What better than someone who has been in your shoes to help you. If you are a photographer, and you want to set up your own photography studio, this is a sign that you can do it.
In today’s article, on the one hand we are going to give you some tips on how to set up an advertising and portrait photography studio from scratch. And on the other hand, we’re going to tell you briefly the story that has allowed Katherin Wermke, the founder of Barcelona Photographer, to have her own photography studio in Barcelona. A story of constant effort that is still being written today. And with even more tenacity and strength, if that’s possible.
As a preview, we’ll tell you that sometimes a goal is not achieved the first time around. Or perhaps it is achieved, but not in the way you wanted from the beginning or it doesn’t turn out as you expected. And that’s fine, let’s look at learning and not at mistakes. The important thing is to have the ability to adapt, to keep going despite the obstacles, to learn along the way and to pursue what you want to have. Whether it’s your own studio or a rented studio, another very interesting option to consider.
And without further ado, let’s get to it.
Define your photographic style and your target audience
There are so many possibilities that sometimes it is difficult to choose. Or maybe not, maybe you have been very clear from the beginning what kind of portrait photography or advertising photography you want to do in your studio. But in both cases you will need to define it in order to focus all your actions and energies in the right way.
For example, are you more inclined towards corporate portraits, fashion photography, or product advertising? Defining your niche will allow you to focus your investments and efforts on the right audience.
And when it comes to your photographic style, and the one that will differentiate you in the market, you also have to define it at the beginning. Spend time experimenting with different lighting, composition and post-production techniques. With the equipment you have, and within your possibilities. Because this will also help you to design your creative process. And with it, to find a suitable space for the type of photography you want to do.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t experiment later on, but that you should lean towards a path to find out if it’s the one you want to continue to grow in. Or change direction. And feel free to do so as often as necessary. Because photography is a form of expression, so you have to feel aligned with the kind of photography you want to make a living with.
Choosing your studio space and pursuing your goals
Once you know what kind of space you need to take the photographs you want, you can rent a photo studio. When you are starting out, if you don’t want to, or can’t afford to, invest every month in renting or paying the purchase fee for a studio, the best thing to do is to seek the support of other photographers. This will make it much easier for you to start gaining clients and getting your first jobs. Because the investment will be minimal, and at the same time, you will have at your disposal a professional space to work in, which will make you look good to your clients. You will transmit more professionalism to them and with that, you will generate more confidence.
Another option is to look for other photographers to join forces and be able to assume the rental fee of a place to convert it into a photography studio. Or start in the living room of your home, however small it may be, if possible. As an anecdote, and because we have promised to tell you how Katherin Wermke started, she began working as a photographer in Barcelona in 2002, in the living room of her 40 square metre house. And then she had two studios that she shared with colleagues in the industry. Since 2021 she has been co-founder of the Barcelona photography studio Photo Utopia (@photoutopiabcn), and she also founded her own audiovisual production company in Barcelona, Barcelona Photographer, 15 years ago.
Although her career in the audiovisual world began at the age of 19, one of her greatest achievements, and one she can be very proud of, is that she has never stopped. Perseverance is a very powerful tool.
Katherin Wermke in her first studio in 2002
More about the career of Katherin Wermke
It’s very broad, but to give you an idea that even if you have no idea how to set up a photography studio, standing still is not an option. Make your way and make the most of your potential, wherever you are in the world.
And after this advice, let’s move on.
Katherin Wermke has worked and lived in New York covering New York Fashion Week for years. She has lived and worked in India, based in Barcelona and Berlin. Nowadays she works both in Spain and internationally, in Milan, Munich, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, etc. And among his latest destinations in agencies in the USA and India.
We want to give you this context so that you understand the importance of continuing. Even if not everything is in your favour and you don’t have as many resources as you would like. Because it is very likely that if you learn from your mistakes and set out, with your ups and downs included, to set up a photography studio from scratch, you will succeed.
Try and decide the type of photo studio you want to set up.
Create and create. If this is your goal as a photographer, you have several options available to you until you decide to set up your own studio. If you eventually decide that it’s for you.
In the meantime, give it a try. But do it in a professional space with everything you’ll need to create an impeccable, top-quality portfolio. One that reflects your essence, and your creativity, and that generates an impact on your target audience.
How and where? If you are from Barcelona or the surrounding area, you can create as much as you want at Photo Utopia, the studio of the Barcelona photographer agency. This studio is located in a magnificent area of Barcelona, in the Gràcia district. And there you have two sets at your disposal, one of 90 square metres and the other of 40 square metres. Together, if you need a very large set for your project, they add up to 130 metres with everything you’ll need to develop your most creative side.
From professional lighting equipment or professional studio flashes, tripods, cyclorama, paper backdrops, light modifiers, wardrobe and make-up area, cephers and more.
An opportunity to explore, which will allow you to become aware of what you will need if you want to set up a photographic studio.
Be curious, be creative, pursue what makes you happy and above all, learn from your experiences in the exciting world of advertising and portrait photography.
