Finally – my own studio area.
Today has been an exciting day – I signed the lease on a large studio space. I’ve been sharing studio space the last year, but it’s become obvious over time (even before then), that I really, really need my own space. My own studio, and my own office area away from home. And here it is – the studio as it is now. Two iPhone photos just to show what it is. It is huge, and as you can see, lots of window light. And it’s just 10 minutes’ drive from my home here in New Jersey.
I’m obviously very pleased with this. The studio space will hopefully be the start of even better things this year.
This was how the studio looked at the start of February. Since then the studio has had a transformation. This is how it looks right now: NvN studio
update: a week later
A few photos to show the progress during this first week:
The first morning, Monday, Feb 4th, with some stuff I dropped off last night, and a bunch more lighting gear that I dragged in today … and a new Apple Cinema display.
That same afternoon with a new shelving unit assembled. It’s all still looking a little sad and empty.
That same first evening after the 2nd carload of stuff was unloaded. We’re getting there!
On Wednesday, Feb 6th – the carpeting is being installed in one half of the studio. I shifted all the gear and pieces of furniture to the other side. Just some extra furniture and the auto-poles, then I’m pretty much set up.
The transformation continues. The carpet is in! The carpet fills half the space and completely changed the look of the place. The acoustics is hugely improved too. Next step, the rest of the furniture and two bookshelves.
update: 10 days later
I’m nearly there! The bookshelves are in place, and the canvases are up. Now just a few other items need to added, such as the lovely couch that is on its way.
This is the view along the one wall, as you enter the studio’s door. These 7′ tall display banners are intended for bridal shows, but they may as well temporarily serve a purpose here in the studio.
Update: 2 weeks later …
… and I’m done!
Everything in place: furniture, 3 bookshelves w/ sample albums, brochures, books, etc.
(The one bookshelf just has photography books.)
Here is how it looks with the over-head house lights turned off. Cozy.
Related links
- Photography studio, NJ
- Anelisa – studio photo session
- A promotional video clip for my studio
- Rental photo studio, New Jersey
Best of luck in your new space Neil.
Ray
Very nice, looks like you’ll be spending a lot of time building it out. NJ?
Looks great, Neil. A much nicer space with good light.
Congratulations Neil!
Exciting news, Neil! Congratulations! Looking forward to see how you will organize the studio. Good luck!
Congratulations Neil! Great looking space!
Echo all sentiments above. Great space.
Alright! Lets get to work! Blessings, Gregory
Congratulations Neil.You deserve your own studio space. I’m sure we will all benifit from the informative articals, tangents, and wonderful photos that will be created there.
Congratulations again.
So happy for you! Congratulations and, of course, THANK YOU for all your insights!
Good for you, and good for us :)
Great stuff! – looking forward to all the new articles created in your new ‘sandpit’ – all the best
Best wishes Neil.
Till now (since beginning of last year that I’m following your blog) I was happy with every post just for myself.
But now, I am twice as happy because one of my mentor’s dream comes true.
Congratulations Neil! Great news and good for you! Maybe an article on being a photographer without a studio/getting a studio could be interesting for everyone and you can share your experiences with us. Keep up the great photos and blog, I enjoy it. Cheers from London.
Congratulations and all the best with the new venture!
Looking good – I look forward to seeing the progress of the space on your blog.
Good luck – hope all goes well. Nice window light and will be great to see when you are fully set up and running :)
Good luck with the new studio Neil, it looks like a great space.
Hey Neil,
Congratulations and best wishes for an even brighter future now with your own studio.
Great news! What part of the North East ( what city or town ) is it located ??
Hello neil congratulations on your new studio :-) i have been watching your new seminar on youtube love it,your videos and site have helped me massively i really would love to attend your workshops i am in scotland though so will be tough to arrange.Next time you are in europe i would love to arrange to meet you if possible :-)
good job!
i’m a bit envious. hope it serves you well.
My most sincere congratulations. It will be a fantastic study. Good luck in his new career.
What a kick ass studio.
Hi Neil,
mazal tov! love them windows.
Neil, best wishes in the New Studio. It looks great! You’ve been a real help to my learning Portrait Photography and using your Black Foamie Thing. Kindest regards. Ed Weidman
Great news mate, which way is the window facing? Lots of light great, just got to kit the place out now. Im quite envious ha. Looking forward to more studio tangents.
The windows face north-east. So yes, a lot of window light.
I have most of the lighting gear I’d want. In other words, our house have been very crowded up until now with all the equipment stashed here. I just need a few more items still.
whew, congrats! such a large room in NYC — that’s pure luxury!! cheers, Tilo
The studio space is in New Jersey, so it’s about 10x more affordable than NYC.
Have a look at the size of the apartment you get in Manhattan for $990 a month! Then you’ll realize that an actual studio space in Manhattan is still a far away off.
Congraduations!!! When Im in NJ i will make point to visit your Studio. Best wishes
Congratulations Neil! Keep us posted as you get set up, I’m interested to see what you do with the space. :-)
It looks modest now but will be great once you set it up fully!
Looking good Neil.
You certainly will have lots of room to work with judging by the looks of that.
Great news it’s finished.
Now, if only this couch was not so . . . well . . . comfortable, I’d be up and working. :)
congrats Neil with the new studio
like the big windows
Congrats and good luck Neil !
Congratulation, Neil. Keep us posted. Really nice space!
That’s a gorgeous space! Well deserved, Neil :-)
Hi Neil,
Did you get the 7′ retractable banners you use for trade shows locally or did you use an internet company? I’m looking to get several of these made for myself.
Simply Canvas
Welcome, Neighbor….looks STELLAR, even with all that intimidating gear of yours!
Looking forward to seeing you this weekend!
Best wishes in your new space!
CN
I have been following your blog for ages and ages and have learnt so much from you (it was you who made me no longer scared of flash), and I am so so so happy for you that you have this space as I know how expensive, stressful, and difficult to obtain a studio space can be plus I guess it’s almost every serious photographer’s desire (to have their own studio space).
Also, from the photos, you are clearly blessed with a strong feminine side; coz the lovely layout and homeliness of your studio is far better than the garden shed laddish layout I would have in such a place.
The space looks awesome. I just hope it ain’t costing silly money ……….. and if it is, I hope you earn enough to pay for it three times over. :o)
Well done, and I wish you many happy and prosperous years in your new space.
Warmest Regards,
plevyadophy
Thank you. I did want to give a part of the studio a home-y feel where I could meet clients or just hang out.
Here is the updated view of what the studio looks like now.
The rent isn’t scary, fortunately. And if I compare it to what I was paying for shared studio space, then it was obvious I had to make this move.
I also intend renting the studio out, so that too will help making the studio profitable over time.
For what you have shared over the years – I wish this new enterprise pays you back many, many times over. ALL the best!!!