Setting up photographic space in South East
Discussion
We have a barn near Cambridge, approximately 15m x 5m that is awaiting restoration. When it's done (could be a long time), it'll be a completely open space with access to our home, power, parking and so on.
One thought is that we could provide facilities for photographers to use it as a studio, gallery space, or place for small courses, group shoots and so on. It's small, I know, but quite a useable space in a quiet and private corner of the county (though with good transport links) and if it could 'earn it's keep', then so much the better.
So - has anyone done something similar? Is there much interest in such things? Could it bring in more than beer money? Clearly there could be quite a big outlay in setting up the right environment, but we'd be up for that if it could work. Are there obligations, regulations or commitments we should consider?
One thought is that we could provide facilities for photographers to use it as a studio, gallery space, or place for small courses, group shoots and so on. It's small, I know, but quite a useable space in a quiet and private corner of the county (though with good transport links) and if it could 'earn it's keep', then so much the better.
So - has anyone done something similar? Is there much interest in such things? Could it bring in more than beer money? Clearly there could be quite a big outlay in setting up the right environment, but we'd be up for that if it could work. Are there obligations, regulations or commitments we should consider?
Tuna, good luck, but PH is not the be all and end all. Photograthy is a very small part of the whole thing.
Maybe try Photo forums etc, ( I was a member of a few, but for the life of me, I can't think of the names). You might get a better responce than mine, (hope so).
Like I say, Good luck, hope it works for you.
Maybe try Photo forums etc, ( I was a member of a few, but for the life of me, I can't think of the names). You might get a better responce than mine, (hope so).
Like I say, Good luck, hope it works for you.
I've shared a studio with a full time pro, and I'm also good mates with 2 local studio owners, aimed squarely at amateur photographers to book and bring along a model of their choosing. They used to run a model register, but found that they then had responsibility to make sure the models turned up, and found that sometimes they didn't feel like it, so they lost money.
Anyway, one has just closed down, the other has been wound down to a part time venture. That might tell you something!!
With the share, we looked at ways to make the outlay a bit easier to swallow. As well as ad-hoc hire (£25p/h flat rate if you're interested) we did model days, which were reasonable enough moneymakers, but required a LOT of effort, not to generate interest so much, but to get confirmed bookings. You need the day booked really, and overbooked (waiting list) is better.
To do that, you'd need to team up with a model who's going to be strong enough to carry a days modelling and be good enough for anyone and everyone to shoot, inc those who've never been in a studio before. I'm guessing you have a ModelMayhem/Purestorm account as a studio owner? If not, get signed up, get messaging locals, do shoutouts and the other promo things that would generate interest.
It's a lot of effort, for not much money in the grand scheme of things though, worth working out the prices and costs of what you might lose as well as what you might get.
Do you have another job? Timings of when people might want to use your space might be an issue to consider as well.
ETA - you said barn, so if there's the possibility of an infinity curve for cars that would be worth exploring. Sounds like the space might be too small, but thought I'd mention it as you could offer camera hire/services for car owners and/or photographers
Anyway, one has just closed down, the other has been wound down to a part time venture. That might tell you something!!
With the share, we looked at ways to make the outlay a bit easier to swallow. As well as ad-hoc hire (£25p/h flat rate if you're interested) we did model days, which were reasonable enough moneymakers, but required a LOT of effort, not to generate interest so much, but to get confirmed bookings. You need the day booked really, and overbooked (waiting list) is better.
To do that, you'd need to team up with a model who's going to be strong enough to carry a days modelling and be good enough for anyone and everyone to shoot, inc those who've never been in a studio before. I'm guessing you have a ModelMayhem/Purestorm account as a studio owner? If not, get signed up, get messaging locals, do shoutouts and the other promo things that would generate interest.
It's a lot of effort, for not much money in the grand scheme of things though, worth working out the prices and costs of what you might lose as well as what you might get.
Do you have another job? Timings of when people might want to use your space might be an issue to consider as well.
ETA - you said barn, so if there's the possibility of an infinity curve for cars that would be worth exploring. Sounds like the space might be too small, but thought I'd mention it as you could offer camera hire/services for car owners and/or photographers
Edited by andy-xr on Sunday 13th November 21:58
Thanks for the replies guys.
This isn't a main job thing - I have a completely unrelated job that pays its way and can be relatively flexible for free time. However, I also have a barn and like to be involved in something a bit more creative from time to time. If it brought in a small amount of money towards the mortgage that wouldn't be a bad thing and running model days would help my photography (which is very average) as well.
From experience of sticking cars in it, it's a bit too small. At the same time it is a good space and it'd be good to do something useful with it.
This isn't a main job thing - I have a completely unrelated job that pays its way and can be relatively flexible for free time. However, I also have a barn and like to be involved in something a bit more creative from time to time. If it brought in a small amount of money towards the mortgage that wouldn't be a bad thing and running model days would help my photography (which is very average) as well.
From experience of sticking cars in it, it's a bit too small. At the same time it is a good space and it'd be good to do something useful with it.
Edited by Tuna on Sunday 13th November 22:30
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