Photographic Studio Time
Friday 18 April 2008 at 07:39 am. Used tags: photography, studio
I've been after a studio set-up for some time now but just haven't quite been able to resolute the idea with the available space in our current abode; in addition I'd rather do it properly and well, or not at all.
'The' idea..
After mulling around the problem for over 12 months we've made the decision that any future house purchase must cater for a decent sized studio space, even if it was just suitable land for building a large cabin/studio. Hiring studio space elsewhere is of course an option, but I know myself and unless it's at the bottom of the garden in spitting distance, it won't happen with my current commitments.
The idea of building a studio in a large log-style cabin is not a new one, in-fact back in 2005 we had visited various manufacturers and with quotation in-hand felt ready to jump; unfortunately an unexpected planning issue and re-location stopped us.
Making it pay..
Based on my own experience of trying to find cheap studio space to rent in the Bucks/Oxfordshire, and speaking with fellow photographers, we strongly believe the requirement for informal studio-space for use by amateurs and semi-professionals exists. Building and suitably equipping our own studio (external to our main house) for use by any enthusiast therefore seems is a viable option for covering costs, and perhaps developing a business.
If successful the eventual aim would be for the studio to be managed by Caroline along with other business ideas we are looking to develop; should it fail (conceptually or in practice) I'm still left with the studio I've always wanted, albeit at great expense to ourselves.
So what now?
The first step on is to find either a house with space to build, or a rental property that already has the space (preferably external). Four weeks of looking have so far only produced one property coming close to our expectations, a potentially beautiful converted barn in the countryside that disappointed on build-quality.
It would be tempting to consider moving back to the North were we can get a lot more for our dosh, but I'd had to leave the proximity of London and all the artistic interests and opportunties it presents; I just can't see that happening at the moment.
So for now, it's crossed fingers on the property search!
One comment
I’m on this same path. My next house must either include a room suitable for a studio, a room that can be built into a studio, or land enough in back to build a studio. Renting is not an option unless it’s less than 5 miles away.
Jim Reverend (URL) - 12-08-’08 15:33