How Big Should Your Studio Be?
“Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem a turned it into an opportunity.”
~Joseph Sugarman~
Last Friday I was photographing the new president of our city’s university….
Sweet gig…..it’s destiny? The cover shot on our local full color lifestyle magazine….sweeter gig yet!
I got there two hours early. Yes, two hours.
I had been there the week before, scoping the place out. Looking for ideas. Planning and chatting with the staff. Maybe they’d have some cool thoughts too.
I only had 30 minutes to get the shot done and done right. After all, it was a cover shot.
In the hallway on the president’s floor, on the walls either side, leading up to his office, are many wall hangings. Beautiful, classic portraits of all the previous presidents.
I couldn’t help but think that the guy who I was about to shoot sort of seemed out of place. He was, after all, only 34. The youngest president this university ever saw. And he didn’t even have a PhD. Another first for this magnanimous dude.
Looking at the wall hangings in admiration, I couldn’t help but think back on the photographers who shot them. One local photog shot the majority of them, and the other, a few. Both shot in very classic, traditional portrait lighting. Dated, yes. But they looked amazing nevertheless.
I always appreciate a well light, well composed portrait. No matter the era.
Both photographers shot in classic, Rembrandt style lighting, old masters background, some poses showing the prez dude with pipe in hand, suit and tie. You know the look.
I also thought back on these two photogs, both having only retired not less than ten years ago.
Both, way back when, as I was starting out my photography career, I looked up to in awe and admiration. They were the gods of photography. At a level I could only hope and dream to achieve on day.
One commonality sticks out in my mind. You see, both these photographers were very successful. Very respected in the community. Both having lived a live, with their wives who were instrumental in helping them achieve and maintain long term success, that they could proudly look back on and smile and say they did it. All was good.
Isn’t that everyones goal?
To achieve a long term, successful, prosperous and creative life as a photography studio owner, and to enjoy the perks that go along with it?
Yes?
It’s what I want. And am living now. I reached that level that way back when thought was near impossible and only a fantasy.
Took me a while, and many struggles, as I’m certain it took them when they were starting out.
My first studio was an area off the hallway in a three bedroom apt. On the other side was the kitchen. I had to watch what I cooked when I had a wedding or any session.
You all know Sam Puc, right? You may recall her first studio story. Can you guess where it was? In her master bedroom! Her, and her hubbie, slept in the nursery. Now that’s a supportive spouse! When she had a larger grouping, she’d have to back up into the bathroom.
Are you getting my drift here?
Those two photographers who shot the portraits of the past presidents of our university. Both, very successful. Both, for over thirty years worked out of what I would consider to be the smallest studios I’ve ever seen. Both, converted dining rooms in three bedroom bungalows.
Both with eight foot ceilings.
Get it?
You work it and it works. It’s like AA. It works if you work it.
Having a larger studio won’t guarantee you success. Having a mall location won’t either. Nor will owning the ‘right’ gear or equipment or being in the part of town or in the right city.
You see, success starts with you. And your vision. Many, many get side tracked by this basic idea.
Don’t get side tracked.
Focus on what YOU want, know what YOU want, and just go after it. With a vengeance. Don’t listen to what the detractors say. Even that voice in your head that causes you to second guess. Or, the entitlement mentality trap. Or, any excuse.
Know what you want, and you’ll get it. Even if it means starting out in your bedroom, or garage, or if you convert your dining room into a studio and stay put for thirty odd years. Who cares! Just do it.
