How to Start a Photo Studio
Opening a Photography Studio (The Good Stuff)
- It builds your name around the community. “Oh that’s your studio?” is a common phrase and the more people you meet, the better your photo business does.
- You have space to photograph whatever you want! You don’t need to book another photo studio ever again. You can shoot at 4AM or 4PM, it’s YOUR studio!
- You can generate an income that’s on top of your photography business income.
- You can hang your work on the studio wall, and people may hire you after they book your studio. It’s like your own billboard in your own space.
- You can name it after yourself. That’s a lot of ego, but some ego is good! I didn’t go that route but it did cross my mind and there’s no shame in that game! It’s called branding.

My LA Photography Studio (one of the rooms)
Your Own Photo Studio? Avoid it Because…
- You’re responsible for everything. Every person that walks into your studio could (and I hope not) be its own lawsuit. You’ll need to get insured with a great agent, and LLC it for the most protection. That’s not legal advice. Please speak with your own lawyer for your exact business.
- What if someone falls in your photography studio? Will you have the proper coverage? What if they fall on purpose to cash a check from you? People will do things for a quick buck and I would like to see you protected.
- You’re not like this, but other people can be sketchy. Will they protect each model? Will they behave in a professional way?
- How much time will you spend on cleaning and upkeep? People are messy and life is messy. There are prints on the walls, painting floors white, keeping things dust free, etc… now you’re the janitor and the maintenance dept. Be ready for that!
- You’ll be busy with your photography studio. Will you have enough time for your own photoshoots? Will your creative work suffer or are you organized?
- Online trolls (usually another jealous photographer) or another studio may attack. They could bombard the internet with fake negative reviews about your photo studio. You will need to prepare for that to keep your sanity.
The VERY Ugly Part of Own a Photography Studio
- You hear that there was a situation that’s unsafe in your studio. Did you have the studio covered with cameras? Was a model mistreated? Was anyone in an unsafe situation? Did you take every precaution to ensure other humans are safe?
- First you must look out for the safety of anyone and everyone. Then you have to go through legal channels and work with authorities. You had nothing to do with this, but now there’s an accusation and it gets ugly. You have to navigate this and it did not involve you but it was on your property.
When I had my own studio, a photographer who is now on the “me too” list (it’s an unofficial, official list). I did not know him but had heard of his work because he had one distinct style. He rented my studio a few times. I had setup my studio to make sure everyone felt safe at all times. At the time I was not aware of his alleged reputation. Several years later we heard of stories leaking out and it gave me the creeps. I was also thankful that my studio was a safe-space. I made sure models had a safe space to change. I made sure they felt safe. I made sure we had cameras, rules and coverage.
Opening a Photo Studio Quick Tips:
Is a photo studio profitable?

Here’s how much the photo studio profited from me in one day.
What does it cost to open a photography studio?
Can I call you and ask you specific questions?
What to look for in picking a photo studio?
How to advertise your Photography Studio?
Photography Studio Setup:
Photography Studio business names:

My photography studio glam room
I Want More Photography Business Help
If you are convinced that opening a photography studio is the right idea, then click here. I have a list of alternative ways to market your photography studio for rent. In addition, I will have a list of items for you to purchase. The items will help you build additional revenue because your customers will rent from your studio directly! Click here for that blog post.
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