The only resource for studio owners

As a relatively new business concept, studio owners everywhere were just ‘winging it’. There wasn’t a handbook or industry standard, until now. We’ve done the research, we’ve worked with owners all over the country and we’ve put everything we know into a Studio Owner Handbook, so we can streamline the studio business for all of us.

Here are the crucial elements we found for studio growth:

Member programs

Community opportunities

Education

Support

Studio prep school

my story

It all started with some inspiration. I walked into Denver Photo Collective in February of 2019, blown away by the beauty of the space, the ease of the access and use for clients, and the brilliant business plan that Suzy had created. I never could have dreamed that a year in a half later, I would be purchasing Denver Photo Collective and making it my own.

The photo here is from the day I walked into DPC. I was a bit nauseous that day, I just found out I was pregnant with my first child. But the excitement was still overwhelming.

Have you felt like that when you walked into a studio? You think I could do this….I could make this even better. I would THRIVE with a career like this. The ideas start flowing and then you stop and thing ‘but how do I get started’? ‘Where do I find a space’? ‘How do I convince everyone in my life it’s worth the leap’? I know how this feels!!!

Since becoming the owner of Denver Photo Collective, I hit the ground running, built a community of members and worked with studio owners all around the country. I get to support our photographers and their business ventures. I get to play at the studio on the weekends and play with my kids all week long. (Because that’s what I like!) I will never go back to the 9-5, or running shoot to shoot to make ends meet. And I am SO DAMN GRATEFUL.

So when other studio owners and photographers saw that I was doing things differently, they asked, ‘How are you doing it’? ‘How are you growing so many members’? How are you surviving the summer months’? ‘How do you have such a balance with your work and family’? And there is nothing more fulfilling than showing them they can too.

With a background in business & photography, I’ve been able to marry the two worlds and create something lasting. So with that, I started Studio Prep School. It just made sense for everyone. By creating a program that shares everything I know, learned and researched over the years. I can’t wait to help you start or grow your current studio! Check out all the ways I can support you on your journey below.

Depending on your level of time, needs and investment, we’ve come up with 3 opportunities to help you on studio path.

how we can help

Online memberships course

Memberships are quickly becoming an industry standard for many reasons. Which the right programs in place, memberships cultivate community, growth and of course a better understanding of our budgets for studio owners.

This year we will make over $50,000 in memberships ALONE. This is now our baseline for budgeting, planning sets and for paying ourselves. Keep in mind, the majority of our business is still hourly bookings, so this is an incredible increase for us.

We teach this condensed 2-hour course in hopes to create an industry standard across the nation. We know that photographers, creatives and business owners benefit through membership for the following:

• Feeling a part of a community they hadn’t experienced before

• Collaborative opportunities & co-working

• Free studio hours (of course!)

• Educational avenues

• Creative endeavors and portfolio building

• Brand recognition, access to great lighting, props and so much more on a monthly bases

• Continued support from the studio owner and others in the network

  Our next Memberships Class for Studio owners is virtual on May 30th!

  Investment: $249

  If you bring in even just one member after, the investment pays for itself in just one month!!

STUDIO PREP SCHOOL RETREAT

August 21st & 22nd 2024

Once a year we invite in aspiring and new studio owners to join us for a 2-day all inclusive retreat for all things studio business!

We cover everything in the Studio Manual Handbook, plus you meet with the experts in the industry, from marketing through legal. We include all meals, pampering, gifts and of course the priceless space for community. Check out the video from last years retreat!