Is Bigger Always Better?

I have a compact and bijou home studio. I think I call it cosy on my website but it really is quite small. It started off teeny tiny in 2017 as one spare bedroom allowing me to capture newborns and toddlers.

A year later I needed more studio space and we knocked through to the other spare room effectively doubling the space I have. You can read all about it here.

Cons of a Home Studio

Apart from having to keep the house clean for clients!

Disability Access

My studio is upstairs in my house. In 99% of cases, this is no issue but it does mean that I am not set up for wheelchair clients or anyone who struggles with stairs.

Three Pint-Sized Dictators

Ah yes, Bert, Ernie, and Jack Black the French Bulldog co-workers and fury rulers of my world. They are always shut away from clients in the kitchen and bribed with lots of treats by Mr JB but they aren’t always quiet about it! Don’t get me wrong I love my boys with all my heart but a studio without them whining behind the door and where I wasn’t continuously cleaning up all the Frenchie glitter (fur) they disperse everywhere would be wonderful.

Space

In my dreams, I have a huge studio space with all my props and gear stored in a way that would make  Marie Kondo weep with joy. I could really play with my lights and direction with the space to play and create.

Pros of a Home Studio

Apart from getting to work in my slippers and having no commute!

Costs

I could go out and rent something pretty close to the studio of my dreams. But then my cost of doing business would go up dramatically and I would have to pass that cost onto my clients. That would mean much more expensive shoot costs and product costs.

Comfortable

What my studio lacks in size it makes up for with its personality. Clients often remark that they feel much more relaxed coming to the house over say an industrial or retail park. Especially when they are bringing their brand new baby or pet or indeed coming for a boudoir session. There is plenty of space on the driveway as well for two to three cars and when it’s raining (which it does a lot here) you are as close to the door as possible.

Small but Perfectly Formed

It does work! I have worked hard to utilise every bit of the space I have available. My professional lights and backdrops are rigged up on the walls where possible and light sockets have been added to the ceiling space to minimise trailing wires and trip hazards.

And whilst we all get to know each other very intimately I have captured some large family portraits in there (I think the most was 6 adults, 1 teenager, 3 kids, a baby and a dog)!

So?

On balance then, bigger isn’t always better. Yes I would like the big studio space to create in but I don’t want to hike up my prices to levels that people can’t afford. Everybody deserves beautiful images of their family and I can create magic in the studio I’m in.

A Third Way?

In the next year or so I will be looking at alternative options to both a studio in my home and a rented studio. Don’t worry, I’ll bring you all on the journey with me 😉