Ideas for a Open House/ Grand Opening for my studio?

[sonshine_rae]

So it is getting closer to time that my Photography Studio will be finished,
May still be a couple of months.. but close enough to start planning.
I'd really like to start things off with a bit of a 'bang' ya know?

I'm thinking of doing some sort of a open house (err Studio) from like 1-4 on a weekend.

Here's the 'few' ideas I've had so far, to make it a 'hit'.. persay

Having a contest to give away a 'free portrait session' as first prize, 2nd prize would be a wall portrait, and maybe a third prize of like a 8x10 print. This could work as a dual purpose, as in they would have the option to allow me to contact them further about my studio and upcoming sales/specials, besides just a 'draw' for people to want to stop by.


Being prepared to book sessions up to a year or so in advance (I do Portraits of families, children, seniors etc.. no weddings).

I'd like to advertise to friends, and the community alike (maybe in the newspaper), and see what kind of a turn-out I might get.

I probably should have some sort of refreshments right? Any advice on what 'simple' refreshments I might have available?

I'm thinking about having a slideshow running on my PC (with 24" monitor) throughout the events.

What other things would be good ideas to try, during or to advertise for this event?

FYI,
Previous to now I've just used a small portion of our downstairs family room for my studio setup. But we are busy remodeling the family room, which means removing old wallpaper, painting, with a gray in the main studio area, white for a extra backdrop area, and light green for the entry area, plus putting in floating hardwood floors (Maple). After we finish all that, the family room will primarily be my dedicated studio area. Hence why I say I'd like to have a grand opening, despite the fact I've been running a business for a little while, it's now become a focus persay.

Well I hope this rambling post makes sense,
and I'd love any input you all may have.

Thanks again,
~Rae~

[Thunder9]

I don't own a Photography business but have held a lot of open houses in another industry and some will pertain.

Assuming that your property is zoned for this activity.
Check in to local bylaws on holding an open house type event, you may need permission from the local police to do so.

Warn your neighbors about the upcoming event, ask for their cooperation in parking and (I would suggest invite them too).

If you allowed to put up temporary signs then put them up a week before with the time and the event. You will catch more drive by people that way and they may turn up at the event.

Don't use scented candles or air fresheners just before the event, a lot of people are allergic to them.

Might be an idea to have ready made permission to contact sheets, for people to fill out and then you can follow up.

If you have a website make sure it's up and running and have it displayed everywhere. It's your cheapest form of advertising next to word of mouth.

If you have a local paper, try to interest some one in the local desk to do an article on a new business. Make up some flyers and distribute (with permission of course) in local coffee shops, libraries, art communities etc.

If your budget allows and you have a number of comfirmed attendees, consider catering the event, Do you want to sell yourself and your services or do you want to sell cookies?

Have a hand out well printed and giving some information about you and your bussiness experience and goals.

I know this is an incomplete list and may seem some what obvious, but hopefully it's a start.

[Not4wood]

Well the advice about checking Zoning Laws would actually be the best bet before you open. If your area is not zoned for any business, then you could be facing a lot of money loss in fines. They will of course check your paper waste and any chemicals. Of course that is also outdated because we no longer use those chemicals in processing. But, they will now check everything with a fine comb especially your trash and waste lines so be careful.

As far as a Studio is concerned doing "Weddings" and "Parties" are where the big money is. Portraits and Passport Photos do bring in the money but like in any business its all "Location, Location and did I say Location" Opening up a business in the home as long as your on a Major Street or you wont have the traffic flow. Then, you have strangers coming into your house, you will also need Insurance.......

[sonshine_rae]

I already have my business license, sales tax id number, and permission from the (tiny) city I live in to own and operate my studio.

I don't do Weddings.. and I'm not in this to become the sole $$ earner in the home (sorry but it's true). I plan to run the studio 'by appointment only' and only during my preferred hours etc.. I also plan to limit things to no more then 3 sessions a week.

This is a quote from my business plan/ 'vision.'

RG Photography is a personal portrait service. Meeting the need for quality portraits coupled with quality service, working together to give clients the kind of experience that will make them clients for a lifetime.

This is part of why I'd like to make some sort of party or maybe just advertise a bit heavy in the beginning.. because I intend to specialize in personal portraiture, and at lower volumes.. which hopefully will 'counter act' things and make me in high demand (someday).

[Not4wood]

It looks like you covered everything I can think of. Break a Leg, and I wish you a lot of Luck. I actually think your doing something that most of us dream of but can't get around to doing. LOL

[Thunder9]

Good luck from me also, my remarks about zoning come from a place where I am supposed to get a permit for a garage sale, and I live in the middle of nowhere! I must assume there is a divison of code enforcement dedicated to rogue garage sale holders. I can't believe I actually pay my taxes for that.

[sonshine_rae]

yikes.. about the zoning laws.. goodness.... our city has a 'city wide garage sale' every year!

If anyone has further suggestions.. on getting this kind of business 'going' persay, I'm all ears (or is it eyes lol).

~Rae~

[Not4wood]

Without looking, you did mention about spreading the word around. How bout if you ask other businesses if you could leave a flyer or card in there window and maybe while your there ask them if they ever thought about having a Portrait done of themselves for there own store to hang? Also, if you ask them for one of there cards and ask them if you could also display it in your store. Makes them think...