What do you need to open your own photo salon? What do you need to set up a home photo studio? How to calculate how much money you need to open a photo studio

* The calculations use average data for Russia

We solve the problem of how to open an interior photography studio from scratch. Given: a creative person who wants to realize the abilities of a decorator Conditions: 700 thousand rubles. Find: profitable business opportunity.

Today photographs are an integral part of our lives. So familiar that it’s hard to imagine how people lived without the ability to capture memorable events in photographs. Now everyone has a smartphone with a camera at their fingertips, with which they take pictures every day. However, most of us still want high-quality and beautiful photographs taken professional photographer in a beautiful setting.

Increase sales without investment!

“1000 ideas” - 1000 ways to differentiate yourself from competitors and make any business unique. Professional kit for developing business ideas. Trending product 2019.

Therefore, it is quite natural that currently opening a photo studio is a promising business idea. Renting a space ready for photography is very profitable. This business requires relatively small investment and can quickly pay for itself. Another plus is its creative focus. After all, thanks to such a project you can realize your creativity, prove yourself as a designer.

The photography studio market has undergone enormous changes. Do you remember what photo studios looked like before? A white canvas against which you pose with simple props. Now the interior of photo studios can be considered a work of art. Typically, studios offer several interiors to choose from for shooting. Each interior is clearly thought out, full of interesting locations and details that can be used in shooting. The originality of the design determines whether a person will want to come to the studio for a photo shoot. The interior is the main component of success for a photo studio.

However, in addition to the creative component, the photography business has many organizational aspects that need to be understood in order to open your own photo studio.

How to define a photo studio concept

Planning your photo studio needs to start with clear positioning. What type of service will you provide? There can be two options: you either provide interior space for photographers who shoot there; or organize photo sessions, providing a whole range of services - from providing a studio to makeup and, directly, shooting. The first option is less expensive. Here the business owner is focused on creating the interior. The second option is more complex because it requires a whole team of professionals (photographer, makeup artist, costume designer or stylist, administrator), and is more expensive. If the entrepreneur is a photographer, then it is more rational for him to choose the second option. But according to the terms of the task, the entrepreneur is a creative person who intends to independently design the interior of a photo studio. Therefore, the essence of the project is to provide an interior studio for rent for photo shoots.

How to analyze the photography business market

To analyze the market, it is not necessary to conduct a large-scale marketing research. It is enough to find out how many photo studios operate in your city and study their approximate list of services. Your main assistant is the Internet. Today, almost all photo studios have their own website or account in social networks. Look at what interiors are presented there, how much it costs to rent a photo studio, determine their territorial location (Yandex.Maps, Google Maps or 2GIS will help). Based on the collected data, you will be able to plan your business more thoughtfully and create competitive advantages.

To attract clients, you will have to offer something that other photo studios have not yet offered. Looking for fresh ideas and for inspiration, look at what is on the market in other regions. You should also understand that your ideas should appeal primarily to your audience. Therefore, we advise you to find out what topic is relevant among the city’s population, what is the demand for existing services. This information will help you avoid unnecessary expenses.

How to calculate how much money you need to open a photo studio

The required investment is one of the most important elements of any business planning. In order to open your own photo studio, you will need from 700 thousand to 3 million rubles. It all depends on the scale of the business, the complexity of the interior, the idea, the city and the premises. For example, if you want to buy the premises in which the studio will be located, the amount will exceed 3 million. But 700 thousand rubles is enough to open a photo studio. You can save on the premises itself - rent it; for staff – limit yourself to studio rental services; interior – carefully consider locations that can be compactly placed in the rented area, and wisely select decorative elements, choosing budget options. You can also save on room renovation costs by choosing a room in good condition. By the way, this will save not only money, but also time, allowing you to launch the project faster.

We will return to the money issue later when we plan to fill the photo studio. We are still getting used to the idea that we need about 700 thousand rubles.

How to choose a room for a photo studio

If your studio is located in the city center, this is an ideal option. But achieving this ideal is not so easy: firstly, there are many requirements for the photo studio premises that are not so easy to fulfill; secondly, renting premises in the center is not a cheap pleasure. Therefore, you can consider options located in the city center, but on less traveled streets. Going far, to industrial zones, which will take a couple of hours to get to, is not the best best option. It is also impossible to place a photo studio in a residential area, because it does not provide essential services to attract residents of nearby houses. You need to attract people from all over the city, so the most logical choice is the center.

Now let's move on to meeting all the requirements for the photo studio premises itself:

high ceilings - from 3 meters;

studio length is at least 8-10 m;

the required repairs must be cosmetic, otherwise you will spend a lot of money and time on remodeling;

the space should not be divided by vertical beams;

When choosing a floor covering, you should give preference to dark color and high wear resistance. Otherwise, the floor will quickly lose its attractive appearance.

On average, the cost of an 80 sq.m. premises rented in the city center is 50 thousand rubles.

Once the room has been chosen, you can think about the layout. The room needs to be divided into several zones, each of which will house a location for shooting. A good photography studio should have at least three locations. Also, do not forget that in addition to the workspace, you should provide an area for receiving visitors and a toilet.

How to choose the interior of a photo studio

So we come to the main thing - planning the interior of a photo studio. The main character who determines the interior of the studio is the entrepreneur himself. Here he can realize all his creative ideas, give free rein to your imagination and get creative.

It should be noted that, no matter how sophisticated the designers, the most popular are the following location themes:

romantic - they are designed for clients who buy family photo sessions or love stories. Such a location should be of medium size to accommodate a family. Typically, romantic locations are made in light colors, with floral motifs;

stylish locations that are popular among younger audiences. The design style is close to loft or modern and is most often decorated in dark colors;

the third room is usually called the "chameleon" because its interior changes for seasonal filming. Here you will have to change the environment frequently, which will allow you to re-attract clients and invite new clients on the eve of various events. Typically, locations are based on the theme of the seasons.

For inspiration, we have collected several interesting interior concepts for decorating a photo studio.

You can support the romantic style with a chic hanging bed decorated with a canopy and flowers. It looks very beautiful and gentle. Miniature swings will also look interesting, which will help create lively shots in motion. But a romantic interior does not have to be in light colors. A country style location - a hayloft, a romantic inscription on a wooden wall and a mini-picnic - will look stylish and unconventional. Why not romance?

Within the walls of a photo studio you can imitate the space of the street. For example, equip a cozy courtyard with a beautiful door, a veranda or a fence covered with grapes, a bench and a bicycle left near it.

To maintain a stylish loft, you can make a brick wall or a gradient background that imitates plaster. A chalk board will be an interesting addition - inscriptions and drawings on it can set the mood of the photo; designs made from light bulbs that look good in the frame; stylish armchairs and step-ladder racks.

Ready ideas for your business

You can provide creative details that make the interior special. Attach a bicycle to a brick wall, decorate a window in an unusual way and turn it, for example, into a porthole, “grow” a magic tree in the studio, cover one wall with different wallpapers, creating several backgrounds for photographs. It is also important that the interior contains many interesting details that customers can interact with (books, pillows, musical instruments, three-dimensional letters etc.).

How to equip a photo studio

There will be a minimum of lyrical digressions here - only dry numbers.

Renovation of the photo studio premises - 150 thousand rubles.

Equipment - 150 thousand rubles, approximate list of equipment: light sources (from 4 pieces), umbrellas for transmission and reflection, curtains, attachments for reflectors, synchronizers, mounting installations, stands, herons, tripods. If you are afraid of incomprehensible names, you can contact companies that provide ready-made sets of equipment for photo studios. To choose the right equipment, you can consult a professional photographer.

Decorations – 250 thousand rubles.

Business registration – 20 thousand rubles.

Rent of premises – 50 thousand rubles.

Total: 650 thousand rubles.

How to legalize a photo studio

While our studio is being renovated and decorated, you can do organizational issues. First, you should register your business. For a photo studio, the LLC or individual entrepreneur format is suitable - it all depends on your personal plans. It is safer to register an LLC, but registering an individual entrepreneur is much easier. As an individual entrepreneur, you will be able to conduct basic accounting and choose a simplified tax regime. As for the registration of activities according to OKVED, code 74.2 (Activities in the field of photography) is suitable for a photo studio - it includes several subsections.

To operate a photo studio, you do not need to obtain any licenses; a standard package of registration documents is sufficient. But it is required to obtain permission from the fire inspectorate to open a photo studio in the selected premises.

Ready ideas for your business

It is also worth mentioning inspections, which sometimes frighten entrepreneurs. Photo studios do not belong to the category of the consumer market that inspectors are closely interested in. Therefore, there should be no difficulties with the control authorities. The main thing is to keep the premises clean and tidy and provide high-quality services.

Another important issue is the search for personnel. A photo studio needs at least 2 people for the position of administrator who will work in shifts. If you want to save money, you can become one of the administrators, reducing labor costs. The average salary of one administrator is 25 thousand rubles. You will also need to hire a cleaner who will monitor the cleanliness of the premises. It does not have to be included in the staff.

How to advertise a photo studio

Promotion of a photo studio is usually carried out via the Internet. Beginning entrepreneurs place special hopes on social networks. And for good reason. Practice shows that Instagram gives the greatest return when managing your account properly. After all, the business of a photo studio is based on high-quality photographs, so this resource is best suited for promotion.

First, you need to photograph the studio locations yourself, and in the future you can ask photographers to use their work to demonstrate the locations. Contacts, examples of work, decoration options, information about promotions, and reviews should be posted on social networks.

You can promote your studio through collaboration with photographers. And the now fashionable word “collaboration” would be appropriate here. What is their logic? You independently invite photographers to shoot in your studio, in exchange for providing the location, he undertakes to post information about you in his account. Essentially, this is an association for the purpose of mutual benefit: the photographer gets a photo shoot in a beautiful interior, and you get advertising for your photo studio.

You can also attract customers with profitable promotions and offers. Organize a drawing for a certificate for a photo shoot in your studio; provide a discount on certain days; Organize a promotion to support family photo sessions at a discount. All these actions will have a positive impact on the promotion of your studio.

When planning a business, most entrepreneurs focus on two parameters: required investments and profit. It's time to ask the question - how much can a photo studio earn?

To give a specific answer, you need to determine the cost of services. To do this, we look at the prices that competitors set. Each city has a different price level. But on average, 1 hour of renting a photo studio will cost 1,300 rubles. You can count on 120 hours of rented filming per month (that is, approximately 4 hours of filming per day). In this case, the revenue will be 156 thousand rubles. Then net profit will vary in the amount of 70-80 thousand rubles. During weddings and New Year's holidays this amount may increase significantly due to increased demand. With an average monthly profit level of 100 thousand rubles, you can recoup the investment after 10-12 months of work.

How to assess the risks of a photo studio

Any business involves risk. You should take into account all possible difficulties that may arise when opening and operating a photo studio. This will allow you to quickly respond to threats or avoid them altogether.

The first risk is outdated props. The specifics of the work of a photo studio require constant updating of locations and props. Irrelevant, out-of-fashion props are unlikely to decorate the photo and interest the client. Therefore, the owner of a photo studio should always be on trend - monitor trends and change the content of the studio in a timely manner.

Ready ideas for your business

The next type of risk is increased competition in the market. To reduce the impact of this risk, it is necessary to regularly invest money in marketing, improve the level of service, conduct competent work with clients, create unique offers on the market.

Another risk is the seasonality of business. In the summer months there is a decrease in demand, but the most active months for photo studios are November, December, February and March. To minimize the risk, during low sales, organize competitions for free photo shoots and distribute gift certificates. You can also expand the list of services. For example, rent out a room for holding any events (birthdays, master classes, etc.).

Thus, you can determine the main advantages and disadvantages of opening your own photography studio. After weighing all the pros and cons, you can make a final decision about opening this business.

Table 1. Pros and cons of opening a photo studio

current business creative business promising direction high income	high competition illiquid business

A good photograph is comparable only to a brilliant printed work, which over the centuries has not changed its content, but at the same time every family wants to have it. It is for this reason that many novice entrepreneurs decide to open a photography studio, a business plan for which is created similarly to all other types.

Who is it aimed at?

This type of income is more suitable for entrepreneurs who have sufficient patience, do not want to take unnecessary risks, and know how to wait for a full return on their investments. This can be explained by the fact that the demand for photography is growing steadily, but it is doing so quite moderately in comparison with other industries.

Business profitability is ensured only if there is sufficient starting capital. A project can be launched only if a business plan for a photo studio is ready, and it describes in detail all the moments and nuances of this type of activity, organizational factors and financial issues. for this type of activity is quite high, about 2-4 years.

Despite the fact that what is conceived is characterized by a very specific degree of clarity, there is huge amount difficulties that can make this business segment quite difficult to start. You should not only consider the business plan for a photo studio, an example of which will be presented below, but also important points relating to the direct activities of such an organization.

Consumer market

Clients can be roughly divided into two large groups, taking into account target needs. Legal organizations a tool in the form of a photograph is actively used to position one’s brand and its further development. For ordinary citizens, the need for photography arises as an aesthetically useful attribute intended for recording important life moments: anniversaries, weddings, baptisms, etc.

A business plan for opening a photo studio should also take into account such a new trend as updating your own portfolio for girls and boys who are active on a variety of Internet resources and social networks. In this case, there is an urgent need to obtain a high-quality image.

Photo studio options

The choice of the format of the project being developed affects a lot of additional factors that the entrepreneur will have to take into account to one degree or another. When drawing up a business plan for a photography studio, you need to determine priority direction, because it depends on him when the launched project will begin to make a profit. Any of the described options, with the proper approach, can provide a high level of income.

Full-size photo studio

If you decide to open a photography studio, a business plan can be drawn up so that it will be an organization providing a full range of services in this area. For these purposes, you will need an interior room with decorations, costumes, and all types of photographic equipment. A business plan for a photo studio in this case should also include additional ways to earn money in the form of renting out premises for short periods of time or for conducting photo shoots; production of gift items and various souvenirs, conducting master classes with practical exercises.

Photo salon

This option involves creating only the official type of photos. In this case, a business plan for a photo studio can be called the simplest, since this option is a budget option, designed for starting a business. Success is predetermined by the location, that is, the premises should be chosen correctly.

Photo studio for children

This version of the project is aimed at parents who want to capture their babies in all their glory. To meet the corresponding demand, a stylized interior space will be required, and thematic scenarios with a full set of necessary attributes will not hurt. Even ready business plan a photo studio of this format is not suitable for beginners, since it is aimed at organizations with powerful

Mini studio

This is an analogue of a full-length studio, which allows you to do all kinds of industry directions. This option is convenient for starting, as it has a broad prospect for growth and further change of specialization.

Regardless of what format of the photo studio is chosen, success will be regular as a result of providing high-quality services in this area.

Competition

An aspiring entrepreneur will find himself in a situation where he will need to fight for clients against two types of opponents: large-format studios and private photographers. The former prefer to collaborate with large customers in the form of magazines, modeling agencies and others, so they will not be a real hindrance for a small photo studio with limited capabilities. But private photographers are focused on medium and small consumers, just like the aspiring entrepreneur himself.

We can offer an optimal strategy for an entrepreneur who intends to open successful business and have already drawn up a business plan for a photography studio. Taking into account the small concentration of existing photo studios and the insufficient saturation of this niche, you should select a location that will be remote from the concentration of photographers and small firms.

Necessary costs. Business plan

It should be understood that there is no maximum limit for this area, so the calculation uses the average photo workshop, which is capable of conducting high-quality and diversified activities in this area. A ready-made business plan for a photo studio with calculations will contain the entire list of expenses expected to open it. The list of variables, that is, one-time expenses, must include the following:

Legal preparation of all documentation that may be required - 40-60 thousand rubles depending on the region;

Costs associated with repairs and subsequent decoration of the premises - 250-300 thousand rubles, depending on the initial indicators;

The purchase of a set of working equipment may require an amount of 200-600 thousand rubles, depending on the chosen direction and format of activity;

Purchase of office furniture - 150-300 thousand rubles;

Other expenses and accessories - from 100 thousand rubles.

It turns out that the amount of variable expenses is 740-1360 thousand rubles.

There is also a list of costs that are constant. Among them the following can be noted:

Stands, holders, tripods;

Camera and set of lenses;

Decorative background with fastenings;

Flash meter;

Synchronizers designed to ensure normal operation of flashes;

Dressing room equipment;

A computer with good performance;

Auxiliary attributes not initially included in the photo studio business plan (sample). Example: background, etc.

Staff

The initial staff usually includes the following specialists:

- Photographers They can be either young specialists with a high-quality portfolio or experienced, reputable craftsmen. The first option will provide certain savings on labor costs, and the second guarantees the flow regular customers. The ideal ratio is one to one between experienced and novice professionals; in this case, you will have a successful photo studio. The business plan, calculations and indication of all costs must be contained in a single document.

- Administrator a photo studio must have one, and for smooth operation you will need at least two of them. A good administrator not only resolves any issues professionally, but also promptly prevents possible problems.

- Technical staff must be in any photo studio, the number depends on its size. Employees must have a shift schedule with the possibility of substitution if necessary.

- Content Marketer undertakes obligations related to creating the studio’s image on the Internet and its promotion. This sector currently contains the vast majority of potential customers, so it is definitely something to keep in mind. If you intend to open a photography studio, your business plan must contain this point.

Opening dates

This point completely depends on the chosen business format and the availability of investment funds. Depending on the situation, the period can range from 1-3 months to 6-8. If we are talking about entrepreneurial maximalism in conditions of a significant shortage of funds, then the period will be from 9 months. The main time wasters include searching. financial institutions, investors or partners who could provide the required amount of funds.

Marketing plan

A business plan for opening a photo studio initially assumes that this is a very expensive idea, the implementation of which requires a lot of funds, and counting on quick payback impossible without a good influx of clients from the first months of work. Therefore, advertising is organized in three directions: among regular customers, through traditional means of presenting information, and through Internet promotion.

In order for visitors to start talking about the photo studio, it is necessary to choose an individual approach to everyone, non-standard options for realizing wishes, and also provide services at a high professional level. Only in this case will it be advisable to create a photo studio, for which a business plan is being developed. To use the traditional form of presenting information, it is necessary to attract an advertising agency with a proven reputation, capable of minimum terms notify everyone about the new photo workshop. Promotion on the Internet requires constant support, taking into account consumer trends and trends.

Even if a business plan is being created, you should not ignore such important tools for positioning services as discounts, bonuses, promotions, prizes, etc. This approach has already been tested and works.

Planned revenue and payback

It is influenced by many factors, among which the following stand out: location, professional services, correct advertising campaign. With proper and systematic organization of activities, you can count on an average annual income of 600-800 thousand rubles. Such indicators provide a full payback period of no more than 4 years. An aspiring entrepreneur should understand that in the photography business, numbers are relative indicators that have limitless opportunities for growth. From the first days, you don’t have to try to create an expensive project, since there are nuances and circumstances that will correct it in any case. It is better to organize a moderate start with an emphasis on high quality services provided.

Conclusions

For a new studio, income depends on the level of workload and the quality of services provided. And it doesn’t matter whether there is a ready-made business plan for a photo studio with calculations or not, it is necessary to approach this issue with full responsibility and understanding of the market situation in current moment. Loading for an organization that has just started its work can only be ensured under conditions correct advertising. If it is not fully organized or has the wrong approach, the new photo workshop will have every reason to close in the first half of the year.

Today photographs are an integral part of our lives. Literally every event that happens to us, we want to capture with photos. And not only is now almost every person “endowed” with a camera in their smartphone, most of us want high-quality and beautiful photographs taken by a professional photographer in a studio. Therefore, it is not surprising that opening a photography studio is currently a promising business idea.

However, they did not immediately become what we know photo studios to be today. Nowadays, as a rule, those wishing to take photographs are offered several interiors to choose from. Each studio offers something different. Therefore, based on his idea for a photo shoot, the client gives preference to one or another photo studio that has the necessary decorations.

Just about 10 years ago, a photo studio meant a basic room with exposed light and a plain paper or fabric background. If there were more than three backgrounds, the studio was already aiming for the “professional league”. Only magazines, clothing stores or film makers could afford premises with interiors or decorations.

Nowadays, few people would be happy with a photo shoot on a chair in the middle of a white background with some kind of hat on their head, which was routinely given out in the studio “for beauty.” Today we are accustomed to a completely different level.

If we talk about the features of photo studios today, then you should also not confuse a photo studio with a photo salon. In the latter, photographs are taken for documents and photographs are printed on various surfaces: from paper to T-shirts. The studio doesn't usually do things like this.

In addition to the above nuances, you will need to consider one more. You must determine for yourself: what services do you provide?

Do you rent out your studio to photographers, or do you have your own photographer on staff, and do you provide photographic services to the public?

The difference is fundamentally important because you need to be responsible for the quality of your services. It's one thing if the photographer doesn't like the setting or equipment, it's another thing if the end consumer doesn't like the photos taken.

Today, the most developed format is photo studios providing photo services. Studios that rent out space are just starting to appear. The specificity of the latter is that they are aimed at large premises, expensive equipment and are more suitable for commercial filming. Such photo studios have cycloramas, various lighting options, and even the opportunity to build special decorations. Of course, if desired, anyone can rent an area and arrange a photo shoot in such a studio, it all depends on the client’s ideas and his financial opportunities.

First step

Before opening a photography studio in a particular city, you should analyze the market. How many working studios are there already? What exactly services do they offer? Where are they located? How much does one hour of shooting cost, etc.

Having received a complete picture of the photo studio market in the chosen city, you will be able to build your business strategy more thoughtfully and profitably. Perhaps you decide not to enter this city at all or completely change your studio concept.

One way or another, when opening a photo studio, you will have to give clients something that has not yet been on the market. In other words, find free niche. And if the city is already oversaturated, it will be very difficult to find or come up with something new.

When looking for a “fresh” idea, don’t forget to look at what is on the market in other cities, regions and countries. Maybe you will find something there that suits you and that your client has not yet seen, or you will be inspired to create a completely new model of photo studios.

However, when immersed in brilliant ideas, remember that someone else besides you must like them. Find out how relevant your topic is among the city’s population, what is the demand for existing services. This information is extremely important and will help you avoid unnecessary costs.

Investment volume

In order to open a photo studio, you will need 1 - 3 million rubles. It all depends on the choice of equipment, interior and area of ​​the room. Investments can be more than 3 million rubles if you want to provide the studio with very expensive equipment or buy the premises into ownership.

One way or another, the main expense item when opening a photo studio will be the purchase of equipment.

You will need:

• Camera;
• Lens;
• Light sources;
• Accessories (curtains, reflectors, nozzles);
• Light stands;
• Flash meter;
• Synchronizer

Keep in mind that the equipment is unlikely to cost you less than 600 thousand rubles.

When it comes to choosing between specific brands and models of lighting equipment and cameras, there are three options. The first is that you rely on your own preferences, if you understand this issue. Second, you find a specialist who understands studio equipment. And finally, the third option is to simply buy the most popular models.

One more nuance: if you decide that you will have a full-time photographer and retoucher, then you will also need a computer and photo processing programs. You should also take into account the costs of them in your financial plan.

In addition to equipment, you need decorations and necessary repairs to the room. It is difficult to name specific numbers in this case. Each studio “targets” its own segment of clients; accordingly, some spend 50 thousand rubles on decorations, while others spend 300 thousand rubles. But everyone needs plain backgrounds, and here you can easily spend 10-15 thousand rubles. The amount you spend on renovations also depends on the original condition of the room and your desires.

Where can I get money?

An age-old question for entrepreneurs. The best option is to find investors. That is, reach out in any way to those who may be interested in investing in your business. The second way is to take out a loan. Everyone knows that a loan is not a very successful idea, but you can also resort to it if there is no choice left. And the third is a grant. You will have to spend a lot of time and effort, but the possible results are worth it.

Step by step instructions

After you have conducted a market analysis, it will be easier for you to decide on the format of the photo studio and its concept. Depending on your ideas and plans, you can already write down the initial financial plan and understand how much investment you will need.

As mentioned above, the main expense item will be the purchase of equipment. In addition to the fact that you will have to scour forums, articles and specialized literature on your own, you should not neglect the advice of a specialist either. A professional in the photography industry will be able to guide you and select equipment that suits your goals.

For example, if you are going to provide photographic services for individuals For those who simply want to have beautiful photographs in their personal archive, it is not advisable to buy very expensive cameras and devices for production shooting.

Do you need staff?

If you decide that you are opening a standard photo studio that provides photo services to the public, then you need employees. This is a photographer, makeup artist-hairdresser, retoucher (if the photographer does not do retouching) and administrator. However, they do not necessarily have to be listed specifically full-time employees and “sit on a salary.”

As a rule, an administrator works every day, is a full-time unit and his salary is approximately 25 thousand rubles. The remaining employees usually work piecework. Because it is very expensive to maintain, for example, a photographer and a makeup artist on a salary when the photo studio is not fully loaded.

How to advance?

Instagram gives the greatest return when managing your account correctly.

The next important stage in opening a photo studio is renting the premises. Ideally, entrepreneurs, of course, are advised to purchase the premises as their own. But if you can't initial stage afford it, rent up to 100 thousand per month is considered acceptable.

A large rental amount is formed due to the large area of ​​the premises.

In order to open a photo studio you need about 100 m2.

Also, the room must have high ceilings of at least 3 meters. Usually businessmen try to find an area with 5-meter ceilings.

It is worth noting that premises that meet the requirements are not so easy to find. Because in addition to large sizes and high ceilings, the space should not be divided by vertical beams.

Today, entrepreneurs open studios, usually in the city center. However, it is difficult to find areas larger than 100 square meters in this part of the city, so photo studios are starting to open in industrial zones. There are large warehouses with high ceilings that can be converted. But here businessmen are faced with another problem: people are not used to “riding” to industrial areas for photo shoots. The place must really be “on top” in terms of the quality of services provided, otherwise clients will not come and will prefer the usual studios in the city center.

A similar point applies to photo studios in residential areas. The studio does not provide essential services to rely on people living in neighboring houses. And to attract customers from all parts of the city, you must be the best in your segment.

Documents

For a photo studio, it is suitable for both individual entrepreneurs and LLCs. It all depends on your personal plans and views on this matter. For example, if you are going to attract investors, they may want to act as founders, then the choice will, of course, fall towards the LLC. If there is no such need, then from a tax point of view it is easier to open an individual entrepreneur.

As an individual entrepreneur you can choose simplified system taxation and pay 6% of your income. There is also the option to purchase a patent (patent taxation system). The latter allows you to completely forget about tax office for the entire period of validity of the patent.

According to the law, a patent is issued for a period of one to 12 months inclusive within one calendar year. The entrepreneur himself chooses for how many months to purchase it. It is worth clarifying that the validity period of a patent cannot extend to next year, even if it has not yet expired, so it’s worth taking this into account when purchasing a patent. After its expiration, in order to continue operating within the patent system, you must submit an application to the territorial tax authority by December 20.

Below we provide detailed business plan photo studio and are considering the following important points of business organization:

• How to open a photo studio for rent and choose the right premises;
• How to open an individual entrepreneur for a photo salon, preparation of documents;
• Equipment for a photo studio, its cost;
• How to open a photo studio in small town, and make it popular and profitable, ways of promotion.

Register best, it's easier and cheaper. Required codes OKVED: 74.20.– “Activities in the field of photography” and 47 – “Retail trade, except trade in motor vehicles and motorcycles.” The second code is required if the studio plans to sell goods.

The activity is not licensed. It is also necessary to register with the Federal Tax Service. The cost of the registration procedure is no more than $60.

Services

Main services of the company:

1. Photo for documents;
2. Carrying out studio filming, including interior photography;
3. Filming for business, subject photo sessions, food photography;
4. You can profitably rent out a photo studio for photo shoots;
5. Printing photos from removable media;
6. Development of graduation albums, photo retouching;
7. Sale of related products - flash cards, batteries, discs, albums, etc.

Market analysis

To carefully plan how to open a photo studio, where to start and calculate the costs, you need to decide target audience. The main clients are photographers who rent a salon for filming, young people, couples with children, future newlyweds (Love Story filming). Average age category of visitors: 16-35 years.

Room

The best location for your studio is as close to the center as possible, an additional plus is the availability of a parking space. Most often, the studio is located in a business center, less often in shopping centers.

Additional clientele for printing will be obtained by placement near universities, migration services, etc. government agencies. The area of ​​the room is 60 square meters. Of these, 40 sq. m – studio, 15 sq. m – reception with an administrative desk and a small shop, 5 sq. m - bathroom.

Studio requirements:

• Warm floor, you should use laminate or commercial linoleum as a covering;
• Ceiling height – from three meters;
• Large windows draped with dark fabric. Drapery is needed for shooting with shutter speed and lighting. It should be possible to easily remove the fabric from the windows;
• Monochromatic wall decoration;
• Availability of air conditioning;
• Fire safety system, evacuation diagram, fire extinguisher.

Renting a premises requires monthly costs of $800-900. In how to open a creative photo studio, the design has great value. You need to make your establishment a popular and fashionable place. Repairs and finishing will cost about $1,500.

Equipment for a photo salon

What do you need to buy to open your own photography studio?

Professional equipment

For small company you will need:

1. Digital camera and two removable lenses – 2500-2700 $. Good cameras Canon and Nikon offer, lenses – Sigma, Tamron;
2. 4 light sources of various powers (aka flashes or monoblocks) 400-800 J each - $1200-1300. Falcon Eyes, Profoto, Bowens, Godox;
3. 4 flash stands. Of these, three are standard (2-4 meters), one is a crane stand. Total cost: $150. Manfrotto, Falcon, Godox;
4. Three softboxes different sizes – $130. Bowens, Green Bean, Lumifor, Dedolight;
5. 2 photo umbrellas– 80-90 $. Lastolite, Elinchrom;
6. Two stripboxes– 150 $. Falcon Eyes, Godox, Hensel;
7. Two reflectors(1 with curtains) – $200-230. Profoto, Elinchrom, Bowens;
8. Octobox– 130-150 $. Hensel, Fujimi, Godox;
9. beauty plate– 120-130 $. Lumifor, Falcon Eyes, Godox;
10. Two reflectors– 25 $. Lastolite, Westcott;
11. Jelly color filters for flashes (6 pcs.) – $90-100. Maxilite, Falcon Eyes, Bowens;
12. Radio synchronizers for flashes (2 pcs.) – $80-100. Youngnuo, Aputure, Godox;
13. Set of paper backgrounds different colors – $150-200. Polaroid, Savage, Colorama;
14. Backdrop holder automatic – $150-170. Manfrotto, Phottix;
15. Accessories(memory cards, batteries, cables, fasteners) – $100. DigiCare, Fujimi, Nikon, Prolike, Transcend;
16. Photo printer– 70-100 $. Zebra, Conica, Canon;
17. Computer or laptop– 450 $. Asus, HP, Lenovo.

Furniture and software

To open a small photo studio, you will need to purchase furniture and display cases for the reception area. It will cost approximately $700 to purchase display cases, a cabinet, a table, a chair, a sofa for visitors, an air conditioner, a telephone and a cooler.

To process photos, retouch, create collages, you will need to buy licensed versions of programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Studio Pro. IN software you will have to invest about $600.

You should budget approximately $170-200 for furnishing a bathroom.

How to open your own interior photography studio from scratch

In a small room it is possible to design five interior zones. The most popular options: an area with a fireplace for family photo sessions, a boudoir option with a mirror and a bed, a cozy area with a wide window and blankets/pillows, a brick wall and a leather sofa, a bar counter, etc. For the holidays, themed corners are created: New Year's, Valentine's Day, Halloween, etc. It is convenient to style an area with a fireplace.

Don't forget about the children. Opening a photo studio for children means dooming yourself to too narrow a focus, but it’s worth setting up a children’s corner. There is always a stable demand for family and children's photo sessions.

For a standard photo zone with removable paper backdrops, 2-3 square meters is enough; for interiors, a space of 4-5 square meters is required. m.

To open your own photo studio with decorations, you should carefully consider not only the interior of the area, but also accessories and decorative details. For example, candles, LED garlands, gift boxes, retro records, decorative pillows, etc.

The cost of equipping one site with decorations ranges from $200-300. In total you will need from $1500.

Pay special attention designing a corner with a dressing room mirror and special lighting. This is a good place for a makeup artist to work and an additional photo zone. Such a mirror with a dressing table costs $160-200.

Pricing

How can a beginner open a photo salon and navigate the prices correctly? Analyze the average prices of similar establishments in the city and form your own price list based on them. To get started, put the following price tags:

• Shooting, including interior photography, with a studio photographer – $60. The premium service includes the work of a makeup artist, printing of several photos and costs from $70-80;
• Studio rental – $13/hour;
• Retouching – $5/photo;
• Creation of photo books and albums – from $23.

Staff

The studio staff consists of three people. Photographer, sales administrator and technical assistant, exhibiting light and advising clients.

Almost every photographer dreams of becoming a professional photographer and opening a photo studio, so there are many who want to work with you on a permanent basis. The photographer receives 50% of the cost of shooting, the salary of the administrator and assistant costs $700 per month.

Marketing plan (advertising)

Step-by-step instructions on how to open an interior photography studio and promote your business include the following activities:

1. An external sign for a company will require an investment of $300-400;
2. Logo creation and corporate identity – 100 $;
3. Printed promotional materials (business cards, flyers) – $100;
4. Website development, detailed description of services, studio portfolio – from $100.

Sales promotion methods and promotion channels

Good advertising move - distribution gift certificates with a discount. Promotions for regular customers, discounts on the second and third hour of studio rental, etc. work great. You should look for your first clients among members of photo clubs and in advertising agencies. Most on the Internet: website promotion, .

Costs and profits

To properly open a photo salon, calculate your business investment in detail:

• Documents – 60 $;
• Rent of premises for six months in advance, repairs, decoration, necessary communications – about $7,000;
• Purchase of equipment, furniture, design of photo zones – $10 thousand;
• Promotional events – $700.

Capital costs are approximately $18,000. Monthly costs(salary, utility bills, rent) – $1600. We add here the purchase of goods for sale - $1,500. Total $3100.

The studio will receive a minimum profit if the salon is rented daily for at least 2-3 hours, 10-12 orders for shooting by a full-time photographer, and the production of several albums. Together with sales of related products, the monthly net profit will be about $600-800. This figure is increasing every month.

A detailed plan on how to open a small photo salon will allow you to foresee all costs and plan the work of the company. Such a business will only expand and prosper over time, gaining popularity and fame among clients.

Recently, the relevance of photographs has only increased. If previously ordinary people could only dream of professional photographs, now almost everyone has such an opportunity. Thanks to the popularity of photo shoots, more and more women are thinking about starting their own business related to this particular niche. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to open a photo studio from scratch, where to start spending and which type of activity to choose - individual entrepreneur or LLC.

Directions

First, you need to decide what services will be provided in the photo studio. Keep in mind that there will be a lot of competition and it doesn’t matter whether you decide to open it in a small town or a metropolis. Try to surprise potential clients with an extensive list of destinations, maybe you can even come up with something unique. We offer you the most popular services that photo salons provide:

• wedding photography;
• portrait photography;
• children's photography (including newborns);
• photo shoot at school;
• filming during holidays;
• photo shoot in nature;
• Love Story (photo shoot for lovers);
• portfolio for professional models;
• photo for documents;
• interior photography, possibly with an aqua zone;
• photo collage, postcard printing;
• photographs of goods for advertising.

You can also open a photo studio and rent out the premises to photographers; this type of income will always be in demand. A good option would be to provide premises for teaching photography. As you can see for yourself, the choice is quite extensive and the more points you manage to master, the more chances you have to actually do it. profitable business. You should understand that the costs can be high, so before you get started, be sure to draw up a detailed business plan for opening a photography studio.

If you decide to open a photo studio, your activities in mandatory must be registered. To do this, you can register an individual entrepreneur ( Individual Entrepreneur) or LLC (Company with limited liability). We recommend that you choose the first option, since it is much cheaper and easier to implement; it does not require authorized capital or licensing of activities. To open an individual entrepreneur, you need to go through the standard registration procedure with the relevant authorities, pay a state fee of 800 rubles (for 2019) and after receiving all the documents, feel free to start choosing a premises.

As for opening an LLC, this option will be more competent if your clients are mainly legal entities or you are planning to open a business with several co-founders. The registration procedure itself will be more complicated, and the state duty is much more expensive (4,000 rubles). Required authorized capital in the amount of 10,000 rubles, which, however, can be replaced with property. It is believed that clients tend to trust LLC more, however, it is up to you to decide whether it is better to open one. Both forms of government have their advantages and disadvantages.

Selecting a room

Of course, in order to open a successful photography studio, you need to choose the right premises for it. It should be quite spacious with an area of ​​50 sq.m. and at the same time divided into special zones:

1. Work area (actually the place where photographs are taken).
2. Office area for employees.
3. Reception for clients.
4. Dressing room and dressing room.
5. Bathroom.

Such zoning will be almost ideal, but you should proceed from the financial capabilities and specifics of your photo studio. An important nuance when choosing a room for opening a business there will also be its location, try to find it closer to the city center. This will provide you with more clients, despite strong competition.

When choosing a room, pay attention to the height of the ceilings and the presence of large windows for good natural light (which, if necessary, will be covered with special curtains). For high-quality photography, the ceilings must be high, preferably from 3 meters. Experts also advise making the flooring dark, as the equipment will quickly get dirty. Keep the wall color neutral to avoid color distortion and glare.

As for the design, everything depends on your taste. Try to open a stylish and modern photography studio so that it attracts clients. Beautiful photos on the walls, a pleasant atmosphere, bright furniture and a large mirror in the dressing room - do everything to make the client feel like a real “star” on the set and want to contact you more than once.

So, the premises have been chosen and the next step is to purchase equipment. First buy everything you need to open a photo studio:

• camera with additional accessories and lenses;
• various backgrounds for photo shoots;
• fastening installations;
• flash meter;
• synchronizers;
• tripods;
• reflectors and light filters;
• various light sources;
• computer and equipment for printing photographs (printer, scanner)

Depending on the number of services provided, starting a business may require special equipment for outdoor photography, furniture and accessories for an interior photo shoot, etc. Also, do not forget about the design of the photo studio itself and the purchase of a computer desk, chairs, mirrors, a sofa and other additional amenities.

If you are not a photographer and do not want to deal with additional issues of maintaining records, drawing up a shooting schedule, processing photographs and other important things, you can create your own staff. In order to open a photo studio from scratch you will need:

1. Photographer (make sure that he not only takes photographs, but also processes the images in professional computer editors).
2. Accountant.
3. Administrator.

Over time, you can hire one or more photographers, makeup artist and purchasing, advertising, etc. managers. As you yourself understand, such measures will be necessary when the business begins to generate decent income and a good base of regular customers has developed. If you decide to open a small photo studio and are not going to expand your staff, a photographer and an administrator will be enough.