Studios: How to get more bookings

We want PurplePort to be the best place for your studio photoshoots. We explain what we expect to see from all studios on PurplePort so your studio account is first-class (which we know will boost your bookings).

Studios can come in various shapes and sizes and can be for photography or as a space for artists to work.

Below are some of the types of studios we have on PurplePort:

• Photography
• Art
• Private/home
• Warehouse
• Stately home/mansion
• Water-based (for underwater photography)

Whatever the space, your studio should be kitted out for the purpose for which it is being advertised so that anyone wishing to hire your space will know exactly what they can use.

What does your studio look like?

The first thing most people do—before they even read about your great facilities—is take a quick glance at your images. You must have clear, high-quality images that sell your studio and inform others exactly what your space looks like.

Somewhere on your portfolio page, you must have images that show the actual space you have, which should be displayed before any images taken during previous shoots at the studio. Ideally, these initial, crucial images should cover key aspects of your studio and demonstrate to customers what they can expect to see when they walk through your doors on their first shoot.

You could do this by using adding images:

• To your portfolio notes: Either include a link to an album or add the images directly to your portfolio notes
• In your main portfolio: You show these images in your main portfolio and use albums to display images from previous shoots (hiding these from your portfolio page)
• To an album: You can create an album dedicated to images of your studio, freeing up the rest of your portfolio, your portfolio notes, and other albums to show images from previous shoots.

Once you’ve included images of your studio somewhere, you can add images during previous shoots in various places, such as your portfolio notes, your main portfolio, and/or albums. These images don't need to be taken by you, but they must be taken in your studio.

What’s available?

Equipment: A brief description of the type of equipment available at the studio. For example, green room, modifiers, backgrounds, backdrops, infinity cove, lighting, gels, wind machine, props, reflector, etc.

Pre-made sets: These sets could include a bathroom, bedroom, sofa, floor coverings, etc.

Lighting: List the different types of artificial lighting you have available or whether you have a good source of natural light.

Facilities: Details of facilities and whether they are in the studio space itself or available nearby. This could be a kitchen, type of heating, toilets, car parking, etc., as well as the types of refreshments or tea/coffee-making facilities available.

Access: Perhaps the studio is on the ground floor and has a roller door, which means it can accommodate cars, motorbikes, and other vehicles, as well as any other large props.

Dimensions/measurements: Provide measurements for how large the space is, including the ceiling height.

Additional space: This could include a particular feature of your studio that makes it different. Perhaps there is access to the roof, which provides great views, or maybe there is beautiful garden space available for use. Make sure you add images of these special features.

Resident members (photographers, models, etc.): If you have resident models, photographers, etc., you may wish to add links to their PurplePort portfolios. Additionally, you could also create an album to show some of the work they have created whilst at your studio.

Rates, deposits, and cancellation fees

Provide rates for hiring out your studio (e.g. per hour, per day, etc.), whether a deposit is required (including how much it is), and which methods of payment you are able to accept (e.g. PayPal, bank transfer, cash, etc.).

Also, mention whether you accept trade/TFP work and any cancellation terms you have (including notice required and fee).

Availability

Use your PurplePort calendar to show when you have bookings and when your studio is available.

Transport links

If your studio is close to any transport links (e.g. train or bus station, tramline, airport, etc) it can be really helpful to mention it for those using public transport. You could also provide details of nearby car parking for those who are travelling by car.

Promote your studio

We have some great features on PurplePort that you can use to mass-communicate with other members and advertise your studio:

• Groups (Click here to learn more about the Groups)
• Castings (Click here to learn more about Castings)
• Events

Still stuck?

Looking at other studios on PurplePort using our Search feature to see what they are doing can be a great way to find inspiration.

If you are still unsure, you can contact us anytime by creating a support ticket from our Help & Support page.