I think I'm going to make the leap!! Studio/ Gallery

[Jason Hermann]

Thanks everybody for the incredible support and encouragement!!!!!!!!!!

I talked with Michele and we went back to look at the space so Michele could see it. She thought it was great as well so I'm doing it!! I told the guy I want it and I'm going to give him a deposit in the next few days I's so freaking excited I can't even tell you all!!

I have so much to think abbout and research:

-studio equipment needs??
-gallery wall hanging systems??
-floorplan layout??
-Credit card machine/ merchant account?? Can I use my paypal?
-Advertising?? How much and when should I do it??
-gallery hours? Studio hours?
-Michele and I both have good full time jobs right now with benifiets?? what to do?
-should I have printing and framing on site?
-how much do I really need on the walls to open the gallery?
-how many matted photos??
-pricing? session fees?
-how much will the overhead really be?
-cash register?
-whats a good color for a gallery? walls ect..

These are some of thoughts going through my head right now

The plan is to open in February so that gives us time to get stuff together and come up with a good plan. Plus gives time for the area to be cleaned up by the Landlord ect..

I don't have that much money in savings or anything so unfortunatly I'm going to have ti use credit of some kind be it a loan or cards to get some must have items.

I'm going to need a ton of pre-cut mattes and prints for the gallery. ZContainers to hold the matted photos in categories I guess??

Inventory? How do I do that??

Anyways, mind mind is going in 1000 directions right now so I appreciate any thoughts you all might have regarding this or otherwise

Best,
Jay

[Dratom]

I think you have stumbled on the a great thing here. Good luck and when you get the gallery up post images!!!

[peterst6906]

Congrats on the opportunity Jay.

Doing it will come with a lot of work (I'm going through something similar at the moment, but not directly photography related), but if it works out, the rewards far out way the time and effort.

From where I am currently sitting, just trying it is one of the best things you can ever do.

Regards,

Peter

[PrestonSmith]

Congratulations!

Just a thought from right field, check the zoning ordinances and status and make double darn sure that you fit there with the business that you are planning to run.

[Loyce]

Since I've never done anything like this, I have no advice to offer you, Jay; but I do wish you good luck. It sounds like a great opportunity.

The advice you've been given so far seems to be good advice. I would definitely pay attention to it and follow their advice!

[felix.reichardt]

Jay, great opportunity and I am glad you are doing it. You are one of the most talented guys here! All the best.

[littlegal]

Takes money to make money. Your work is fab. I say your return will be ten fold.

[Jason Hermann]

Thanks everybody for sharing your thoughts and encouragement It means a lot and if it wasn't for Photocamel, I would NEVER be in this situation to begin with!!

Best,
Jay

[boatswife]

What an exciting opportunity!

[amature]

Originally Posted by Worm324

He also said he wants to put in a door the conncts the stairway to the coffee shop with a sign saying "Jason Hermann Photgraphy/ Gallery upstairs" right now the door to upstairs is just around the corner from the main door. about 5 feet away in a great spot as is.

Jay,
Does the owner of the coffee shop own the building? If not, is sub-leasing allowed? Also if I understand correctly, it appears what you have stated above is that the space you would be renting is only accessable through the coffee shop. Would you have your own private entrance to the space?
If not, assuming you rent the space, what happens when you want access to the gallery during hours the coffee shop is closed? Do you have access, or is access contingent upon the coffee shop being open? In these tough economical times there is always a possibility that the coffee shop goes under and someone does a lockout (possibly creditors)of the coffee shop. Would your business personal property be in-accessable?