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.
Our annual retreat is back!!
the retreat
August 12th-13th 2025
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. Learn more below!
The agenda
Two full days of learning from the pros. We’ll provide the notebooks because we have about two years of information to throw at you to record.
Consulting with each professional + a business plan curated to your specific needs
Charcuterie for days + all meals are provided!
The most fun gifts from multiple local vendors
Studio operations manual
We have so many fun surprises for you!
Investment: $2,499 - payment plans are available!
Meet the experts
BECKY DURIGAN - The owner of Denver Photo Collective has been running businesses for 15 years. She’s an expert in operations, sales, customer service, HR, and management. Plus, she’s a studio owner consultant for businesses around the country. There’s no one more well-equipped than her to give you everything you need for your own studio! Buckle up, it’s going to be GOOD.
PEANUT BUTTER CREATIVE - Jenna & Becca of Peanut Butter Creative will be here to help you with your Branding! PBC will help us to understand the basics and importance of our brand, and then jump right in to help you find your image. Not only will you leave Studio Prep School with a business plan, but insight into your brand needs brand too!
TAYLOR WILLIAMS - Trademark lawyer and expert on creative businesses will be joining us for all the things you need to know to become ‘official’. So many people skip this step when they open their business, it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle.
CHELSEA CARTER - Chelsea Renee is the Ceremonial CEO, a visionary leader devoted to creating sacred spaces where transformation, self-leadership, and community connection flourish. As the owner of Heart Centered Humans, she curates immersive experiences that help women reconnect with their truth, power, and purpose. She is the creator of FEMPIRE, the business summit for wild-hearted female entrepreneurs, and a sought-after mentor for space holders and heart-centered leaders ready to embody their highest potential and grow their impact.
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!! Stay tuned for the next membership course date!
FREE STUDIO GUIDE
10 essential criteria to starting your own studio
If you’re not ready to jump in but are curious about the business, download our free getting started guide here. These are the 10 things that are crucial to the business, to help direct you on the right path.