Studio Tour // When Should You Get A Photography Studio?

LIGHTROOM & CAPTURE ONE PRESET PACKS: goo.gl/MnxPEu
Best ROYALTY FREE MUSIC: share.epidemics...
--------------------
Join me on PATREON: / nathanelson
--------------------
JUST A QUICK NOTE: This is a shared studio space that I joined 3 years ago and not an individual effort to get the studio to the place where it is today. There were a lot of hands that went into creating what is now known as Colony Studios. It takes a village.
--------------------
FOLLOW ME:
Instagram: / nathanelson
Twitter: / nathanelson
Website: www.nathanelson...
--------------------
SEND STUFF TO:
Nathan Elson Photography
#122 - 4029 8th St SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2G 3A5
Canada

[@NathanElson]

#filmsnotdead 😉

[@MiaogisTeas]

Love it mate, you mentioned a tutorial about metering for your parabolic lighting setup, can't wait to see it! //Inb4 some jackass says its not parabolic 😁

[@artznco]

lol

[@TheJayCubitt]

Before I even watch this video, I just want to say a quick word. I realize that it takes a lot of work and time to make this content, but you need to know that your videos are important, at least to me...lol. I absolutely LOVE your content and I wish you had time to make more. I'm not even in the same genre of photography as yourself, but I always find myself learning from you and being inspired by your videos. As a fellow Canadian I thank you for representing, as well as introducing me to StrobePro. They're awesome. Please keep up the great work and I hope this message reaches you and maybe gives you a small boost as its the least I can do to thank you as a big fan and someone who is better because of YOU! All the success to you bro. Cheers!

[@NathanElson]

Honestly, I don’t even know how to say thank you for this little message. In a place as volatile as KZbin can be, you totally made my day with this. Cheers -Nate

[@joanmedina2886]

I'll cosign that

[@SamiEJ]

@@NathanElson also want to further this goodwill. Thank you for taking the time and effort in your day to share your path that some of us are just about to start upon. This video still brings value a year later, and you nailed one singular point which was the final note where I allow myself to take this step with a clear conscience. Wishing you the best of success Nathan!

[@NathanElson]

@@SamiEJ thanks man!

[@CARdasians]

love the black and white thing....and this studio is GOALS MAN! just subed!

[@jrooney58]

Very good advice about choosing a studio. I will add a couple of things. I have had the chance to go in with a few photographer friends for studio space . We share expenses for the space, which includes rent, plus other “disposable items” like paper backdrop rolls and V-flats. We set up a calendar and reserve time when we need it. We also ran an “open studio” day about once a month where outsiders were able to come in and shoot. All of us were expected to contribute to running the days, and the fees from the days deferred some studio expenses. Obviously, the con of such an arrangement is that studio availability is dependent upon others, much as in a rental arrangement. However, my experience was that it was rarely a problem. It ended up being a lot cheaper than rentals with the bonus that I didn’t have to haul equipment to and from the rental studio. Additionally, if your city has older factory buildings, and almost every city in North America does, inquire whether space is available to rent in those buildings. It’s not uncommon for spaces like that to be rented out to artisans of many stripes. The building that I had space in rented space to furniture makers, painters, and other arts and crafts people. Old factory buildings have two great advantages for photographers: high ceilings and large windows for natural light shooting.

[@SPICYHOTNEWS]

Wait...... waaait a minute! Is this Black and White???🤔💣

[@NathanElson]

Most of the time, yes.

[@marsey30]

"Who shoots film? So old and out dated. Anyway here are my Polaroids. Record player and typewriter" hehe silly!

[@jamiecozier]

"Who shoots film anymore?" honestly dude, quite a large amount of people... Still nice studio man!

[@Tyleralbertiphoto]

Awesome stuff man! I made the decision to rent my own studio almost 2 years ago now and haven't looked back since! Ive been able to take on work that I couldn't previously which in turn now covers all my overheads of the studio space which I can now use to make passive income from by renting it back to other local photographers!

[@pawelecphoto]

As a fellow studio owner (@Studio311.ca) in Toronto, I can relate and am glad that you state the hard facts (pros/cons) of having a studio. I recently re-signed my lease and spent a solid month debating if the overhead was worth it... esp being in Canada w/ at least 2-3 months of downtime due our winter season/holidays. Property costs in Toronto are huge (my studio is 1,300 sq ft) in downtown (Queen St E), but having my own creative space and one that clients appreciate as well is a huge benefit. Keep up the great vids!

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

“Oh whoa, this is legit” is most of my motivation. Looking at a studio currently and it would be the only one in my town. Gotta love the midwest😂

[@rodneylaine9575]

I didn't realize the video was in black & white till he mentioned it. I am really observant

[@user-fza3]

Making Video as question is great, thanks for video

[@NathanElson]

Glad you liked it!

[@wahabothman3347]

ها يوسف رد عليك 😂

[@dhirvasandani]

why is video black and white

[@jc-crafford]

Nathan, what is the width and length of your main shooting area?

[@vinhsanity]

Every time I saw your studio in the vids I thought you shot in an industrial style residential loft because of the kitchen. Awesome studio - I've got goals now!

[@NathanElson]

Ya I’ve had that question a few times, but no it’s not set up as a living space 😉

[@mattdavidcreative]

Great video! Would love to see the budget breakdown of your studio! Cheers 🤙

[@wiserbud23]

Nice video and great advice for those looking to invest in a studio. I have been in that boat where I was renting a space shared by other photographers I knew; you still have to bring that gear every time and are almost obligated to ask if they want to collab in a creative style shoot. The only time I saw value was when one of the photographers left the country for a month and offered me the space to use for a fraction of what I spent so I put it to good use! It is so beneficial to have the space of it makes sense and for the style of shoot I was doing, I couldn’t imagine doing it anywhere else! It’s great that you are able to capitalize by bringing in more than enough revenue especially in YYC where there’s so many casual TFP’s that make it impossible to make money. Keep doing your thing and you will always get your clients coming! Btw great work on your B&W sessions; I’ve worked with one of your recent models( Daniela) and it looked liked a fantastic set! She really likes the camera and makes your job easy as a photographer 👌 Keep up the great work!

[@makethemawesome]

Regarding the bit about other spaces to possibly utilize for shooting in: band rehearsal spaces. We use them all the time for our projects and they've worked wonderfully for us without putting out a lot of money.

[@cjf86811]

I liked him in the Avengers as the arch villain Thanos. I was unaware he also was a photographer, very talented individual :)

[@denshizzle0517]

Im a newborn/baby/ portrait photographer.. I used to have a studio but because of Covid, we had to shut it down since the place is not profitable for us and clients opt for home service sessions.. Now that everything is getting back to normal, I loss around 20 shoots just because i dont have a studio.. We will be putting a studio again in a better location, hopefully everything will turn out great.. just a little nervous maybe because I had trauma with covid and stuff.. But yeah, im investing now in a better studio..

[@NathanElson]

Ya it's been an interesting few years for the photography world and we all came out of it with our scars, but in the end you can only move forward from it.

[@PhilGregoryFX]

Man that into music blast really sucked. The thrash-style music is a very aquired taste that only appeals to a small minority and is generally disliked by the rest due to it's extreme harshness and assault on on the senses, so why was it included here? The answer may well be because it is the channel creators favourite music and as it is his channel then he can include whatever noise he wishes, which is true but not is not very smart if you are trying to grow your audience rather than alienate them. At the end of the day, it was a very poor design choice from a professional content creator who should have known a lot better and should not have created such a glaring and obvious faux pas. You design for your intended audience and not for your high school music preferences. It would be my bet that that many of the viewers of this video also found the grunge-thrash music out of place at best and painful at worst, which is what I found it, due to being in the 20% of the population that suffer with senorsory-overload due to issues like ADHD ( which I have ), Autism, Anxiety Disorders and generalised over-sensitivity disorder. Unless this video is specifically designed for males between the ages of 14 and 25, then I would opt to choose a less grinding and more appropriate soundtrack, inorder to to help boost subscribers rather than loosing them.

[@NathanElson]

Or you could just never visit my channel again? I'd rather that than having someone leave useless comments like this one.

[@otisrobertson3086]

Nathan, if you just so happen to see this comment, thanks for the video. I'm only a year into shooting "professionally" and have used a few spaces, even a farm for session work. I'm currently moving some stuff around in my garage for studio work, and trying to utilize the space as much as possible in order to provide several looks and choices. I will definitely make a plan and write out what I would use an actual space for if I were to open a photography studio. Great video man. Awesome content.

[@NathanElson]

Thanks Otis, happy that the video can help you in making your future plans.

[@martindalpe.photography]

Hi, nice studio, have a question, it's hard to visualize the real dimension of the studio, could you just give a rough estimate ? I'm curious. :)

[@NathanElson]

Studio is about 2000 sq ft

[@theshowroomzambia]

thank you for information I much needed

[@NathanElson]

Glad it could help!

[@christopherbgriffith]

This was a very insightful and thoughtful answer to the question you posed in the title. The comparison to lens rentals makes a lot of intuitive sense. Your space looks awesome, btw.

[@NathanElson]

Thanks Christopher! Glad you were able to get something out of it.

[@JLCImagery]

That part about pushing yourself is a real jewel ... I tell lots of photographers " dont become a studio rat, venture out"

[@badhabit714]

I have rats in my studio but Im ot one of them.

[@kavanlake871]

Watched this one again...as I get ready to dive into my own studio again. Awesome as usual. Man, I have watched all your videos. When can we get some more? Sending love ✌🏾

[@NathanElson]

Trying to make it every Wednesday right now :)

[@tinderbox218]

"haven't gone out and WUNG it in a while"...lol

[@geko9425]

Hi Nathan, your content is always interesting and inspirational. Thank you for that! Keep up the good work. Greetings from germany

[@NathanElson]

Thanks for watching!

[@sandb1867]

Thanks for this helpful video. Your studio is stunning and compels me to work towards that. The tip on renting spaces and your business advice are great.

[@NathanElson]

Glad it helped!

[@the5millionentertainment25]

This video would be better coloured.

[@MrPaulosidney]

Amazing studio you got ... congratulations!

[@vijaychitte6921]

I do believe one should have own studio ... I do have mine , but still I believe world is great studio it self ...

[@NathanElson]

Couldn't agree more

[@matthewcoughlin8065]

Hey Nathan, not sure if I missed this in the video or not. Did you buy this space or are you renting it?

[@NathanElson]

Hey Matthew, the space is leased.

[@snapshotmediagroupuganda9105]

Hi there, I've been impressed by your video. I'm Frank from Kampala Uganda. I'm a photographer & film maker. Pse help me find two used canon 5d mark iiis.. All the videos on my chanell are made using Nikon d3200& d7000. I'm really struggling to upgrade to pro staff

[@freedompanda9438]

Great video, Nathan! Im a former studio photographer at a nationwide, corporate studio, and I’m wanting to open up my own studio in the small community I’m in, just two miles south of the Canadian border, western US. I have much of my equipment, and was blessed with the ability to purchase a piece of property outright, and build. (So no rent/mortgage). A smaller space than yours, but same basic idea. I appreciated your views you shared. Just found you, subscribed. 👍🏼 And about that #filmisnotdead part...I forgive you. Barely. 🤣 🎞

[@romiemiller7876]

Studio pros: I'm in my 70s, have arthritis, no car, and now is our yearly "monsoon season" that runs 2-3 months. Cons: I'm living on social security at a little over $1,000 a month with little left over for a studio. And, the pandemic has ruined business. I have to figure all this out. If I got a studio I'd have to live in it too. The hardest thing for me to figure out is location.

[@NathanElson]

Location is definitely key.

[@romiemiller7876]

@@NathanElson You're right. I was once told that there are three things to consider in starting a business: location, location, and location.

[@russdixon614]

great info thanks for taking the time to share, love the mono filming format.

[@NathanElson]

Thanks man, glad you enjoyed it.

[@sannamelendez6784]

What content do you shoot? How did you find your niche or do you do a bit of everything? New subscriber thank you for this video, I am debating on getting my own studio so this really helped me!

[@NathanElson]

I shoot mostly portrait work, be in commercial, corporate, fashion, or industrial. Typically if it involves people and needs to be creative, that's what I get hired for. I guess you could say I found my niche by shooting what I enjoy shooting and not thinking about trends or what anyone else was doing, and that translated into my own personal style.

[@sannamelendez6784]

@@NathanElson gotcha! Thank you for responding ❤️

[@bj1676]

Dude, why in B+W for studio tour?

[@NathanElson]

It's just the way I roll.

[@charlyrodriguez9506]

HI NATHAN IM FROM GUADALAJARA MEXICO I AM A COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER BUT I GOT SICK ABOUT HOW THE AD AGENCIES WORK HERE SI IM TRYING TO STAR A PORTRAIT CONCEPT PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS SO MY QUESTION IS YOU THINK IS A GOOD IDEA TO SET MY STUDIO IN MY APARTMENT IS KIND OF BIG BUT THE CEILINGS ARE NOT TO HIGH I WOULD LOVE YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS AND WILL BE GREAT IF YOU A WORKSHOP HERE IN MEXICO SOME TIME THANKS

[@RomanovArt]

Dreams-dreams... Cool!

[@markvidal8430]

Keep doing you. Are you still thinking about a title sequence change? I remember you had curiosity for that.

[@coreyc490]

Game of phones

[@Zone41]

Very realistic, the pros and cons about getting a studio!

[@nerdybitch1526]

Why is the video in b&w kinda dumb when you’re doing a studio tour. But. Okay

[@papabee3381]

Wow amazing! You have such a beautiful studio

[@NathanElson]

Thank ya

[@papabee3381]

Greeting from Laos 🇱🇦 where the weather is also 40ໍໍC but not -40c like yours

[@jaffthompson]

nice video!

[@arthurrichardson9322]

Where can I order the white podium boxes that you have in your studio?

[@leemataa1296]

스튜디오가 정말 멋지네요 특히 입구쪽하고 2층에 있는 부분이 너무 맘에 듭니다 2층은 클라이언트하고 미팅하기도 좋고 클라이언트한테 점수를 따기 아주 좋은 포인트인 것 같습니다 필름시절이 아니라서 이젠 다들 암실을 사용하지 않는데 암실이 있다는 것도 매우 인상적입니다 사진가 입장이나 클라이언트 입장에서 볼때 스튜디오 배치가 매우 좋습니다 번창하세요~ ^^

[@shauwnKnight]

I’m new here, I like what you’re doing. I just subscribed! More with the sony A6400 please.

[@swopshots3189]

Awesome setup Nathan!!

[@NathanElson]

Thanks Man!

[@Kennethscartoons]

What’s the best way to look for spaces 👀

[@NathanElson]

It takes a lot of patience. Finding a space that fits your needs but stays within budget takes a lot of time and a little bit of luck.

[@Kennethscartoons]

Nathan Elson is there any certain apps I can use ?

[@badhabit714]

Bro..when are you making more vids?

[@bernyslid]

This is new black and white vlog and I love it can't pull it off bc I love cannon colors but this is amazing love it!! 👍🏾

[@NathanElson]

Haha thanks Berny

[@phelix920]

Well said. Your studio is beautiful. Your organization setup and placement of each space is gorgeous and professional. It invites creativity and collaboration. No one gave you that location, that was borne of hard word, dedication and strict focus. Congratulations. 👍🏾 Phelix

[@NathanElson]

Thanks Phelix!

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Thanks for sharing.

[@NathanElson]

Thanks for watching!

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Thanks for sharing.

[@NathanElson]

You bet

[@paigemarie8489]

Thank you for your honesty

[@NathanElson]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@micronet67]

Thanks for the tour. Great studio man! Great advice and content too! Keep them coming Nathan, fellow Canadian, Toronto

[@NathanElson]

Thanks Johnny! I'm a fan of the space for sure :)

[@harrystahlphotography]

Hi Nathan - thanks for the tour. Good input. I am just building my own first little studio - much smaller than yours - is this your first studio or did you also start smaller?

[@NathanElson]

Hey Harry, this is the first studio that I've officially been a part of. Before that I rented various spaces as needed. That being said, I didn't build the studio I am in, it was originally built out by another photographer roughly 15 years ago, and has since had some updates, but that original photographer is no longer in the game and that is who we lease the space off of now.

[@kofimorgan]

Hey Nathan, Great video! Just wondering...how much square feet is your studio? The spaces here in Toronto is quite expensive for the amount of square footage. Also what is your thought on renting out the studio to other photographers to cover some of the cost of then studio (when you have a slow month).

[@NathanElson]

The studio is 1800 sq ft with 24' ceilings. As for renting the space out, that's pretty common practice for most studios, as it does help with over head costs for sure.

[@VictorPanlilio]

Very helpful vid, Nathan! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the community.

[@NathanElson]

Thanks for taking the time to watch & comment.

[@KlarqueGarrison]

Thanks so much Nathan... Great insight and info!

[@KendrickDischCreative]

That's an amazing studio space! I don't have the volume of work yet (I just ventured out on my own after 8 years working for corporate!), but I'm hoping to have something like yours in a year or two! Thanks for sharing!

[@NathanElson]

Awesome! All in due time :)

[@josezaragoza3188]

Just be patient and you will have your own studio.

[@MiaogisTeas]

Going out and wunging it is great, I really rucumund ut. (Kiwi accent 😂)

[@carlitodcreative]

Beautiful studio!!

[@NathanElson]

Thank you!

[@aniaphotouk]

I would love commercial space so much

[@kylepilkey]

hey Nathan, did you choose to rent or buy your space. I am in the market right now for a space.

[@NathanElson]

I lease the space, I don’t own it.

[@michaeljrgensen6350]

Hello Nathan. I love your contet. Start making more 😀👍🎉

[@NathanElson]

It’s the plan for 2019

[@eddiecarrasco878]

Nathan being a little sassy this time around 😉. Overall very informative video. Thanks Nathan!

[@NathanElson]

Haha just a touch of sassy

[@Mike-bn7kr]

Do you only use Pual C Buff modifiers? I just got a B800 last month. I only have the 86 umbrella right now. I have one speed light and never have liked it. But I am new to using modifiers. Also how do you find clients not just for senior photos and weddings? I would like to do more art style portraits. Thanks

[@NathanElson]

I don't use any Paul C Buff equipment at this point. My modifiers are Profoto Deep Umbrellas and the Strobepro Para. As for finding clients, that's probably an answer for a future video. It's a lot to type in a reply.

[@Mike-bn7kr]

@@NathanElson thanks so much.

[@johnkosterimages]

Been struggling with this very thing. Thank you for your insights. Great space!

[@NathanElson]

Thanks man, hope it helped!

[@djtoman6875]

So glad I watched this and learned that the past tense of "wing" is "wung".

[@NathanElson]

Haha anything I can do to help!

[@sungkyulkim2485]

Thank you for the tour! A quick question. Have you had any problem with using Dell laptop (I think I just saw the laptop that your studio has)? I am considering switching from Macbook Pro but worried about reliability and stuff. Thanks in advance!

[@NathanElson]

No issues at all. I have the XPS 15" with the i7 8750H processor, ssd, and 16gb of ram. I rarely use it for edting (I prefer my desktop with dual monitors) but I use it all the time for tethering, culling, etc and I've never had any issues with it. Cheers -Nate

[@sungkyulkim2485]

@@NathanElson Thanks, man! Keep up the good work!

[@broncojonnes]

I was told there would be hot chicks

[@MrDro1128]

Hey Nathan, I see your style is white umbrellas but, what’s your opinion on translucent umbrellas? Possibly too soft of a light for your taste?

[@NathanElson]

I like the control that I get out of deep umbrellas in regards to where the light is hitting within the frame. With shoot thru umbrellas I would lose a lot of that control.

[@MrDro1128]

Thank you. One follow up, if I may- In regards to the Profoto Deep Translucent Umbrella with the black cover panel; Would your control of the light still be less manageable with that then the deep white ones? Or would they be more on equal footing?

[@blackster000]

marvellous studio!

[@masterroshi7033]

DISLIKE!

[@NathanElson]

congrats?

[@radisorn]

Love your content! Thanks Nathan!

[@nnthanhvideo]

Love the content. Much appreciate it !!!!

[@magebazulu1207]

Maybe like try have colour on your videos

[@NathanElson]

Maybe like try making a video

[@EdwardKilner]

Nice tour.

[@nerdybitch1526]

1:40 I do. I’ve never used digital 😅😬

[@NathanElson]

slow clap....

[@Luxdg]

Why in B&W?

[@samdaza7084]

Love love this space ♥️

[@Strobepro]

Great points and breakdown on your decision process in getting the studio. You forgot to mention the "ohhhh crap what have I done" moment after signing the first lease. So happy to see you doing well and rocking the nicest studio in Calgary.

[@NathanElson]

Thanks buddy. I'll be coming to visit you soon for some more lighting ;)

[@Todd_Kuhns]

great video

[@NathanElson]

Thank ya

[@SolomonDavidGomez]

Your studio is so dope, what an incredible studio man. Congrats. Thank you for the video too great advice.

[@NathanElson]

Thank ya, and thank you for watching. Cheers.

[@SolomonDavidGomez]

Nathan Elson pleasures all mine I’m a fan of your work

[@bubba195776]

I always give you a thumbs up, great video always. Now could we see a photoshoot with a BEAUTIFUL model.😎

[@NathanElson]

I'm sure something can be arranged. Planning on some BTS vids soon!