Blog>Cost Guides>How much does it cost to build a photography studio?
Last updated: 31 March 2022
How much does it cost to build a photography studio?
Looking to start up your own photography studio? We've pulled together the key costs and top tips to think about when building a studio.
Whether you’re a photography veteran or new to the industry, you’ve probably considered creating your own photography studio.
If you're looking to set up your own, then you're probably wondering how much it costs to build a photography studio. We've pulled together all the costs you need to consider, with top tips on making your studio a success.
| Cost provided item | Unit | Range - Low | Range - High | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to build a photography studio | Metre square | £1,350 | £1,725 | £1,537.50 |
| Cost to build a photography studio | Photographer/ photography student | £15,500 | £22,000 | £18,750 |
| Cost to convert/fitout existing building | Metre square | £125 | £250 | £187.50 |
| Camera kit | Camera body | £2,500 | £2,700 | £3,000 |
| Camera kit | Camera lenses | £2,500 | £2,700 | £3,000 |
| Camera kit | Flash gun | £400 | £420 | £470 |
| Camera kit | Studio lighting | £1,000 | £2,000 | £1,300 |
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
How much does it cost to build a photography studio?
The cost of building a photography studio can range between £1,350 - £1,725 per m2.
Photographers and photography students wanting to build a photography studio from scratch can expect to pay between £15,500 - £22,000.
If, however, you want to convert or fit-out your existing photography building, expect to pay between £125 - £250 per m2.
The fit-out cost excludes the purchase price of your existing building and doesn’t include furniture and specialist equipment fees. However, the prices do include builder overheads.
Photography studio cost factors to consider
If you’re a photography lover and are keen to construct your very own studio, it pays to understand all the costs involved, beyond the building of it.
The key equipment needed includes:
Camera lenses (24-70 2.8 & 70-200 2.8) – around £3,000
Camera body – around £3,000
Studio lighting – around £1,300
Flashgun – around £470
Not only this, you'll need the correct insurance policies in place, including:
Public liability insurance
Professional indemnity insurance
How do I build a photography studio?
Getting your photography studio just how you want it will involve a lot of forward planning. The key things to consider include:
The space and location needed
Which photography backgrounds/backdrops you’ll require
Lighting equipment and camera kit, including editing software and photo printers (if needed)
The design of the studio’s interior
Building a photography studio will require a tradesperson as you'll have to consider things such as electrics and wiring.
When you hire a tradesperson through Checkatrade, you can see their profile as well as their previous customer testimonials. Better yet, those testimonials are from your neighbours and checked by us to make sure they’re genuine.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
FAQs
Is a photo studio profitable?
Most definitely, especially if you’re passionate about what you do.
You could also consider other ways to make money such as introducing photography courses, taking on outdoor photoshoots such as weddings and also videography. Of course, part of your success will be down to how well you market yourself and word of mouth recommendations too.
How much space do you need for a photography studio?
It’s perfectly possible to have a photography studio that’s about the size of a bedroom or smaller, but a compact set-up may feel a little cramped, particularly if you want more space for your subjects to move around for action shots.
It's important to consider the ceiling height to make sure it's adequate for installing a hair light and ceiling light. Typically, a regular three to three-and-a-half-metre ceiling is more than enough for a full-length body portrait photography project. you'll also need to make sure there's enough action space for your subjects and equipment such as stands, flashes and reflectors.
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