Making The Move
Home Studio to Commercial Storefront
By Lisa H. Carter, M.Photog., Cr, CPP, FP, SP Member of PPA, ASP, PPNC and VPPA
Many of us start our photography careers from home. We begin working part-time, nights and weekends, often while juggling a full-time job, raising a family or both. Finding the time is one thing; finding the space for a camera room or studio is another.
Here is my story:
I started my business while living in a very small home. I’d move furniture to make room for my backdrop and lights, and still was restricted to only a single client. I loved working outside, so location work filled the need for more space as I expanded my client base and developed my business.
I was photographing weddings at that time and needed more space for bridal portraits. I used a neighbor’s spacious home for those and turned my grandparent’s old country store into a studio for portraits. Those were not ideal alternatives so the need to find studio space became even more important.
New Home – New Studio
In 1995, we decided to build a new home. This was a golden opportunity to add a studio into the building plans. So, I designed half of the basement to be my photography studio. I had a shooting room, changing room, and bathroom. I was proud to finally have space dedicated for my studio. Working from home did eliminate the stress of a lease payment and overhead expenses associated with a studio outside of the home.
Times were different then and I had no problem welcoming strangers into my home. I loved days that I could work at my desk in my PJs with no makeup all day long! I didn’t mind staying up past midnight editing.
Initially, most of my clients were families with children. I felt working in this way was a benefit to them as they felt comfortable coming into my home. My clients came to my front door and saw portraits of my own family displayed on my walls. That was great for them, but I began to see cracks in my home studio concept.
Home Studio Challenges
There came a time that I felt like a recluse. People would see me in public and ask where I’d been hiding. I realized I had cut myself off from normal social activities outside of the clients I had.
There were also challenges with always being at work, so to speak. Household chores, like keeping the house clean and presentable for the business were one. I had children of my own with growing pains and homework just like any parent. Despite all that, the business was growing and taking over our home.
Photography soon occupied every square inch of every horizontal surface in every room in the house. Something had to give.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “If you build it, they will come.” Well, I firmly believe if you build a business that people trust, and that gives great quality, value, and service, then people will come. And they did, but it was time to change.
My home studio and wedding business served me well for over 25 years. But there was still a part of me that didn’t feel like I’d MADE IT! One drawback I felt as a home-based studio is the perception that you’re just a part-timer, a hobbyist, or a cheaper option!
After photographing weddings for over 25 years, I decided to let them go. I knew I had to find something to replace that income. I was ready to offer a boutique experience and charge a higher fee for it!
I struggled with the idea that clients would drive so far out in the country, to be photographed in my basement studio. I couldn’t see them paying me $2000 for the experience I could offer - no matter how amazing the images were. (I know my mindset needed work) But there was also another shift happening as my husband approached retirement. Working at home was going to have some new challenges!