EDIT - The issues in this thread have been addressed by forum members - thankyou. I've left this thread open in case it generates more discussion - END EDIT.
For many years I have played with the idea of setting up a photographer’s shared studio here in Singapore. I have always imagined it to be a hive of activity with photographers doing their work in a large, comfortable, creative and supportive environment.
Having identified what I consider an ideal space to create this studio, I thought I better do some market research to see if my idea can fly before committing to a lease.
And this is where you guys come in. I need some insights from professional photographers and aspiring photographers to assess whether it’s a good idea that can work or big mistake best avoided. Some questions can be found and the end of this entry.
I know this is a forum for all photographers, but I ask amateur photographers to state their situation when responding, so I know where you’re coming from.
The idea is not designed to make a heap of money. Frankly, it’s designed to satisfy my urge to help other photographers, to have access to a ‘happening’ and creative studio and to develop a network of professionals who can help each other out. I could rent a smaller space, keep it all to myself and save a buck – but where’s the fun in that?
Concept:
The “Photographer’s Incubator” encourages professional photographers and emerging professional photographers to grow their customer base, expand their photographic experiences, increase their service offerings and make better images by providing a creative space and studio in central Singapore.
It is envisioned that the incubator would be a hive of activity where creative photographers can work, dream, relax, socialize and create in a supportive and energetic environment.
The incubator space is offered on a cost-effective, semi-casual subscription (monthly contract) to allow the photographers a degree of flexibility in their usage of the facility. It is hoped that each photographer’s business will grow to the point where they can justify their own studio – hence the name, incubator.
No photographer wants to lead a client to a studio that has someone else’s name above the door, so the studio will have generic signage on its exterior to give the appearance that the studio could belong to the photographer.
Basic lighting equipment (4x500w Bowens heads) will be available to users initially. Other equipment to be identified by market research will be added where necessary. Studio users are encouraged to share their lighting and studio equipment to benefit each other in the spirit of co-operation. A co-operative approach to booking the studio will be expected. That is, studio sharing (where possible) is encouraged and studio hogging is discouraged.
Subscribers are strongly encouraged to share their expertise with other subscribers (where appropriate).
Subscribers are strongly discouraged from ‘stealing’ other subscriber’s clients.
Studio users can expect a certain degree of privacy on their sets and the booking system will include a ‘closed set’ option.
Expected Users:
The incubator is designed for the following groups of photographers:
1. Emerging or aspiring professional photographers starting out in their career. They may have a few clients but aren’t in the position to start their own studio. Their need for a well-priced space to work from, exposure to the industry, mentors and credibility are satisfied by the incubator.
2. Established location photographers who occasionally need a studio, but want to expand their service offering by having regular and cost-effective access to a studio. They are also probably tired of working from home and want a space dedicated to their work.
3. Established studio photographers who recognize the benefits of a cost-effective and active studio.
4. Casual studio users who want to immerse themselves in a creative working studio at realistic half-daily prices.
The Space:
The 1,600 square feet space is located in the Tan Boon Liat Building in Outram Road (next to the Holiday Inn or old Concorde Hotel). The building is light industrial with a smattering of retail outlets. It’s presentable enough to bring clients, but comes without the exorbitant rentals of retail spaces. The space has high ceilings (not measured at this stage) and north-east facing windows.
The studio will be divided into three areas. An estimated 400 square feet will be dedicated to desk space. The remaining 1200 will be dedicated to studio space. Flexible partitions will allow the studio space to be divided into two to allow consecutive shoots. One studio will be a darkened studio. The other will be a natural light studio with large windows.
The space will not be luxurious, but will be painted stark white with a hip-industrial feel to it. Simple furnishings will emphasize the working nature of the facility but some fun touches will be included to remind users that it is a creative space.
The building is very central and conveniently positioned with good bus routes going by.
There is a large carpark with reasonable rates at the building.
Proposed Pricing:
The most important aspects of pricing the incubator subscriptions are:
1. The pricing needs to be cost-effective to the subscriber.
2. The pricing needs to reflect that the incubator is a service to the professional photographers of Singapore.
3. Pricing needs to be accessible to emerging photographers.
4. The pricing needs to justify the operator taking the risk of setting up the facility and reward him for his efforts.
5. The pricing needs to be fair.
Based on these principals the following prices are proposed:
--------------------------
Gold Monthly subscription
Includes 24-hour access to studio (based on co-operative booking system), desk / bench, lock-up cupboard, electricity and mail collection.
$890.00 per month.
--------------------------
Emerging Photographer’s Subscription
For subscribers under 26 years of age.
Includes 24-hour access to studio (based on co-operative booking system), desk / bench, lock-up cupboard, electricity and mail collection.
$775 per month.
---------------------------
Location Photographer’s Subscription
Includes 24-hour access to desk / bench (not studio), lock-up cupboard, electricity and mail collection. Three half-day’s access to studio per month during daylight hours plus studio usage from 7pm to 7am (based on co-operative booking system).
$450.00 per month.
----------------------------
Casual Studio User (short notice booking, where available)
Closed studio (approx 600 sq ft)
Half day (four hours) - $260.00
Full day (eight hours) - $480.00
Daylight studio (approx 600 sq ft)
Half day (four hours) - $260.00
Full day (eight hours) - $480.00
Combined studio (approx 1200 sq ft)
Half day (four hours) - $600.00
Full day (eight hours) - $1100.00
Funky breakeven report:
…without spelling out all the numbers!
One subscriber:
I’m stuffed – I’d be better off just renting a small space or continue working from home.
Two subscribers:
I’m somewhat stuffed - but I’ll be paying in rent what I would be for a reasonable sized studio without the hassle of collecting money from photographers every month.
Three subscribers:
The remaining rent is give-or- take what a subscription is, so I’m as happy as the next person, but I’ll still have the stress of running things.
Four subscribers:
Is where I kind-of break-even. This is an ideal number for me. Not too many photographers, not too few. It’s just the right amount to create a buzz and a network of photographers, but not too many to cause jams.
A maximum of four subscribers is anticipated.
Who’s the organizer?
EDIT - Name removed by thread starter - END EDIT
I’m a full-time professional photographer who rarely shoots in the studio but wants to add another string to my bow by offering studio shots. I shoot mainly under-paying magazine location jobs for clients who far too long to pay their invoices! I shoot a lot of people, a lot of food and some interiors. I love what I do and wouldn’t want to do anything else with my life.
In the near future I can see myself promoting my services more to corporate and commercial clients. I might also encourage some more family work to keep me on my toes. I like diverse projects and rarely say no to a job offer.
I’ve been based in Singapore for a number of years, and want to do everything possible to stay here. I have a deep desire to make a difference in other people’s lives by helping them help themselves. I guess this is part of reason why I am thinking of setting up the incubator.
My website is three years out of date, but feel free to have a look – EDIT Address removed - END EDIT.
My market research questions:
Am I crazy thinking this concept could work? What the chances of this project working in Singapore?
What are your concerns about this proposal?
How could this concept be tweaked to make it more attractive to you?
Would you have a need for this service?
Is the pricing right? Why not?
What the chances of this project working in Singapore?
Are there any cultural / local issues that would prevent this project from working (disclosure, I’m Ang Moh!).
What have I missed?
Do you think this studio could support 5 photographers (four subscribers and me) without them tripping over each other and overbooking the studios?
What do you think about the idea of photographers sharing their own studio equipment with others (remembering that this is meant to be a helpful co-operative where everyone wins)?
Please don’t flame me with nasty unproductive comments.
Thanks for reading this far.
EDIT - Name removed by thread starter - END EDIT
For many years I have played with the idea of setting up a photographer’s shared studio here in Singapore. I have always imagined it to be a hive of activity with photographers doing their work in a large, comfortable, creative and supportive environment.
Having identified what I consider an ideal space to create this studio, I thought I better do some market research to see if my idea can fly before committing to a lease.
And this is where you guys come in. I need some insights from professional photographers and aspiring photographers to assess whether it’s a good idea that can work or big mistake best avoided. Some questions can be found and the end of this entry.
I know this is a forum for all photographers, but I ask amateur photographers to state their situation when responding, so I know where you’re coming from.
The idea is not designed to make a heap of money. Frankly, it’s designed to satisfy my urge to help other photographers, to have access to a ‘happening’ and creative studio and to develop a network of professionals who can help each other out. I could rent a smaller space, keep it all to myself and save a buck – but where’s the fun in that?
Concept:
The “Photographer’s Incubator” encourages professional photographers and emerging professional photographers to grow their customer base, expand their photographic experiences, increase their service offerings and make better images by providing a creative space and studio in central Singapore.
It is envisioned that the incubator would be a hive of activity where creative photographers can work, dream, relax, socialize and create in a supportive and energetic environment.
The incubator space is offered on a cost-effective, semi-casual subscription (monthly contract) to allow the photographers a degree of flexibility in their usage of the facility. It is hoped that each photographer’s business will grow to the point where they can justify their own studio – hence the name, incubator.
No photographer wants to lead a client to a studio that has someone else’s name above the door, so the studio will have generic signage on its exterior to give the appearance that the studio could belong to the photographer.
Basic lighting equipment (4x500w Bowens heads) will be available to users initially. Other equipment to be identified by market research will be added where necessary. Studio users are encouraged to share their lighting and studio equipment to benefit each other in the spirit of co-operation. A co-operative approach to booking the studio will be expected. That is, studio sharing (where possible) is encouraged and studio hogging is discouraged.
Subscribers are strongly encouraged to share their expertise with other subscribers (where appropriate).
Subscribers are strongly discouraged from ‘stealing’ other subscriber’s clients.
Studio users can expect a certain degree of privacy on their sets and the booking system will include a ‘closed set’ option.
Expected Users:
The incubator is designed for the following groups of photographers:
1. Emerging or aspiring professional photographers starting out in their career. They may have a few clients but aren’t in the position to start their own studio. Their need for a well-priced space to work from, exposure to the industry, mentors and credibility are satisfied by the incubator.
2. Established location photographers who occasionally need a studio, but want to expand their service offering by having regular and cost-effective access to a studio. They are also probably tired of working from home and want a space dedicated to their work.
3. Established studio photographers who recognize the benefits of a cost-effective and active studio.
4. Casual studio users who want to immerse themselves in a creative working studio at realistic half-daily prices.
The Space:
The 1,600 square feet space is located in the Tan Boon Liat Building in Outram Road (next to the Holiday Inn or old Concorde Hotel). The building is light industrial with a smattering of retail outlets. It’s presentable enough to bring clients, but comes without the exorbitant rentals of retail spaces. The space has high ceilings (not measured at this stage) and north-east facing windows.
The studio will be divided into three areas. An estimated 400 square feet will be dedicated to desk space. The remaining 1200 will be dedicated to studio space. Flexible partitions will allow the studio space to be divided into two to allow consecutive shoots. One studio will be a darkened studio. The other will be a natural light studio with large windows.
The space will not be luxurious, but will be painted stark white with a hip-industrial feel to it. Simple furnishings will emphasize the working nature of the facility but some fun touches will be included to remind users that it is a creative space.
The building is very central and conveniently positioned with good bus routes going by.
There is a large carpark with reasonable rates at the building.
Proposed Pricing:
The most important aspects of pricing the incubator subscriptions are:
1. The pricing needs to be cost-effective to the subscriber.
2. The pricing needs to reflect that the incubator is a service to the professional photographers of Singapore.
3. Pricing needs to be accessible to emerging photographers.
4. The pricing needs to justify the operator taking the risk of setting up the facility and reward him for his efforts.
5. The pricing needs to be fair.
Based on these principals the following prices are proposed:
--------------------------
Gold Monthly subscription
Includes 24-hour access to studio (based on co-operative booking system), desk / bench, lock-up cupboard, electricity and mail collection.
$890.00 per month.
--------------------------
Emerging Photographer’s Subscription
For subscribers under 26 years of age.
Includes 24-hour access to studio (based on co-operative booking system), desk / bench, lock-up cupboard, electricity and mail collection.
$775 per month.
---------------------------
Location Photographer’s Subscription
Includes 24-hour access to desk / bench (not studio), lock-up cupboard, electricity and mail collection. Three half-day’s access to studio per month during daylight hours plus studio usage from 7pm to 7am (based on co-operative booking system).
$450.00 per month.
----------------------------
Casual Studio User (short notice booking, where available)
Closed studio (approx 600 sq ft)
Half day (four hours) - $260.00
Full day (eight hours) - $480.00
Daylight studio (approx 600 sq ft)
Half day (four hours) - $260.00
Full day (eight hours) - $480.00
Combined studio (approx 1200 sq ft)
Half day (four hours) - $600.00
Full day (eight hours) - $1100.00
Funky breakeven report:
…without spelling out all the numbers!
One subscriber:
I’m stuffed – I’d be better off just renting a small space or continue working from home.
Two subscribers:
I’m somewhat stuffed - but I’ll be paying in rent what I would be for a reasonable sized studio without the hassle of collecting money from photographers every month.
Three subscribers:
The remaining rent is give-or- take what a subscription is, so I’m as happy as the next person, but I’ll still have the stress of running things.
Four subscribers:
Is where I kind-of break-even. This is an ideal number for me. Not too many photographers, not too few. It’s just the right amount to create a buzz and a network of photographers, but not too many to cause jams.
A maximum of four subscribers is anticipated.
Who’s the organizer?
EDIT - Name removed by thread starter - END EDIT
I’m a full-time professional photographer who rarely shoots in the studio but wants to add another string to my bow by offering studio shots. I shoot mainly under-paying magazine location jobs for clients who far too long to pay their invoices! I shoot a lot of people, a lot of food and some interiors. I love what I do and wouldn’t want to do anything else with my life.
In the near future I can see myself promoting my services more to corporate and commercial clients. I might also encourage some more family work to keep me on my toes. I like diverse projects and rarely say no to a job offer.
I’ve been based in Singapore for a number of years, and want to do everything possible to stay here. I have a deep desire to make a difference in other people’s lives by helping them help themselves. I guess this is part of reason why I am thinking of setting up the incubator.
My website is three years out of date, but feel free to have a look – EDIT Address removed - END EDIT.
My market research questions:
Am I crazy thinking this concept could work? What the chances of this project working in Singapore?
What are your concerns about this proposal?
How could this concept be tweaked to make it more attractive to you?
Would you have a need for this service?
Is the pricing right? Why not?
What the chances of this project working in Singapore?
Are there any cultural / local issues that would prevent this project from working (disclosure, I’m Ang Moh!).
What have I missed?
Do you think this studio could support 5 photographers (four subscribers and me) without them tripping over each other and overbooking the studios?
What do you think about the idea of photographers sharing their own studio equipment with others (remembering that this is meant to be a helpful co-operative where everyone wins)?
Please don’t flame me with nasty unproductive comments.
Thanks for reading this far.
EDIT - Name removed by thread starter - END EDIT
