"if your photographer-prospect's office is a starbucks, then definately check references and ask harder questions."

New York Weddings Magazine Summer 08- In the ask the experts section.

What do you think? I definitely like my freedom- but maybe brides should ask harder questions if I'm not in an established workspace...

Our thoughts were this, when we were charging $1500ish a wedding starbucks made sense, now that we are averaging $4500 a wedding it made sense to have an office space to give potential clients that feeling of who we are, our style, and stability.

My .02....
After owning and running a specialty boutique for several years I vowed to never own keys to unlock a business front door until I hit "7 Figures." There's alot that goes into a workspace, studio, etc.... and I prefer the KISS motto (keep-it-simple-silly). You're excellent work, portfolio, and your bubbly personality will keep the clients coming your way.

no office = less experience?

Sigh- so an office is just one of those things professionals should eventually have.

I wouldn't mind a real home office- in fact I would love a guest house that I could convert into a meeting space! I don't want a store front.

i have always felt meeting at a starbucks low-ends your work -

having a client meet you in your office/studio, just sends a different message - this is just my opinion.

but.... having an office means your going to have to charge more to keep that storefront up, right? so a bride wanting to keep a handle on expenses, may opt for someone who doesnt have the overhead, yet can achieve what they are looking for in their photographer.

just seems like this could be a bit of a catch-22, i dunno.

It does get very hard to convince people to spend $6,000 on you at Starbucks. Having an office kind of gives you a position of strength. You're saying... without saying... that you are successful and will book the date.

I like to visit people in their home. Everyone I've ever visited at home has booked me... House Calls!
But then again, everyone I've ever met anywhere has booked me. I can't really make an analysis.

I wonder how far up I can push my prices and still not have an office.

ah... but this is different than meeting at a coffee place. I know a lot of successful photographers who have made a home office.

Chelo... if you are getting to the point where you are booking every person you meet with, it's definitely time to revisit your pricing structure.

Well that answers my question, definitely not 6k.Yup!!! Wish I could go to Shane School at the Jose Villa thing. Luckily the summer is here, schools out and I can look at modifiying my pricing.

i got tired of lugging around my sample albums, plus, the more you drag them around, the more likely htey will get dirty, dropped, stained, etc.

i created a small office space in my home. people around here love home offices. real estate and office rental prices are high, scary high and everyone understands that.

Totally agree!!
Plus Chelo, look around at how some other photographers have created their photography business and have grown with a home office (Jasmine Star, Jessica Claire, The Boutwells, Becker.... are just a few that come to mind).

You can go to the Jose Villa thing. You just decide to go... save up, and go. I know I don't miss the money I spent last year.

If not, though, I'd be more than happy to help however I can. Feel free to email me about pricing anytime. I'm no guru. But I've got some theories!

In LA I continually booked events while meeting at Starbucks, it definitely kept the overhead down. Now that I am in Maine and have had the opportunity to help open a studio with EM...I can say that it has been totally worth it for us! Everyone that has made it to our studio - Maine Wedding Photographer - has been blown away by the work on the walls and just the feel of the place...heck every time I enter I am still blown away. Em did an excellent job on it!

I would say that for Christian...he needs that and a staff around him, but that is not for everyone! One of the best things about our industry is that it is still a cottage industry and we can each run our businesses the way that fits our lives the best. So if Starbucks is doing it for you then great!

Wowza!!! Now that's a studio! Yes- I can see how a space like this would make all the difference in your presence to the community and your clients.


ETA: I keep looking at these photos and it just changed the way I looked at everything. Wow.

I found Emilie's blog one day when you first got the studio and saw the pictures from when you were painting. I meant to bookmark it and didn't. It's such an inspiring space. Congrats to you both!

I think there are great points to all sides (low overhead to in-home studios or traveling sales); more validity in client's minds with a storefront, etc. It just depends on your market and your prices - something no one can decide for you.

One day, I'd love to have a studio space - that is my dream. But right now, I'm in between: not quite ready for a studio space, but also not comfortable with Starbucks. I really, really don't like being the "traveling salesperson" meeting at public spaces trying to pitch my business among the crowds and noise. So, I travel to my client's homes, and they all seem to like the convenience. They are more comfortable on their turf, and they like that I am accomodating. I have a great traveling system down now, and bring samples, my laptop for slideshows, canvases, etc. I set it up while they are getting drinks, etc . Some have invited mom or best friend over too and we just make it a comfortable gathering. It really has worked nicely. It took me a bit to figure out how to comfortably (and efficiently) lug my stuff around, but I finally figured it out.

So I'd say figure out what you are comfortable with. Maybe it means making that leap to have a home office, or move it out of Starbucks and into their home. Either way, if you are booking every meeting, you're doing something right!