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
1ray says
Best of luck in your new space Neil.
Ray
2denton says
Very nice, looks like you’ll be spending a lot of time building it out. NJ?
3Richard Skoonberg says
Looks great, Neil. A much nicer space with good light.
4Gary Derbridge says
Congratulations Neil!
5Andrew says
Exciting news, Neil! Congratulations! Looking forward to see how you will organize the studio. Good luck!
6Tom Dougherty says
Congratulations Neil! Great looking space!
7Trev says
Echo all sentiments above. Great space.
8Gregory says
Alright! Lets get to work! Blessings, Gregory
9Bob Halloway says
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.
10Angela R says
So happy for you! Congratulations and, of course, THANK YOU for all your insights!
11Omar S says
Good for you, and good for us :)
12Johan says
Great stuff! – looking forward to all the new articles created in your new ‘sandpit’ – all the best
13Stavros says
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.
14Pete says
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.
15lawrence says
Congratulations and all the best with the new venture!
16Terry Whyman says
Looking good – I look forward to seeing the progress of the space on your blog.
17Paul Hunter says
Good luck – hope all goes well. Nice window light and will be great to see when you are fully set up and running :)
18Richard Liston says
Good luck with the new studio Neil, it looks like a great space.
19Walter says
Hey Neil,
Congratulations and best wishes for an even brighter future now with your own studio.
20RON LEMISH says
Great news! What part of the North East ( what city or town ) is it located ??
21james says
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 :-)
22bill taylor says
good job!
i’m a bit envious. hope it serves you well.
23Ángel says
My most sincere congratulations. It will be a fantastic study. Good luck in his new career.
24tom says
What a kick ass studio.
25udi says
Hi Neil,
mazal tov! love them windows.
26Ed Weidman says
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
27Jason Rodgers says
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.
28Neil vN says
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.
29Tilo says
whew, congrats! such a large room in NYC — that’s pure luxury!! cheers, Tilo
30Neil vN says
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.
31Neil Patel says
Congraduations!!! When Im in NJ i will make point to visit your Studio. Best wishes
32Lanthus Clark says
Congratulations Neil! Keep us posted as you get set up, I’m interested to see what you do with the space. :-)
33Dave says
It looks modest now but will be great once you set it up fully!
34Trev says
Looking good Neil.
You certainly will have lots of room to work with judging by the looks of that.
35Trev says
Great news it’s finished.
Now, if only this couch was not so . . . well . . . comfortable, I’d be up and working. :)
36michel says
congrats Neil with the new studio
like the big windows
37Sri says
Congrats and good luck Neil !
38Regina says
Congratulation, Neil. Keep us posted. Really nice space!
39Laura N. says
That’s a gorgeous space! Well deserved, Neil :-)
40Joe says
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.
41Neil vN says
Simply Canvas
42Christina says
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
43plevyadophy says
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
44Neil vN says
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.
45Rolf says
For what you have shared over the years – I wish this new enterprise pays you back many, many times over. ALL the best!!!