Photography Studio Layout

Thinking of starting a studio? How do you know what type of studio is best for you?

Take this simple quiz to determine if you are better suited for a commercial studio, in-home studio, or on-location studio.

Then get studio layout plans suited perfectly for you.

Part I

1. I have capital set aside to invest in starting up and growing my business.

2. I prefer to separate my home life from my work life.

3. I want a variety of workspaces available for shooting and production.

4. I like having control over my lighting.

5. I like having a variety of props, backdrops, lighting styles, and options easily available to me.

6. I like working in a controlled environment, with very few surprises.

7. I like photographing in the same way, again and again, being able to rely on my results.

If you answer mostly yeses to these questions, you may be best suited for having a commercial location for your studio. A commercial location allows you to create distinct settings, and use them continually in your shoots. A commercial location gives you access to a variety of tools to use every day. A commercial location allows you to split up your home and work life, and create a professional appearance.

Part II

1. I have a limited budget.

2. I want the ability to work when I choose.

3. I have a basement, lower level, rooms, or outdoor locations that are perfectly suited for shooting and meeting clients.

If you answer mostly yeses to these questions, a home studio may be best for you. A home studio offers many of the same rewards as opening up a commercial studio location. The main difference is you will be combining your work with your home life. Be conscious of how your client will enter your studio.

• Will have to go through your kitchen? You may have to watch what you cook when clients are coming over.
• Will clients see your main living areas? You may have to have extra help keeping it clean and organized.
• Will clients be able to find your home easily? You may have to create maps and signs to make it easy for them to find you.
• Will neighbors have issues with the traffic? Some communities have special zoning laws against home businesses. Make sure you know all the rules before you open.

Add your studio to our Photography Directory to help your studio grow.

Part III

1. I love having the freedom to travel anywhere.

2. I prefer to separate my home life from my work life.

3. I like photographing in different locations, with different opportunities, and different conditions.

4. I look at the world as my backdrop, and can find a different scene anywhere.

5. I don’t need a lot of props, and look for things in my environment.

6. I don’t mind working in chaos at times, and love the challenge of trying new things.

7. I like working with technology and being able to use computers to make my job easier from anywhere in the world.

Photographer Should Have in the Studio for Clients

Being a photographer can definitely be a rewarding career, but it can also be demanding, especially when it comes to staying on top of the latest photography techniques that can help you up to your game. But in addition to investing in the right tools to make your photos really stand out, you also need to take steps to make certain your studio space has everything it needs for your clients.

Wondering what every photographer should have in his studio for clients? Then check out the tips below to see what your space is missing.

Basic Equipment

The last thing you’d want is for a client to come to your studio and find that you aren’t prepared. So to set up your studio, no matter how large or small it is, make sure you at least have the essentials. These include a large backdrop in black or white, the main light, a hair light for your model, a reflector, a tripod, and, of course, your camera. Having backups for each of these pieces of equipment is also important because tools tend to fail without notice in the world of photography, and, again, you don’t want to be left embarrassed because you don’t have spare pieces to work with.

A TV for Previewing Images or Entertaining Clients in the Waiting Room

The most annoying thing a photographer can do is use his camera’s screen to show a client the photos that are being captured. Whether you’re taking product shots or you’re working with a model, having to constantly take the camera off your body, if you’re using a strap, and turning it around for your client to see is difficult and time-consuming. And it also doesn’t really show your client what you’re capturing because the screen is so small.

Instead, invest in a TV set that can properly display your images in all their glorious detail. When you aren’t using your TV for displaying your work, you can use it to stream entertaining shows for your clients while they wait for you. Investing in satellite TV could be a great way to do this affordably.

Refreshments and Snacks

If you’re going to be meeting with clients for both consultations and actual photoshoots, it’s best to have plenty of refreshments and snacks on hand. These can include pretzels, healthy chips, water, coffee, and tea. Offer these to your clients, models, and prospective clients to show them a bit of hospitality and make them feel at ease and welcomed in your space.

A Good Laptop

If you don’t have a TV to display your photos on as you take them, you can also display them on a laptop instead. The great thing about having a laptop ready is the fact that you can also show prospective clients your portfolio, as well as show models how you can quickly edit the photos in a program like Photoshop to enhance them.

Once you have your studio set up with everything a client could need, you’ll feel more comfortable and likely make more sales.

Conclusion

If you answer mostly yeses to these questions, shooting on location may be best for you. Working on location requires the ability to think quickly. You are constantly presented with different options and opportunities – how are you going to approach them? On location gives you the freedom to move around at will, and have the ability to capture some amazing photographs. It opens up your eye to what’s possible in a variety of different situations.