This article is part of our Starting your own Photography business – Tips and Tricks from a working pro series from contributor James Spencer.

Obviously as a photographer in most sectors you will need studio space. You may decide that a certain part of your house is going to be used for this, if this is the case consider insurance (house and contents, you will need to let your insurer know), and also consider the impression you will make to your customers in coming to a house, and consider logistics such as whether you have parking facilities to accommodate customers.

I decided to convert a double garage into a studio and this worked for me and my business plan, however you might not have this luxury and so you may decide that you are going to either rent studio space of lease a unit for this purpose.

In the back of your mind think how the space you decide on using will appeal to your target market, is it child friendly for example if you are to be a portrait photographer.

What are the costs going to be i.e. rent, heating, electrics, phone – all these things need to be taken into consideration as you will need to factor all these costs into your business plan and pricing. If you do have your own studio be very careful about giving out your address to too many people and having it on your website as thieves will target local companies and their websites so only make your address available to customers who have made a booking.

Also if you do have your own studio try to make sure you don’t have flashing signs above it saying “photographic studio” as this will instantly make you a target to thieves. If your location is in the high street then you obviously want people to know you are there, but if you are located on an industrial estate then a conservative approach is always best.

James Spencer

James is a professional photographer based in Bristol in the South West of England. James is self-taught in photography over a number of years; James is an active member of the SWPP and very much into the principle of continuous learning through photographic training. James is also a course tutor on a photography degree course in the South West where he enjoys mentoring upcoming photographers work and helping them develop into full-time pro’s. James’s passion is for photographing people through his portrait and wedding work. James is continuing with his photography journey in 2011 by being mentored by award-winning photographer Damian McGillicuddy. James’s other photographic interest is post production techniques using Photoshop.

James’s other passion is computing and the web, with his specific interests being web development, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), CMS solutions, social media and web marketing.

Twitter: @JSPhotographyUK

Web: www.jamesspencer-photography.co.uk

Facebook : James Spencer Photography