have 6 months to get my foot in the door. Anyway, I have cameras, lenses, a couple of backdrops, etc. but I need more equipment.Could you please help me with the following:

1. Lighting--I've looked at brands such as AlienBees, Bowens, and Photogenic, but is one better than the other? I know I need at least 3 lights for main, fill, and background-am I missing anything?

2. Resources for albums, folios, print boxes, etc.

3. Resources for frames

4. I have been looking at different photo labs. I like McKenna Pro Imaging, the only thing is that they don't put a copyright on the back of the images for me--of course I know I could do this with a stamp, but is there an excellent lab with good quality and a variety of services, that will do the copyright on the prints for me?

5. I have been thinking about all of the basics, but is there anything that anyone can suggest that I might be forgetting? Any helpful hints to make the studio better?

Thank you!

Tammy

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0 February 09, 2005

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0 February 09, 2005

Having been a professional photographer myself for the past 25+ years I believe you had better pay attention to this advice (and I'm not going to sugar coat it)
Michael mentioned marketing - however before that you had better figure out what type of photography you'll be doing: babies, weddings, portraure, commercial, boudoir, family photos, passport and ID photos, industrial, stock, large group, children, special events, teams and sports etc. all require different skills, advertising, marketing strategies not to mention photographic skills.

And I hate to burst your bubble - but if you don't already own and know how to use studio lighting then you'll be learning as you go, which means your first clients will be little more than practice subjects.

You would be well advised to invest time and money into a proper photographic education. No, that does not mean two years of college etc. But you should start by seeking the advice of other professionals. If you are interested in weddings, portraits and people pictures in general then check out this site and you'll see what I'm talking about - www.montezucker.com

I hope this helps

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0 February 10, 2005