10 Tips to Consider When Setting Up Your Studio

Your studio is a reflection of YOU. It is important that your studio be absolutely clean all the time, in all the areas where the client will be.  What you want is to have a studio that looks just beautiful, while still having a very professional appearance. That way, when the client walks in, she immediately has trust and confidence in you and your company. Here are 10 tips that you should consider when setting up your studio:

TIP #1: You must carefully display only items that you want to sell. If your client walks into your studio and sees 5x7’s and 8x10’s displayed on shelves and tables, she will automatically assume that you EXPECT her to buy small portraits. If she walks in and sees only 30x40’s and 24x30’s with very few or NO SMALLER SIZES around, she will assume that everyone you deal with purchases wall-size portraits. This is a subtle, but vitally important aspect of your business! Do not overlook this, and try to sell large portraits while you are displaying small ones throughout your studio. 

TIP #2: Use a round table for selling. Studies have shown that having a round table in the studio provides a better atmosphere for working with clients. By using a round table, with chairs, you can move your seat over near your client so that you both are on the same side, and there is no “barrier” between you.

Tip #3: Display FEWER portraits rather than more portraits.  This philosophy allows you to show larger, framed images and gives your client a feel of how a room will look when properly decorated with an adequate size wall portrait. This also shows respect for your work, and shows the client that wall portraits are your specialty.

TIP #4: Have an area in your studio where you can PROJECT YOUR IMAGES to your client. You want to be able to darken this room so the projected image is as bright as possible. Use your camera room, as a sales room is you have no other area available. Remember the success of your business depends on the ability to sell your images. Do not underestimate the importance of having a place in your studio to project your images!

TIP#5: Have nice, soft music playing in your studio when clients are there. This fills the emptiness with warmth and “class.” Music also allows you to be more creative when photographing in the studio. 

TIP #6: If you sell small prints and frames, have them displayed in a different area.  Create a separate area that you can take to the client to when you reach that point in the sale. Go for the sale of the larger portrait first, then worry about the smaller print sales.

TIP#7: Store all props out of the way of your client’s view – especially when selling your images! You want your studio to be as clean as possible, not cluttered and messy from props piled onto each other. A clean studio sends a message that you are professional, organized and have respect for the way your art “looks”. Store your props in a storage closet – away from where your client’s will ever be.

TIP#8: Try to do everything by APPOINTMENT ONLY if at all possible. This allows you to space your clients in such a way that your studio is rarely over crowded. One strategy that I have used successfully over the years is to schedule a sales session right after a client picks up their order. The idea is the client who is coming for the sales appointment drives up right as the client who has picked up their order is leaving the studio. Many times the client who is picking up the order is leaving with a wall portrait, so this send a message that “wall portrait sales” is the NORM here. Additionally, the client who is leaving will tell the incoming client how happy they are with you and your work. That is a great tone setter for the upcoming sales session wouldn’t you agree?

TIP#9: When designing your studio, be sure to allow for enough “behind the scenes” space which the client will never see. Use this space for storage, your office and all of your paperwork. Do not do any “work” in any area where your clients will be. Don’t have images lying around unframed on a table or floor. This shows disrespect for your product. Remember; keep the front area of your studio spotless at all times!

TIP #10: YOUR IMAGE is YOU! Your reputation and image in the community is the single most valuable possession you have! The appearance and layout of your studio helps form your image. Be sure it says exactly what you want it to say at all times!

How you set up and use your studio space could very possibly make the difference between success and failure for you. Look at your studio with a very critical eye. Be sure you are doing everything possible to reach the goals you have for your business.

Would you like a critique of your studio? I would be happy to give you a critique of your studio layout and design. I can do this in-person or from a video that you provide me. When I do this for my clients, they are amazed by what they are “not seeing”. What would it be worth to you and your business to know what the public is thinking when they visit your studio? Send me an email at dougmattice@o2ecoaching.com or call me at (703) 505-6766 to discuss this opportunity! 

  Need help on a project? Would you like someone to partner with and hold you accountable?

I can help you break through the barriers that are keeping you from achieving the success that you want in your photography business. Whether you need assistance on a particular project - like pricing, how to handle client objections, sales tips, studio design ideas etc. or want help becoming a better business person, I can assist you!

Send me an email at dougmattice@o2ecoaching.com or call me (703) 505-6766 and I will be happy to give you a proposal. My rates are very affordable and the results you will get will be life changing!

Think about the question below and get in touch with me!

What is it costing you by NOT doing what needs to be done?