Studio Co-Op's - Any experience with one?

[bvaughn4]

I have been thinking of trying to get a few folks together to setup a co-op studio space. Have any of you got any experience with one - either starting one up or participating as a member? Would love to hear your advice and experiences.

Thanks
Bill

[Peacefield]

Curious to hear about this myself. I do so little in-studio myself that I can't justify the cost on my own, but to share . . .

[ohenry]

I've been considering the same thing. Will be monitoring this thread.

[Mark McCall]

In 2006, I closed my large studio on a major street here in town. I've been travelling and shooting location, wedding and commercial work since.

A few months ago, me and two other photographers formed a Coop, got an LLP, and opened shop.
Each of us keeps our business name, but all three are part of the newly formed, Photography Associates of Lubbock.

We all share a studio on Broadway in historic downtown.
2200 square feet, large shooting area, reception area, LARGE bathroom and changing area.
I will try to remember to take photos tomorrow while I'm down there tomorrow.
We all do production work from home, only using the studio for client meetings an sessions.
I got the idea from David Thompkins in New Orleans.

We use a Google Calendar to schedule appointments. Each of us logs on to the calendar, puts our appointments down, so we can all see it, as not to schedule over each other.

So far, it's been a DREAM.

With rent, bills, insurance....my part is about $250 a month, for a classy location with a Broadway address.

[Peacefield]

Wow, at $250/month, that's a no-brainer. I'm in nothern NJ, about an hour outside of NYC. Though commercial real estate is soft here, I don't think three of us could get to a cost that low on such a large space. As always, I have a few quesitons:

Did it need much renovation?

Are two of you permitted to use it at the same time or do you book exclusive time through the calendar?

Is it permanently staffed for walk-in traffic?

[Mark McCall]

No...no renovationed needed on our part.
We did fix up the HUGE bathroom. I'll post photos when I get the chance.

The landlord had just finished a one million dollar renovation on the entire block.
The space has a New York warehouse feel.....we brought in furniture, equipment, backrounds, lights...went to work.

Two people could use it at one time, if needed. Like, say, one shooting, one in the sales area.
Not permanently staffed. All appointments are by appointment.

[Liza]

I'm not involved in a co-op, but I do own a physical facility. Having one seemed to lend more credibility to my business overall and helped triple my business in the first year and may double it again this year (fingers crossed). I'd always just operated as a sideline, but now I work at it full time. I'd say if you have the capital to invest in a studio, which isn't cheap by any scope of the imagination, go for it.

[bvaughn4]

Thanks for the replies. The couple that I found googling and emailed didn't reply so I don't have anything to add there. All my friends seem to think it's a non-starter here in Huntsville and not interested so I guess I'll keep beggin space.

[kriesel]

here is a link to the one in Minneapolis Mpls Photo Center it is really well run and can accomadate quite a few

[Nolmscheid]

Originally Posted by kriesel

here is a link to the one in Minneapolis Mpls Photo Center it is really well run and can accomadate quite a few

Hey another MN Member! Your close to the Iowa border?

We both have Cabelas in our backyard. (I am about 10 minutes from one)