Me? A Midwest Pinup Photographer?

[Darla Dynamite]

So i have been fantasizing about starting up a studio and investing some money into a studio of my own. I have posted here, myspace and CL for photographers who specialize in this type of photography to no avail!

I have only done one pinup type of shoot (the pics on my page were supposed to be inspired by Wellesley College girls and Sweater model gone wild! LOL) I know what your thinking. But I think, my idea was less than "cookie cutter". I just hate the way that all of this is beginning to become so (dare I say it) mainstream, common and overly mass produced.

Anyway, can anyone (models photographers, business owners, anyone) give my any advice about what to do AFTER I get a space.

I guess I should say I studied photography for 15 years (3 years in college) so i am experienced as far as that is concerned...

[Filmmonkey]

A year ago I went full time with my video business and I have a client that I do some training with her just opened her own photostudio this year.
There is no way I can stress how important a business plan is. I was in the middle of writing mine when I was downsized and started my business early. I've spent the last year learning the stuff I think I would have learned had I finished a full blown business plan. Get business plans for dummies, seriously, it's a great start.
Most people don't want to mess with it, they just want to get to the fun part, but it forces you to get the idea out of your emotions and on to the cold page. You absolutely must have if you're going to seek financing from external sources. The plan will help you learn what to do after the space is open.

That said, there are a ton of resources out there. Find you're local SBA office and use it. They have free or mostly free classes on a whole slew of topics and offer some one on one counseling. If you're near a college of any size check to see if they are aligned with any type of business incubator program. Check your state's offerings as well. Most states have a lot of stuff to help small biz since they want your taxes.

If you're taking the plunge, then spend the money. Get a professional website that is search optimized, pay for advertising, spend the money the right way and it won't end up costing you more in the end. That's a lesson learned on my part.

CAn you approach this from a part-time angle first? Maybe get a part time job at Ritz or some crap just so you have some type of income and then spend the rest of your time and money on the biz. This could go either way though, since you're taking time away from the business.

Hope any of this helps and it was what you were looking for.