012: What I Learned After Opening a Photography Studio

Is your goal of opening a photography studio soon becoming a reality? Maybe you're still in the dreaming phase of it! If so, I'm sharing a few pieces of wisdom from one studio owner to another one.In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain to give you an inside look at what it's like to be a studio owner, things I'm glad I did, advice I wish I'd had, and a few lessons I've learned through experience! Grab your notebook, and let's plan for a few things before you jump all in to a photography studio space.Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced and brought to you by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.Review the Show NotesThe History of The Studio (1:09)The Current State of The Studio + Lessons Learned (2:19)Finding the Perfect Studio Space (2:55)What I Learned After Opening a Photography Studio1. Remodeling The Studio & The Investment (3:13)What I'd Do Differently in My Studio's Remodel (4;30)1. Checked the foundation/state of the rooms before planning2. Considered worst case scenarios and planned for them3. Given myself a longer timeline for opening and taken dedicated time off work to do it.Before + After Photos of The Studio at gaffincreative.com/0122. Save at Least 6 Months of Studio Rent (5:26)Why: You should be able to pay for your studio space for at least 6 months without any sessions (or in case a global pandemic hits) so you're able to work through the first few months of getting your name out there.Bonus Tip: Figure out how much you have to shoot in order to pay studio rent each month. (9:23)3. Create a System for Rentals that Works for You (9:33)My System in Honeybook (9:53)1. Create a webpage for your studio rental with an inquiry form.2. Have email templates for every scenario to gather details or send over brochures, proposals, applications, etc.3. Send a proposal email with details and what to expect, along with a proposal that requires a 50% deposit due upon receipt and 50% due one week before rental.4. Send a reminder email the day before their rental with a code, rules, and the address.5. Send a feedback questionnaire and request for a google review.Try Honeybook for Free + Get 50% Off Your First Year When You Sign UpContact me if you're looking for one-on-one help with your studio's systems!4. Set Boundaries for Yourself in Your Business (11:51)Communication Boundaries (12:01)Renter Applications & Boundaries (12:45)5. Setting Rules for Your Studio (14:45)6. Plan a Budget for Maintenance in Your Studio (16:20)7. Invest in a Security System & Keypad Code for Your Studio (17:27)Why I Got Security for My Studio: (17:39)1. Being alone in the space and inviting unknown clients to the space.2. Having recurring dreams of someone breaking into my space.Why I Got a Keypad Code: (18:30)1. Driving to the studio before and after every rental wasn't efficient.2. I can always ensure it's locked after a rental right from my phone.Rent The Studio by Gaffin CreativeJoin The Studio's Facebook GroupInquire now about my one-on-one coaching for studio owners. The Woman I’m cheering for This WeekAinsley WallsLinksgaffincreative.com/studioinstagram.com/hayleegaffinReview the Transcript at gaffincreative.com/012 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.