The One with the Studio Keys: Opening a Photography Studio – Lessons, Surprises & What I Would Do Differently

Opening a photography studio often feels like a milestone,  the “next step” that proves you’ve made it.

But after 14 years of studio ownership, I can tell you this: a studio isn’t a badge of success. It’s a business decision.

And like any business decision, it deserves honesty - not hype.

Why I love having a studio

One of the biggest benefits of having a studio has been consistency. Living in the Midwest means weather can be unpredictable, and having a controlled indoor space for headshots, branding sessions, and portraits has been invaluable.

Clients love knowing there’s a reliable option that doesn’t depend on the forecast and so do I.

Beyond sessions, my studio has given me a place to meet with clients before their shoots. Sitting across from someone in a dedicated space changes the tone of the conversation. Consultations feel calmer, more intentional, and more professional.

And then there’s the part I didn’t fully appreciate at first: having a dedicated space for my work. Walking into my studio signals to my brain that it’s time to focus and walking out allows me to leave work behind. That separation has mattered more over the years than I ever expected.

The part people don’t always talk about

A studio also comes with overhead and pressure.

Rent, utilities, insurance, maintenance, furniture - it adds up quickly. Opening a studio without a clear plan for how it supports your offerings can create stress instead of stability.

A studio should never dictate your business decisions. If you find yourself taking on work you don’t enjoy just to justify the space, it’s worth pausing and reassessing.

What surprised me most

I assumed having a studio would automatically make things easier. In some ways, it did, but it also required more intention.

Empty studio days feel different when rent is still due. That reality forces you to be honest about your pricing, your time, and how you want to work.

No amount of Instagram inspiration prepares you for that part.

What I’d do differently

If I were starting again, I would think more carefully about flexibility - lease terms, size, and how the space could evolve over time.

I’d also be clearer about how the studio fits into my offerings. A studio works best when it has a purpose, not when it exists simply because it feels like something you should have.

Is a studio right for you?

There are incredibly successful photographers with studios and without them.

Your legitimacy is not tied to square footage.

The right question isn’t “Should I open a studio?”
It’s:

Does this space support how I want to work?

For me, a studio has been grounding, practical, and deeply helpful,  but it’s also required planning, flexibility, and honesty.

And that balance is what’s made it work.

You can watch to the full episode, The One with the Studio Keys, on the podcast now: https://www.youtube.com/@theonebehindthelenspodcast