How to Open a Portrait Studio
If you have a talent for photography and a knack for working with people, then opening a portrait studio is a career move that will allow you to combine both of these skills. You will need some specialized equipment and a space to host your business along with the ability to draw customers to your location. Starting a photography business requires small business skills, planning and forethought as well as a targeted marketing strategy and talent.
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Instructions
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Register your business. The type of business you choose will affect your taxes and your legal responsibilities, so it is important to select the right type of business for your situation. Sole proprietorship, limited liability corporation, S corporation and C corporation are all examples of business types. A lawyer or accountant can offer advice on what sort of business is correct for you.
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Select a location. You should have a professional space to present to your clients as well as a dedicated shooting area with enough room for your equipment and subjects; your location can be a portion of your home or a traditional storefront as long as it meets these requirements. The area for shooting should be painted a neutral color to prevent a color cast from appearing on the photos.
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Outfit your location with professional equipment. The size and construction of your studio will determine the type of lighting necessary. Most studios have a combination of lights with different wattage levels as well as accessories to modify that light: reflectors, umbrellas and soft boxes for example. You may choose to have one or more professional backdrops for variety and a selection of props. Make sure to have backup equipment for each essential piece of gear.
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Insure your studio, your equipment and yourself. You will need liability insurance as well as insurance to cover your business. Equipment insurance is optional but highly recommended, as it can cover your expensive gear in the event of damage, theft or loss.
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Determine your fees or rates. Now that you have purchased equipment and have an idea of your overhead, you will be able to determine a fair rate for your work. Include all of your expenses when calculating your rate. Portrait studios are competitive and it is both tempting and easy to price your work at a lower rate to draw business. This is only possible to sustain if your overhead is low; using a calculator such as the one at FreelanceSwitch.com can help you take all of your expenses into account when determining your prices.
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Create a portfolio and market your work. Your portfolio should cater to your ideal client; for example, a photographer specializing in children's portraits would include photos of children. Your portfolio work should be professionally presented whether it is in printed, digital or online form. Marketing your work depends upon your portrait studio's desired clients and may include printed ads, flyers, in-person meetings, and radio and television advertisements. Successful marketing techniques will vary based on the type of client and geographic area.
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