Getting a Photography Studio: 9 Things to Do and Ask Before Signing the Lease

If you have familiarized yourself with the dreams versus realities of opening a photography studio and are ready to take the dive and get a photography studio, here are 9 things you should do and ask when looking around.

#1 Find a couple studios to compare. I got really lucky and fell in love with the first place I found and toured. But I always think to myself, what if I would have looked around more? What else could I have found?

I love my studio, but if I ever move I will know to pay attention to things like what floor is it on and do they have an elevator? How is parking? Who else is in the building?

For my current studio, I am four floors up without a commercial elevator. There is a huge freight elevator but it is not user friendly. Thankfully there are tons of parking options for my clients so that is a bonus, but I could do without the loud dance studio that is a couple doors down from mine.

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Make a pro and con list of the different photography studio options

#2 Go with a friend

I wish I had someone with me when I went to tour the space for the first time. Depending on the space and who is showing it to you, a lot of information is going to be discussed. You might be in a “studiostruck” state and not catch everything said during the tour.

Holtz Imagery Studios Est. 2017

#3 Take notes

While your mind is off in cameraland, your realtor is listing off tons of information, square footage, rent, deposits, requirements…. Try to jot some notes or have your friend take them. They might come in handy especially if you are touring multiple spaces so you can compare.

Check with your realtor about occupancy permits and what you all need to get one.

#4 Ask about a security deposit

How much is it? Is it refundable?

#5 Ask about alterations

What can you do to the space? Can you have contractors come in and put up walls or does the realtor require you use someone specific? Can you paint or hand stuff on the walls? Can you have animals there? What is security like? Can you change the floors? Try to ask them any question that you can think of.

#6 Talk about permits and previous renters

See Dream #3. Occupancy permits were the last thing on my mind when touring the studio. Make sure to find out all the details of what you need.

#7 Take photos and video

This one seems obvious, but try to get a sense of the studio size by snapping a photo of your friend. Can you move around? How is the lighting? Do you want natural light or are you going to use studio lighting?

If the studio has large windows that you LOVE make sure to think about sun patterns. My studio faces East, so sunlight pours into the studio in the morning. This creates great shadows, but they cab also a challenge.

#8 Ask about utilities

What else do you have to pay for on top of rent? WI-FI, heat, electric, etc.

Bonus: pay attention to what the utilities are. In my studio, the heater is HUGE and sometimes gets in the way of my shots. There is also a window AC unit that is less than pretty. These are things I did not think of at all when touring the space.

See that huge heater in the top corner? Not pretty!

#9 Ask what will happen if you have to break your lease

It is something that you don’t think will be needed, but what happens if you can’t pay rent or if you want out?

These are the top 9 things that came to mind when looking for my photography studio. Some of them I was ready for and others hit me right in the face. Be ready for the unexpected when touring. It is a HUGE and exciting time in your photography career when you decided to follow that dream, but try to bring yourself back to reality every once in a while so you can make the choices that you’ll be happiest with.

To all my fellow dreamers, all ads on this website help to pay for more posts. Please use the Amazon links found on this site if you would like to see more articles. Who doesn’t love Amazon, seriously. Thank you!! -Hannah

hannahmholtz

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