Someone wants me to help set up their studio business?

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Graelwyn

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Little bit worried I am not up to scratch...won't have the abilities, it is pretty overwhelming but exciting at the same time. Everything is already there...backdrops, props,makeup room etc etc. Just a matter of ideas, marketing, learning to use the bowens lights etc... kinda a surprise as I was only asking about which camera to get, lol.

I would be taking the photographs as well as helping to run it.

Admittedly, I have a great passion for it, and it is what I want to do plus, I have a pretty ideas and business oriented mind.

But it has been a real bolt from the blue!
Anyone have any insight or advice/suggestions to offer?
 
Anyone have any insight or advice/suggestions to offer?
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Yup. Don't take any insights, advice or suggestions from folk on the internet, or anywhere else. ;)

Everyone will have a 2p's worth about the way to do things but you really need to go with your own thoughts and instincts when the chips are this big. :)
 
Can I confirm, you have a studio and all the camera/lighting equipment etc which you need?

How much business experiance do you have?
 
This studio has been a studio for sometime. The previous owners moved on and left the backdrops etc there.

As to my experience...I have absolutely no studio experience, but do have experience taking portraits and have a minor qualification in photography (a level)

He is aware of this, of course.
 
How much business experience do you have? How much experience does this other person have?
 
dazzajl said:
Yup. Don't take any insights, advice or suggestions from folk on the internet, or anywhere else. ;)

Everyone will have a 2p's worth about the way to do things but you really need to go with your own thoughts and instincts when the chips are this big. :)
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True, but I can take what might be useful and leave the rest.
Any is better than none, in this instance, especially in terms of books that might inform me better in studio work and lighting.
 
CMcB said:
How much business experience do you have? How much experience does this other person have?
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The other person already runs a successful photo business doing passport photos, this is a second business he is trying to start up.
Myself...none. My father was a businessman and I worked for him briefly when younger, but otherwise, a new area for me. But not to the other person.
 
Ok so it sounds like you are going to be a photographers assistant?

I dont think you have anything to worry about, he cant expect much of you with no experience. Just enjoy it and use it as a chance to learn the ropes.

Are you being paid or is it a favour?
 
CMcB said:
Ok so it sounds like you are going to be a photographers assistant?

I dont think you have anything to worry about, he cant expect much of you with no experience. Just enjoy it and use it as a chance to learn the ropes.

Are you being paid or is it a favour?
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commission based...pretty much, it will be paid, with some going to upkeep of the place and himself. Seems to be happy for me to have free rein of the studio, to be honest, so yes, it seems like a damn good opportunity.
 
as long as you're not giving up a paid job
and no mouths to feed
and no financial commitment(?)

go for it - you have nothing to lose
and it might just work out

I know I would go for it
expect plenty of others here would also

imho ymmv
any advice here is worth exactly what you paid for it!
 
No paid job, no mouths to feed, no financial commitment.
Whether it will work out...one can but try, I suppose I always had a fear of failure.
It is not something I expected to just drop in my lap even in the future, let alone now.
 
what's the worst that can happen - you don't make a go of it :shrug:
and if you don't try - you'll always wonder - could I?

stop ****ing a bout get your nether regions in gear and go for it!:thumbs:
 
You have nothing to lose, and all to gain. Even if it all falls apart in a few months time ( hopefully it wont) you've had some great experience.

As it's an existing business they may be some existing customers which may help.

If you've no experience in Studio work you could be on a steep learning curve, but some people pick it up quicker than others. You might want to find a professional course to go on to learn some of the techniques, maybe this is something you can discuss with your new boss.

Most of all Enjoy
 
Would you have any liability in the business if it failed - ie would creditors come looking to you personally?

Sounds like an excellent opportunity. I'd jump at the chance if it were me, but I'd want to go on some studio sessions to build up some knowledge and experience.
 
some very good advice here, go for it :thumbs:
 
No liability, to my knowledge.
It is a nice place. 2 studios, toilets, baby changing, reception area, workshop, editing area etc.
Wants to launch end of month if possible. I am just sorting out ideas currently for it.
It has taken me by surprise so much, just not the sort of thing that comes my way, especially considering child portraits is what I wish to do. I just hope I am good enough/can get good enough quick enough, lol.
 
Good luck, sounds a great opportunity.
A friend of mine was a chemist but gave it up to go full time into photography. He photographs food for menus and cars. He has just built a huge 2 floor studio in his garden, big enough to drive a car into.
This was all from a hobby and a lucky break. Sounds familiar!! :thumbs:

Allan
 
Heh, thanks, I have a load of ideas to make it viable etc.
Just gotta find the confidence, as I do not consider myself to be at the level people usually are at when they go into it on this kinda basis...far from it, actually.

But I shall wing it and see how I pull it off.
I have the passion and the vision and I am not a beginner with photography, so I am sure I can pull it off.
 
my advise to you would be to take it easy... enjoy what your doing, its not all going to happen quickly, i brought a failing business 9 years ago, i didnt have any capital left to invest once i had brought it, it took about 5 years before it made any real profit.... now im about to sell it for 4 times what i paid, its been hard work, but worth it, and iv enjoyed every minute of it, in fact im thinking of starting all over again....
 
I shall be happy just being involved, to be honest.
Money would be nice, but it is all experience, and I need as much of that as I can get.
 
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