Photo studio - interesting business, which does not require a large initial investment. However, it has some nuances that have a great impact on the development of the project and the duration of its existence.
Beginning business photographers will find it useful to know step by step instructions– how to open a photo studio, where to start and how much it costs (costs).
The specifics of the photo business
Despite the fact that almost every third person on the planet has a camera, professional photographers remain in demand.
After all, a photo taken by an amateur and a specialist will be radically different. This is facilitated at least by the quality of the equipment used, as a maximum - by the ability to use it.
When deciding to open a photo studio in your city, you should remember about competition. There are a lot of such organizations in big cities, so first of all, you will have to think through a lot of details that will help you stand out from the crowd and attract as many customers as possible.
What should be considered when opening a studio?
After making the decision to open a photo studio, many important tasks appear - registering an organization, choosing a room, buying equipment, directions for photography, recruiting personnel, and others.
Place for photography
It is also important that the business will be carried out independently or by a group of creative people. Probably, the decision to create a project will be made with friends. In this case, it will be much easier to collect the necessary initial capital, but the profit will also need to be divided.
Before the start of the project, a business plan is created. It should include both initial costs and monthly expenses.
Business Format
An aspiring business photographer is ready to shoot anything that brings at least some profit. And this is the first and global mistake. After all, spraying into many areas, the photographer does not hone his skills.
To achieve uniqueness, you need to define your niche and work in it. It can be the direction that you like the most or the one that works best. You can see which direction is less developed, but is in great demand in the city.
small studio
If several photographers will be engaged in a photo studio, everyone can choose their own direction. Thus, the studio will be able to offer a wider range of services.
Full-fledged photo studio (interior)
Often an interior photo studio consists of several shooting rooms. AT major city you can find an old building with ancient architecture, which will immediately set the direction in the interior of the photo studio. But such a building can be quite expensive.
Shooting in this format is often quite noisy. Therefore, you should not organize a photo studio in a residential building.
Interior room option
A full-fledged photo studio should have several film sets for shooting various subjects - for children, pregnant women, as well as sectors with various interior styles: gothic, classic, popular shabby chic. Separately needs to be done universal platform with a plain background.
Elite products self made in demand in big cities. - ready-made version business solutions.
Is it possible to make money on a mobile coffee shop and what is needed to organize such a business, read.
You have probably tried the famous Subway subs. If interested, you can read about the conditions for buying a Subway franchise.
Photo salon (document photo)
A photo studio is usually located in the area of the city where there is a demand for the service - business centers, government agencies. For a photo salon, 12 square meters will be enough. meters.
Necessary equipment:
- digital camera;
- tripod;
- from 3 units of lighting fixtures;
- a computer;
- Printer;
- laminator.
You can make a list additional services at a time when the demand for photos for documents will decrease:
- photocopying;
- scanning;
- printing ready photos;
- printout;
- sale of accessories (batteries, albums, photographic paper, etc.);
- photo printing;
- manufacturing advertising products And so on.
This direction will require minimal investment.
Children's photo studio
This format is aimed at clients with children. Many parents want to have some beautiful, high-quality baby pictures in their family photo album. Film sets of this format are designed mainly in a fairy-tale style. It is also necessary to buy several costumes for children of different ages.
Children's shooting
The organization is usually located near kindergartens and schools. There is a chance to get an order for photography of children's holidays in these establishments.
Home photo studio
This option is suitable for a professional photographer working on location shoots. At home, you just need to arrange workplace for storing equipment, processing and printing photographs.
A big plus of this format is that there are practically no initial investments, since the photographer already has equipment, and today almost every home has a computer.
Mini photo studio
A fairly common format, so you have to prepare for high competition. Mini-photo studio is engaged in:
- photography on a plain background with a minimum of decorations that are easy to replace;
- printing photos;
- artistic photo processing.
Studio mini
All you need from the staff is a photographer and an administrator. Considering minimum requirements to start a business, the initial capital will take a little.
Registration
The organization is usually formalized as an individual entrepreneur or LLC. The first option is suitable for one owner, the second - for both one and several founders.
Registration in the form of an individual entrepreneur will cost several times cheaper than an LLC. In general, it is easier to issue an IP, but the choice still remains with the entrepreneur.
Room selection
The room is selected depending on the direction of the studio.
For example, for shooting photos for documents or reportage shooting, a small bright room will be enough, in which you can place not numerous equipment and a minimum of additional equipment for processing and printing photos.
Even a small apartment is suitable for this.
But for a photo studio, you will need a room that is much more spacious and must meet the following conditions:
- the area of the room, which will be used exclusively for shooting, must be at least 40 square meters; this is not counting a corner for staff rest, a workplace for a manager, a room for storing equipment and other additional premises;
- the height in the room should be from 2.5 m - this is necessary condition to accommodate lighting and filming equipment;
- A big plus would be the presence of wide windows so that there is a lot of daylight in the room;
- for interior and children's formats, heating, sound insulation and ventilation of the room must be taken into account;
- the presence of a toilet room.
Photo studio space rental
The interior should be in neutral colors. Usually the floor is made dark, and the walls are light, solid color. You can make the walls in a dark tone, and if necessary, lighten with a white cloth. All surfaces must be matte so that they do not accidentally reflect the flash during shooting.
Daylight can be used to advantage when shooting. Blinds are installed on the windows to regulate the light flux.
Necessary equipment
To get started, you need to purchase a minimum set of equipment for the studio:
- professional camera with a set of interchangeable lenses;
- 3-4 units of lighting fixtures for stationary shooting;
- plain background from any material;
- a medium-sized mirror - so that clients can tidy themselves up before shooting;
- computer for photo processing;
- photo printer or other printing equipment.
It is not necessary to purchase equipment from the most expensive manufacturer. The ability to shoot a high-quality image is enough.
Workplace design
In the room, all zones should be delimited. A well-lit area is reserved for the shooting area. Additionally, you can place a small sofa with a coffee table for photographers to relax. Don't forget the small household appliances- microwave and kettle, as well as a small cupboard for storing dishes and other household items.
Recruitment
Initially, you can not hire a full staff.
It’s good if the owner of the studio is a photographer himself - it will be enough to hire an administrator to work with clients, purchase goods, maintain order in the office and other duties.
If you plan to hire a photographer, it is recommended to have at least two people for this position. Firstly, it will be possible not to close the studio for a weekend or vacation of an employee, and secondly, they can work in different areas - studio and location shooting.
Advertising and promotion
- radio and television- covers a large number of audiences, but most of them are not interested in the service, and such advertising is not cheap;
- advertising in magazines with the direction of photo and video- a waste of money and time, these magazines are read only by competitors;
- street advertising(life-size puppets, promoters) - here you can go broke on advertising materials, but besides them, you also need to pay for the work of people! Moreover, it is known that more than half of paper advertising is sent to the trash without prior review;
- banners on city streets- are striking, but the information is practically not remembered by passers-by.
Nowadays, people get most of the information through the Internet. So do effective advertising you can right there. For example, social media is a great place to advertise. At first, you can take pictures of friends and family for free to create your portfolio. Examples of work can be posted in a specially created group.
You need to make your own website. You can not immediately, but in the near future after the opening of the photo studio, it should be done. By posting interesting informative articles about photography, photography styles on the pages of the site, the chance to get into the top ten with the query “photoshoot in the city” will become much higher. Also, the site should contain a price list, address and contact phone number.
To make it easier for customers to find the photo studio, you can attach a map and indicate the location.
Possible problems and risks
Any type of business has its own problems and risks, which should be prepared in advance. Here is some of them:
- competition - correctly thought-out advertising will help to win against the background of competitors;
- Periodic demand for services - registration of educational documents at the beginning of the year, the demand for holiday children's or family photos have a fickle demand throughout the year. Expansion of the services provided will help to avoid temporary stagnation;
- the likelihood of “turnover” of employees - initially it is necessary to create a cozy atmosphere in the team;
- the risk of loss of property will help to avoid an agreement with a security company.
Pharmacies are needed by everyone without exception. - a business that will be successful with a high degree of probability.
You can read tips on opening an insurance company. Information about the first costs and profitability of the business.
Costs and income
The business will begin to pay off in at least 3-4 months, maximum - in 1-1.5 years. It does not mean the return of spent funds, but real earnings. And until it appears, you will have to be patient and continue to work hard.
Related video
One investor decided to retire after 15 years. Every month he invests 20 thousand rubles.
The purpose of the experiment is to live on dividends in the amount of 50 thousand rubles a month. The public portfolio will allow you to follow the movements and join it if you wish. @dividendslife
Having your own studio is cherished dream any photographer. Today we will tell you how to get closer to achieving it and not go broke.
What is photography without?
There is a proven question with which venerable photographers baffle beginners. It sounds like this: “Without what is photography impossible?”. There are various answers, quite logical at first glance: “without a camera”, “without a photographer”. Only a few answer correctly: "Without light."
Indeed, it is easy to do without a photographer, using a computer and setting a shooting program. You can also do without a camera, an example of this is the camera obscura (the predecessor of the camera) and scanography, which is gaining popularity. So the main thing in photography is light. And in this regard, the photographer is very dependent on the vagaries of the weather, if he focuses on natural light. You can fully control the process only in the studio.
What is a photo studio
Firstly, this is a sufficient amount of usable area (high ceilings are better - from 3.5 square meters), suitable for photo shoots and the presence of a certain minimum of professional equipment. What is included?
Equipment
- Professional camera
Tripod
Lighting equipment
Reflectors
nozzles
Background
Optional interior
Necessary themed accessories
A computer
The necessary minimum for a comfortable stay in the studio
Kinds of light
- Drawing light. The main light source, it is he who defines the shape of the subject and emphasizes the details. brighter than other species.
Fill light. Needed to soften hard shadows. Removes excessive contrast. Equipment: softbox and reflective panel.
Back light. Separates the object from the background, creates light accents, emphasizes the texture. A hard light source behind the model.
background light. Works with the background, creating various lighting effects. Allows you to simulate various effects of natural light.
directional light. Illuminates only surfaces that face the source, the rest of the parts are usually in the shade. It shows the volume of the image well, but the shape comes out a little blurry. Gives a glare effect and denotes pronounced highlights and shadows.
Types of lighting schemes
Asking the question “How to make a photo studio at home”, you need to study such an important issue as the types of lighting schemes. It is the control of light that makes a photograph a masterpiece.
It is important for a novice photographer to master the first two schemes, after which it will not be a problem to learn how to work with other options as they become more complex (and more powerful).
Option 1. It implies the use of one source (monoblock and dish) and a white background.
We get clear transitions between light and shadow, that is, the maximum rigidity of the picture. The model stands close to the background so that a dense short shadow is cast from the frontal light source.
Option 2. This scheme also implies the use of one light source. Components: monoblock and white umbrella + dark background. We get depth and expressiveness. This time the model is standing some distance from the background.
Making a studio at home
Let's move on to the most interesting part of our article. To create a mini photo studio at home.
Space
As we have already said, the first and most important component of the studio is space, and there is definitely not much of it.
If you have the luxury of having a separate room, great! free it from furniture and everything that takes up space. More air, more light! After all, objects have the property of absorbing light. We understand that this is not always possible. Therefore, compromise options are possible.
Light
The next step is to ensure that the light is controlled, regardless of the time of day or night. Natural light may also be needed, but you should be able to completely block out the natural light with a "flick" of your hand.
Temperature
Neither heat, nor cold, and even more so, drops will not benefit professional equipment. And the model, wet from sweat or shaking from the cold, does not contribute to a successful photo shoot.
Soundproofing
This item is important if you are going to shoot video in addition to photography.
Making a softbox
A softbox is a fixture worn over a light source to produce soft light without glare.
- We will need: cardboard box, Whatman sheet, halogen lamp, a piece of translucent fabric, wooden slats, clothespins, wire, a cutting tool, a set of nuts and bolts, a set of hairpins.
Components: frame (any cardboard box can be adapted. One cover is cut off. The next item is a layer that reflects. We take white paper (or foil) and carefully glue it. Next, a light and translucent fabric is taken to create a reflective screen and glued with it side without lid.
Any softbox has a two-color cover: black on the outside, metallic on the inside. The opposite side of the screen should have a hole for lighting device(a halogen spotlight will do). You can attach it using wire
If there is a need for a large softbox, it can be made from slats and wire knitting needles. The frame for the screen should be much wider than the frame for the projector. A cover is pulled over the frame. Separately we fit the walls with clothespins. To mount the softbox, you can use a microphone stand or a table lamp leg. To avoid excessive heating of the equipment, turn it on only when you are actually shooting.
When wondering “how to equip a photo studio at home”, it is important to consider everything. But this is impossible, so we take into account the most necessary, the rest is acquired as needed. In addition to the equipment that we talked about at the very beginning of the article, you cannot do without: a beauty dish, reflectors, an umbrella, reflectors, color filters, tubes, honeycombs.
Background reflector
The function of the background reflector is to evenly illuminate the background. It provides the hard light you need for any shoot.
The beauty dish is positioned in front of the subject. Thanks to her, the photographer receives a soft concentrated light, complemented by diffused light. For this, you need a softbox with an umbrella.
The lamp is placed directly behind it or used as a reflector (if a white cloth is placed on the inner surface). Today, the softbox remains the most common nozzle.
Softboxes are divided into octoboxes, which are great for group shots, and long rectangular ones (streepboxes), which are suitable for shooting portraits and if you are going to shoot models in full growth.
With a sync cable. This method is inconvenient because it gets underfoot.
After synchronization, switch the camera to manual mode. Exposure is measured using a histogram or a flash meter.
Conclusions on the topic
As you probably understand, it is problematic to reveal such an extensive topic as "Photo Studio at home from improvised means" within the framework of one article. We talked about the main components of the studio, the role of light, what color schemes you need to know initially, how to make a softbox and how to furnish your studio inexpensively.
Sooner or later, there will be a return on the invested efforts and money, and you will remember with gratitude the day when you decided to take the first step in this matter. We wish you good luck in your endeavors and thank you for your attention to our portal. On the site you can also find other articles on photography.
A good photograph is comparable only to a brilliant printed work, which has not changed its content over the centuries, but at the same time every family wants to have it. It is for this reason that many aspiring entrepreneurs decide to open a photo studio, a business plan for which is created similarly to all other types.
Who is it aimed at?
This type of earnings is more suitable for entrepreneurs who have sufficient patience, who do not want to take risks in vain, who can wait for the full return of their investments. This can be explained by the fact that the demand for photography is growing steadily, but it does so quite moderately in comparison with other industries.
The profitability of a business is ensured only if there are enough start-up capital. The project can be launched only if the business plan of the photo studio is ready, and it describes in detail all the moments and nuances of this type of activity, organizational factors and financial issues. for this type of activity is quite high, about 2-4 years.
While what is conceived is characterized by a very specific degree of clarity, there is great amount complexities that can make this business segment quite difficult to start. You should not only consider the business plan of a photo studio, an example of which will be presented below, but also important points regarding the direct activities of such an organization.
Consumer market
Clients can be conditionally divided into two large groups, while target needs are taken into account. legal organizations a tool in the form of a photograph is actively used to position their brand and its further development. For ordinary citizens, the need for photography arises as an aesthetically useful attribute designed to capture important life moments: anniversaries, weddings, baptisms, and so on.
A business plan for opening a photo studio should also take into account such a new trend as updating your own portfolio for girls and guys who are active on various Internet resources and social networks. In this case, there is an urgent need to obtain a high-quality image.
Photo studio options
The choice of the format of the project being developed affects a lot of additional factors that the entrepreneur will have to take into account to one degree or another. When compiling a business plan for a photography studio, it is necessary to determine priority, because it depends on him when the launched project will begin to please with profit. Any of the described options, with the proper approach, is capable of providing a high level of income.
Full-format photo studio
If you decide to open a photography studio, the business plan can be drawn up so that it will be an organization that provides a full range of services in this area. For these purposes, you will need an interior room with scenery, costumes, as well as photographic equipment of all kinds. Photo studio business plan this case should also include additional ways of earning in the form of renting out premises for short periods of time or for photo shoots; production of gift products and various souvenirs, holding master classes with practical exercises.
photo studio
This option involves the creation of only the official type of photos. In this case, the photo studio business plan can be called the simplest, since this option is budgetary, designed to start activities. Success is predetermined by the location, that is, the premises should be chosen correctly.
Photo studio for children
This version of the project is aimed at parents who want to capture their kids in all their glory. To meet the corresponding demand, a stylized interior space will be required, as well as thematic scenarios with a full set of necessary attributes. Even ready business plan photo studios of this format is not suitable for beginners, as it is aimed at organizations with a powerful
mini studio
This is an analogue of a full-length studio, which allows you to deal with all kinds of industry areas. This option is convenient for starting, as it has a wide prospect of growth and further change of specialization.
Regardless of which photo studio format is chosen, success will be regular as a result of providing high-quality services in this area.
Competition
A novice entrepreneur will find himself in a situation where he will need to fight for clients with two types of opponents: large-format studios and private photographers. The former prefer to cooperate with large customers in the form of magazines, modeling agencies and others, so they will not be a real hindrance to a small photo studio with limited capabilities. But private photographers are focused on medium and small consumers, like the novice entrepreneur himself.
It is possible to propose an optimal strategy for an entrepreneur who intends to open successful business and has already drawn up a business plan for a photography studio. Taking into account the low concentration of existing photo studios and the insufficient saturation of this niche, one should choose a place that will be remote from the accumulation of photographers and small firms.
Required costs. Business plan
It should be understood that there is no maximum bar for this area, therefore, an average photo workshop is used for the calculation, which is capable of conducting high-quality and diverse activities in this area. A ready-made business plan for a photo studio with calculations will contain the entire list of expenses that are expected to open it. The list of variables, that is, one-time expenses, must include the following:
Legal registration of all documentation that may be required - 40-60 thousand rubles, depending on the region;
Costs associated with the repair and subsequent design of the premises - 250-300 thousand rubles, depending on the initial indicators;
The purchase of a set of working equipment may require an amount of 200-600 thousand rubles, depending on the chosen direction and format of activity;
Purchase of office furniture - 150-300 thousand rubles;
Other expenses and accessories - from 100 thousand rubles.
It turns out that the amount variable costs is 740-1360 thousand rubles.
There is also a list of costs that are fixed. Among them are the following:
Racks, holders, tripods;
Camera and set of lenses;
Decorative background with fasteners;
Flashmeter;
Synchronizers designed to ensure the normal operation of flashes;
Dressing room equipment;
Computer with good performance;
Auxiliary attributes not originally included in the photo studio business plan (sample). Example: background, etc.
Staff
The staff at first usually includes such specialists:
- Photographers can be both young professionals with a high-quality portfolio, and experienced reputable masters. The first option will provide certain savings on wages, and the second guarantees the flow regular customers. The ratio of experienced and novice masters is ideal one to one, in this case you will get a successful photo studio. A business plan, calculations and an indication of all costs must be contained in a single document.
- Administrator in a photo studio it should be mandatory, and for uninterrupted work they will need at least two. A good administrator not only solves any issues on a professional level, but also warns potential problems in a timely manner.
- Technical staff should be in any photo studio, the number depends on its size. Employees should have a shift schedule with the possibility of substitution if necessary.
- Content Marketer assumes obligations related to the creation of the image of the studio on the Internet and its promotion. On the this moment this sector contains the vast majority potential clients so it must be kept in mind. If you intend to open a photography studio, the business plan must contain this item.
Opening dates
This moment completely depends on the chosen business format and the availability of investment funds. Depending on the situation, the period can be from 1-3 months to 6-8. If we are talking about entrepreneurial maximalism in conditions of a significant shortage of funds, then the period will be from 9 months. Search is the main time waster. financial institutions, investors or partners who could provide required amount Money.
Marketing plan
The business plan for opening a photo studio initially assumes that this is a very costly idea, which requires a lot of funds to implement, and it is impossible to count on a quick payback without a good client influx from the first months of operation. Therefore, the organization of advertising is carried out in three directions: among regular customers, through traditional means of presenting information, through Internet promotion.
In order for visitors to start talking about the photo studio, you need to choose an individual approach to everyone, non-standard options for implementing wishes, as well as provide services at a high professional level. Only in this case, the creation of a photo studio, for which a business plan is being developed, will be appropriate. The use of the traditional form of information submission requires the involvement of advertising agency with a proven reputation, able to notify everyone about a new photo workshop in the shortest possible time. Promotion on the Internet requires constant support, taking into account consumer trends and directions.
Even if a business plan is being created, one should not ignore such important service positioning tools as discounts, bonuses, promotions, prizes, and so on. This approach has already been tested and works.
Planned revenue and payback
It is influenced by many factors, among which the following stand out: location, professional services, correct advertising campaign. With the correct and systematic organization of activities, you can count on an average annual income of 600-800 thousand rubles. Such indicators provide a full payback period of not more than 4 years. A novice entrepreneur should understand that in the photo business, numbers are relative performance who have limitless opportunities for growth. From the first days, you can not try to create an expensive project, as there are nuances and circumstances that will correct it in any case. It is better to organize a moderate start with an emphasis on high quality provided services.
conclusions
For a new studio, income depends on the level of workload and the quality of the services provided. And here it does not matter whether there is a ready-made business plan for a photo studio with calculations or not, it is necessary to approach this issue with all responsibility and understanding of the current market situation. Downloading for an organization that has just started its work can only be achieved in terms of the right advertising. With its incomplete organization or the wrong approach, the new photo workshop will have every reason to close in the first half of the year.
In recent years, the popularity of photography has increased several times. Now not only professional models who need to update their portfolios, but also those who want to replenish their family album with bright and creative high-quality photographs have begun to be interested in studio shooting.
Not only famous photographers with many years of experience strive to open their own studio. Ordinary businessmen also find this direction quite promising. Naturally, to open a photo studio from scratch significant capital investment is required. But with a properly designed marketing policy, these investments will begin to pay off within a few months after opening.
The specifics of the photo business
Most often, photo studios are opened for the following three purposes:
- Professional studio shooting (creating catalogs, portfolios, booklets, etc.).
- Filming for reporting.
- Leasing of premises and equipment as an additional income.
Working in a photo studio is everyday hard work. The peculiarity of this business is that Regular clients for photographers are usually few. Quite a few families regularly update their photo albums.
On the other hand, you should always remember about competition, which is quite high in this area. The same factor can be associated with a sufficiently long period of formation of a circle of regular customers.
It is also worth distinguishing a professional photo studio from a photo salon.
Do you want to open a pizzeria? We will help you choose the format of such a business and develop a business plan, if
First of all, the studio employs professional photographers who can offer their clients interesting ideas for the upcoming shooting and have the skills of deep photo processing using special graphic editors. For example, Lightroom and Photoshop. In addition, they do an excellent job with their work not only in the studio, but also in the open air.
Photo studio workers can take good photos for documents, but they, as a rule, do not work outside the salons.
Studios offer their clients many other services. For example, shooting weddings or children's parties, slide show creation, print photos and photobooks.
Registration
Registration is very important step when opening your own business. Without this stage, the entire commercial activity photographic studios would be considered illegal. If a check suddenly comes to you, you risk losing not only your reputation, but your entire business.
You can register your studio as individual entrepreneur(IP) or companies with limited liability(OOO). At the same time, for the Russians, OKVED number must be chosen 74.81, which corresponds to activities in the field of photography.
Opening a sole proprietorship may be the best option if most of your clients are individuals. Moreover, registering an IP will cost a little less than an LLC. But at the same time, it is worth remembering that, according to the law, if the company has debts, the entrepreneur will be liable with his personal property.
An LLC can be opened by more than one person. However, for this you need availability of start-up capital. A limited liability company usually enjoys much more trust from customers and potential business partners than an individual entrepreneur.
To open your photo business, you do not need to spend a lot of time obtaining licenses and other permits.
How to open your own photography studio from scratch at home? We invite you to watch a video in which a professional photographer shares his experience.
Room selection
Your photo studio should be located as close to the city center as possible. The cost of rent, of course, will be much higher than in residential areas. But it will also be much more convenient for customers to get to you.
The floor area must be at least 60 square meters, and its length is 10 meters. This is due to the fact that the distance between the photographer and the model should be no less than three human heights, and between the model and the background - two. About 90-95% should be dedicated to the studio itself. At the same time, it is worth thinking about a comfortable waiting room for clients, as well as a dressing room and a dressing room. Larger studios may also have walk-in showers and other amenities. It all depends on your financial capabilities.
Ceiling height also matters. If a ceilings will be below 3 m, it will be very difficult for you to correctly position everything necessary equipment to get the desired result.
The photo studio should have several large windows, which will enable the photographer to work not only with studio lighting, but also with natural light.
In the dressing room should be light under any conditions. It should contain large mirrors. Do not forget that makeup artists will be most comfortable working in natural light.
Once you find the perfect space, you can sign a lease and start renovating. By the way, you will have to work not only on lighting. The studio should have good ventilation and heating system. After all, your client can be funny company out of a dozen guys or a family with a small child.
The quality of the wiring is also of great importance, because you will need to connect a huge amount of equipment. If your studio will be around the clock, then do not forget about soundproofing. This will help avoid conflicts with people living in the neighborhood.
Before starting interior design, break the room into zones, think about what you would like to see in your photo studio, and draw up its design project. If your studio has several rooms, you can safely decorate them in different styles, but if you are limited to one room, then you can divide it into several stylistic sectors. If the room is small, choose neutral tones for the interior. This way you will get rid of unnecessary reflections on the body of the model.
Necessary equipment
- at least 3 softboxes of different sizes and several attachments for them. Optimum power - from 500 J;
- umbrellas for light and for reflection;
- reflectors;
- sources of light;
- racks, tripods, holders;
- reflector;
- color filters;
- flashmeter;
- flash synchronizers;
- backgrounds and mounts for them.
Also, if necessary, you can buy props and reflex camera with a set of lenses.
Do not forget about the accompanying premises. You can go to the dressing room buy a dressing table, a large mirror, chairs and a screen. An iron with an ironing board or a steamer will not interfere either. The administrator and photographer must be provided with a computer with the necessary programs installed, appropriate furniture and telephones.
Keep in mind that the list only lists the most necessary equipment. In the first few months, you will have the opportunity to understand what is still missing for more effective work studio and fill in the gaps in the configuration.
Recruitment
Ideal if you are an experienced photographer who is opening a studio for himself. In this case, all you need is to find a good administrator who will communicate with clients, maintain order in the photo studio, update information about your establishment on the Internet and help you with the shooting process. If you are looking to work seven days a week, consider looking for multiple administrators, to provide them with shift work.
If you need to choose a photographer, pay attention to the portfolio of candidates. Don't ignore the young pretenders they can be several times more creative than their more famous counterparts. The work of experienced craftsmen can cost several times more than the services of the “young generation”. However, this is a worthy payment for their experience, which can be the key to the success of your business.
A good photographer should be able to communicate properly with a client, understand what he wants from a photo session, and also have a supply of bright and original ideas for quality photographs. Remember that the photographer is the face of your business.
You can also hire a stylist, makeup artist and hairdresser. They will help your clients to create exactly the image they expect to see in the photos. For reference accounting and quarterly reporting, you can hire a part-time accountant or use the services of an outsourced accounting company.
Advertising and promotion
How to correctly and most effectively build a marketing policy for a photography studio? First of all, pay attention to social networks, sites and thematic forums. If you are engaged in renting studios and equipment, it would be nice to attract the attention of experienced craftsmen. Invite them to the opening let you try out new equipment, consider possible discounts, bonuses or special programs for regular customers. Believe me, no photographer can resist such a temptation.
From time to time, various promotions or lotteries can be held. You can highlight some that will have discounts or bonuses during certain hours or for certain services in your studio. You can also create a discount program for regular customers.
Do not underestimate modern web technologies. A bright, well-built website can be a wonderful business card for you. And do not forget that good pictures and satisfied customers are the best advertisement for your establishment.
Possible problems and risks
Any investment of capital and the opening of an independent business is associated with some risk. What should be feared when opening a photo studio?
- Greater competition in the photography business, rivals with lower prices, etc. Thoughtful advertising company help correct the situation.
- Volatility in demand for a number of services provided. A wide range of services provided will help to avoid problems.
- Potential loss of staff. To avoid this, try to create a cozy atmosphere in the team, and also think about a program to motivate employees.
- Risk of loss of property. Nobody not insured against robberies, power surges or fire. A good fire alarm and a contract with a security company will help you minimize this risk.
About the device of the photo studio and the composition is described in the video.
Today, photography is an integral part of our lives. Literally every event that happens to us, we want to capture with the help of a photo. And not only is almost everyone now “endowed” with a camera in their smartphone, most of us want high-quality and beautiful photos taken by a professional photographer in the studio. Therefore, it is not surprising that opening a photo studio is currently a promising business idea.
However, such as we know photo studios today, they did not immediately become. Now, as a rule, those who want to take pictures are offered several interiors for shooting to choose from. Each studio offers something different. Therefore, based on his idea for a photo session, the client prefers one or another photo studio, which has the necessary scenery.
Literally about 10 years ago, a photo studio was understood as an elementary room with exposed light and a plain paper or fabric background. If there were more than three backgrounds, the studio was already aiming for the "professional league". Only magazines, clothing stores or filmmakers could afford rooms with interiors or scenery.
At present, few people are satisfied with a photo session on a chair in the middle of a white background with some kind of hat on their heads, which was issued on duty in the studio “for beauty”. Today we are used to a completely different level.
If we talk about the features of photo studios today, then also do not confuse a photo studio with a photo salon. In the latter, photos are taken for documents and photographs are printed on various planes: from paper to T-shirts. The studio doesn't usually do that sort of thing.
In addition to the above nuances, you will need to take into account one more. You must determine for yourself: what kind of services do you provide?
Do you rent the studio to photographers, or do you have your own photographer in the staff, and do you provide photographic services to the public?
The difference is fundamentally important, because you need to be responsible for the quality of your services. It's one thing if the photographer doesn't like the setting or the equipment, it's another if the end user doesn't like the photos they take.
Today, the format of photo studios providing photo services is the most developed. Studios that rent out space are just starting to pop up. The specificity of the latter is that they are focused on large premises, expensive equipment and are more suitable for commercial filming. In such photo studios there are cycloramas, various lighting options and even the ability to rebuild special scenery. Of course, if you wish, everyone can rent a zone and arrange a photo session in such a studio, it all depends on the client’s idea and his financial capabilities.
First step
Before opening a photo studio in a particular city, you should analyze the market. How many studios are there already? What kind of services do they offer? Where are they located? How much does one hour of shooting cost, etc.
Having received a complete picture of the market of photo studios in the chosen city, you will be able to build your business strategy more deliberately and profitably. Perhaps you decide not to enter this city at all, or completely change your concept of the studio.
One way or another, when opening a photo studio, you will have to give customers something that has not yet been on the market. In other words, find a free niche. And if the city is already oversaturated, it will be very difficult to find or come up with something new.
In search of a "fresh" idea, do not forget to look at what is on the market in other cities, regions and countries. Maybe you will find there what suits you and what your client has not seen yet, or you can be inspired to create a completely new model of photo studios.
However, when you dive into brilliant ideas, remember that they must be liked by someone else besides you. Find out how relevant your topic is among the population of the city, what is the demand for existing services. This information is extremely important and will help you avoid unnecessary costs.
Investment size
In order to open a photo studio, you will need 1 - 3 million rubles. It all depends on the choice of equipment, the interior and the area of \u200b\u200bthe room. Investments can be more than 3 million rubles if you want to provide the studio with very expensive equipment or buy out the premises.
One way or another, the main expense item when opening a photo studio will be the purchase of equipment.
You will need:
- Camera;
- Lens;
- Sources of light;
- Accessories (curtains, reflectors, nozzles);
- Racks for light;
- Flashmeter;
- Synchronizer
Keep in mind that the equipment is unlikely to cost you less than 600 thousand rubles.
As for the choice between specific brands and models of lighting equipment and cameras, there are three options. First - you rely on your own preferences, if you understand this issue. Second - you find a specialist who understands studio equipment. And finally, the third option - just buy the most popular models.
One more nuance: if you decide that you will have a full-time photographer and retoucher, then you will also need a computer and photo processing programs. You should also consider the costs for them in your financial plan.
In addition to equipment, you need decorations and necessary repairs to the premises. It is difficult to name specific figures in this case. Each studio "aims" at its own segment of customers, respectively, someone spends 50 thousand rubles on the scenery, and someone - all 300 thousand rubles. But everyone needs plain backgrounds, and here you can completely meet the 10-15 thousand rubles. The amount you spend on repairs also depends on the initial condition of the premises and your desires.
Where to get money?
The question is eternal for entrepreneurs. The best option is to find investors. That is, in any way to reach out to those who may be interested in investing in your business. The second way is to take a loan. Everyone knows that a loan is not a very good idea, but it can also be resorted to if there is no choice left. And the third is a grant. You will have to spend a lot of time and effort, but the possible result is worth it.
Step-by-step instruction
After you have conducted a market analysis, it will be easier for you to decide on the format of the photo studio, its concept. Depending on your ideas and plans, you can already prescribe the initial financial plan and understand how much investment you need.
As mentioned above, the main item of expenditure will be the purchase of equipment. In addition to the fact that you yourself will have to “go through” forums, articles and specialized literature, you should not neglect the advice of a specialist either. A professional in the photography industry will be able to correct you and select equipment suitable for your goals.
For example, if you are going to provide photography services for individuals who just want to have beautiful pictures in your personal archive, it is not advisable to buy very expensive cameras and devices for production shooting.
Is staff needed?
If you decide that you are opening a standard photography studio that provides photography services to the public, then you need employees. This is a photographer, make-up artist-hairdresser, retoucher (if the photographer is not retouching) and administrator. However, they do not have to be exactly staff members and "sit on the payroll."
As a rule, an administrator works every day, is a full-time unit, and receives a salary of approximately 25,000 rubles. The rest of the employees usually work piecework. Because it is very expensive to keep, for example, a photographer and a make-up artist on a salary when the photo studio is not fully loaded.
How to advance?
Instagram gives the biggest return with proper account management.
The next important stage of opening a photo studio is renting a room. Ideally, entrepreneurs, of course, advise acquiring a property. But if you can't initial stage afford it, rent up to 100 thousand per month is considered acceptable.
Not a small amount of rent is formed due to the large area of \u200b\u200bthe premises.
In order to open a photo studio, you need about 100 m2.
Also, the room should be with high ceilings at least 3 meters high. Usually businessmen try to find an area with 5-meter ceilings.
It is worth noting that it is not so easy to find a room that meets the requirements. Because in addition to large sizes and high ceilings, the space should not be divided by vertical beams.
Today, entrepreneurs open studios, usually in the city center. However, it is difficult to find areas of more than 100 square meters in this part of the city, so photo studios are beginning to open in industrial zones. There are large warehouses with high ceilings that can be converted. But here, businessmen are faced with another problem: people are not used to “rolling” in industrial areas for photo shoots. The place must be really “on top” in terms of the quality of the services provided, otherwise the clients will not come and will prefer the usual studios in the city center.
A similar point applies to photo studios in residential areas. The studio does not provide basic services to rely on people living in neighboring houses. And to attract customers from all areas of the city, you must be the best in your segment.
The documents
For a photo studio, both an individual entrepreneur and an LLC are suitable. Everything depends on your personal plans and views on this matter. For example, if you are going to attract investors, they may want to act as founders, then the choice will, of course, be in the direction of an LLC. If there is no such need, then from the point of view of taxation, IP is easier to open.
As an individual entrepreneur, you can choose a simplified taxation system and pay 6% of your income. There is also an option to purchase a patent (patent taxation system). The latter allows you to completely forget about the tax inspection for the entire duration of the patent.
According to the law, a patent is issued for a period of one to 12 months inclusive within one calendar year. For how many months the entrepreneur himself chooses to purchase it. It is worth clarifying that the term of a patent cannot be transferred to next year, even if it has not yet expired, so you should take this into account when acquiring a patent. After the expiration of its validity period, in order to continue activities within the framework of patent system you must submit an application to the territorial tax authority by December 20.