589: Photography Studio Special 2 – Buying and leasing advice for photographers looking at studio ownership

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Welcome to part two of a two-part series, where we dive into everything you need to know about buying or leasing a photography studio. Whether you're considering owning a space or working from one, this episode will guide you through the essential considerations before making that big decision of signing a lease and paying rent or taking out a loan to purchase your studio space.

I'm thrilled to have three incredible guests joining us today, all from different genres of photography.

We have Boston boudoir photographer Lindsay Hite of Show Your Spark in the USA. Lindsay started her photography business in 2009, transitioned from weddings to boudoir in 2016, and opened her newly renovated studio in 2019.

Lindsay was featured in Episode 392 of the podcast.

Melbourne dance photographer Leah Hoffman of Hoffa Studios will also join us. Not only is Leah's work incredible, but you need to check out what she shared about marketing from Episode 480 of the podcast. This is one switched-on photography studio operator when it comes to generating highly qualified leads.

And finally, also from the USA, and for the first time on the podcast, we have New Orleans Headshots, personal brand, and commercial photographer Noel Marcantel, who has a street front studio that looks like an incredible place to work — complete with a full-sized cyc wall.

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting to consider your own studio space, this episode is packed with valuable insights from some of the best in the business. Let’s dive in with this photography-studio-special, focussed on buying and leasing advice for photographers.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

• Selecting the Perfect Studio Location: Lindsay, Leah, and Noel share their journeys in scoping out studio spaces, discussing how they navigated factors like accessibility, cost, and adaptability to secure the right fit.
• Benefits of Collaborative Studio Sharing: Leah explores the rewards of sharing a studio with a fellow photographer. From splitting costs to dividing responsibilities, co-sharing brings many benefits, making studio life more affordable and collaborative.
• Tailoring Your Studio Fit-Out: The photographers reveal how they approached renovations, detailing their mix of hands-on DIY projects and working with contractors to design studios that enhance their creative work.
• Unseen Costs You Can’t Ignore: Setting up a studio involves more than rent. Unexpected expenses—like taxes, maintenance, and utilities—can add up quickly. Lindsay, Noel, and Leah share budgeting insights to help you avoid financial surprises and plan effectively.
• Testing the Studio Waters: Thinking of leasing a studio? Start small with pop-up spaces or short-term rentals to gauge interest and profitability. The photographers suggest trying different pricing models and testing your market before fully committing to a long-term lease.
• Navigating Lease Negotiations and Challenges: Securing a studio lease can be complex. Lindsay managed to lock in a flexible five-year lease, even taking on renovations herself with her husband. Leah and