You do not need a photography studio space to start a business. It’s true! If not having a studio has discouraged you from starting your own photography business, don’t let that keep you from taking the plunge.
Launching a successful home-based business is entirely possible. If you are passionate about creating photographs or want to make money as a stay-at-home mom, an at-home portrait photography business can allow for higher profits and more flexibility.
The Benefits of an At-Home Business
Starting a photography business from home will allow you to develop your creative skills and bring in extra income while still being present for your family. It is even possible to hold onto your day job and start doing photography on the side. The advantages of an at-home business include:
1. Lower Overhead Costs
If you’ve been looking into how to build a photography business, you will have noticed that setting up a new company involves a lot of costs. Deciding to start a portrait photography business out of your home can actually be a financial benefit.
The expenses of running a photography studio add up. There are the costs of buying or renting a space, property taxes, insurance, electric and other utility bills, etc. Going into business without the burden of these extra overhead expenses can take a lot of pressure off of you. Additionally, you will likely see higher profits from your photography business and much sooner without these extra costs.
2. Working Flexibility
Starting a photography business from your home allows for more flexibility with your physical workspace and schedule. Portrait photographers can work from almost anywhere and schedule sessions, consultations, sales presentations, and calls around their family calendar. This makes photography ideal for stay-at-home moms and others with at-home commitments.
If you do not have a separate studio space, there are a few different options for portrait session locations:
• Photograph Clients in Their Homes
Some sessions, especially with newborns or smaller children, can work wonderfully in the client’s home. Portrait sessions photographed at home can add extra levels of personalization and comfort. Each home will have a different layout and different levels of natural window light, so it is a good idea to scout the location ahead of time and make a necessary equipment list.
• Stick to Outdoor Portrait Sessions
Outdoor on-location photography sessions are an excellent option for many photographers just starting. Choose locations that offer plenty of shade and interesting backdrops. Pay attention to how the sunlight changes throughout the day and schedule session times for the best chances of good lighting. Outdoor photography depends on the weather, so you must be flexible and ready to reschedule portrait sessions when needed.
• Set Up a Studio in Your Home or Garage
Setting up a small studio may be possible if you have an extra room in your home. If your available room has great window light, space for backdrops, and can accommodate studio lighting equipment, an at-home studio can be just as functional as a separate studio space.
3. Less Pressure
With lower overhead costs and monthly bills, your photography business will feel less pressure to bring in a high income right from the start. This gives you more time to dedicate to building the business you want.
At Photography Business Institute, we teach the boutique business model. This model focuses on creating personalized client experiences and custom artwork for clients' homes. Boutique portrait photographers see less competition than digital file photographers and can charge premium prices because the level of service and their offerings are so different. Learning how to set up your business using the boutique model will help you reach your photography business goals faster.
How to Balance Your Business and Home Life
1. Learn When To Say No
As a photography business owner, you must learn when and how to say no to protect your time and energy. Boundaries are important with both your clients and your family. If clients ask for a session or consultation when you already have family time scheduled, it's okay to say no. If you are working and your kids ask you to play, telling them they'll have to wait until you're done with work time is also okay.
2. Switch Off When Not Working
Sometimes, small business owners feel like they need to be always working. This is especially true in the beginning. However, most of us will also have responsibilities at home. It is essential to schedule time off for your family and yourself. When you're not in work mode, put your work laptop and phone away and unplug.
3. Outsource Tasks
No person is perfect at every aspect of running a portrait photography business. To give yourself more time and a better work-life balance, consider the tasks you're either not great at or don't enjoy and outsource them to others. There are professional graphic designers, accountants, image editors, and social media managers who specialize in specific tasks.
If you're not ready to invest in a studio space, that shouldn't keep you from owning your own portrait photography business. Launching a portrait photography business from home is not only possible but can also be extremely convenient and a viable option for contributing to your family’s income.
