How to Set Up a Photo Studio in (Nairobi) Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide

Do you have a strong interest in starting a photography studio?

Setting up a photo studio in Nairobi, Kenya, can be exciting and profitable, given our country’s vibrant culture and growing appreciation for professional photography. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or an entrepreneur looking to invest in the creative industry, establishing a photo studio requires careful planning and execution. Based on our experience when we were setting up our photo studio in Thika Road, we will give you a comprehensive guide from cameras to the right equipment and marketing.

1. Choosing the Right Location

When the idea of setting up a studio struck, our first choice was around Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Hurlingam, or those environments. The last time we had a photo studio in Kileleshwa, there was little competition, given the few studios around that area. When we went for a site visit and inquiries, we discovered the space price was a bit out of our budget. So, how did we settle with Thika Road as our preferred location to set up our studio? We considered the following:

Urban vs. Suburban Areas

• Urban Areas: Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu are prime locations with high foot traffic and potential clients. Urban areas offer easy access to businesses, influencers, and a diverse clientele. However, as good as these areas are, we feel that Nairobi CBD is highly crowded with photo studios in almost every building. Also, with the high rate of equipment theft all over Kenya, we needed a space where management was liable in case of theft. Parking is another aspect we considered highly, given that we were targeting the middle class as clientele. That is how we settled with Total Ruaraka opposite Safari Park Hotel, Thika Road. You must consider these details if you want to set up your photo studio within the city.
• Suburban Areas: Consider locations like Thika, Naivasha, and Nakuru for lower rent costs and less competition. These areas can attract families and local businesses looking for affordable yet professional photography services. With the rising need for passports, cyber café services, and general printing, you can incorporate these services that will not need much investment. Services like framing, photo mounting, photo enlargement, and consulting can also greatly help when setting up a photo studio.

Visibility and Accessibility

• Visibility: Ensure your studio is visible along a busy street or within a well-known commercial center.  Consider investing in branding and advertising to ensure your studio is well known. If you decide to set up the photo studio in an enclosed space, invest in digital marketing to attract clients.

Interior Designs of the Studio: Once you have identified the location of your photo studio, it’s essential to assess the physical space that you have, and you should go ahead and estimating the cost of renovations and repairing space would require. Measuring your photo studio’s space and genre before purchasing the equipment is crucial because different sizes of space are used for various types of photo studios. Photo studio equipment, such as furniture, toys, cameras, computers, a work desk, and a backdrop screen, will require a specific type of space. One of the things we noticed when we were setting up our studio is that interior design is expensive but very vital. You will need to study about color psychology, what kind of clients you are targeting, etc. We wanted to target women and families, and our choice of colors has worked till tomorrow. In fact, 98% of women who enter our studio for inquiries or just window shopping end up taking pictures.

• Accessibility: Deciding where to establish a photo studio can highly depend on the availability of your clients. Your studio should be easily accessible by public transport and have ample parking space to accommodate clients. Acquire a friendly area and easily accessible. Also, estimating the income you can earn with a professional studio is advisable. Find the other rates charged by different photographers in your field and use the information to calculate the value a studio would bring to your work. That notwithstanding, you can develop packages and accolades that will help you keep up with the competition. When we settled on opening a Studio in Thika Road, one of our considerations was to look for a space with a photo studio already; that might seem awkward, but competition helps you think outside the box and develop strategies to keep your business afloat.

Space Considerations

• Size: Aim for a space of at least 500 square feet. This size allows room for backdrops, lighting, and movement.
• Layout: A well-thought-out layout includes a reception area, shooting space, dressing room, and storage for equipment.

2. Essential Equipment and Setup

Cameras and Lenses

Invest in high-quality cameras and lenses. Popular choices include Canon, Nikon, and Sony. You can never have enough equipment at a time; no matter how much profit you make, the goal is to keep advancing and upgrading as long as you will be in business. We currently use Canon 5D Mk3 and a 50mm in our studio, which serves us well. We will, however, upgrade as business expands. A versatile lens kit should include:

• Portrait Lens: 50mm or 85mm prime lens.
• Wide-Angle Lens: 24-70mm for group shots and environmental portraits.
• Zoom Lens: 70-200mm for events and detailed work.

Lighting Equipment

Proper lighting is crucial for any photo studio. We hoped to get the cordless strobe lights like the AD600 Pro, but our budget didn’t allow us to do so. The second option was to acquire Godox SK 400II, which works equally well. Finally, we settled on 3 Godox SK 300II, considering our budget. You can always upgrade in the future. Essential lighting equipment includes:

• Strobe Lights: For powerful, consistent lighting.
• Softboxes and Umbrellas: To diffuse light and reduce shadows.
• Reflectors: To bounce light and fill in shadows.

Backdrops and Props

• Backdrops: Invest in various backdrops, including solid colors, patterns, and green screens. You can paint your wall with one of the colors or patterns and keep changing maybe after a year or so. Get the standard colors like black, white, pink, and green. We don’t recommend giving clients too many options as it makes them indecisive. 4-6 backdrops are enough. If your studio space is ample enough to allow painting on the walls, four backdrops are enough. We highly recommend using an electric backdrop as the manual will quickly wear and tear.
• Props: Collect versatile props like chairs, stools, and themed items to add creativity to your shoots. A unique seat, décor, and props will make your studio stand out. Always make sure they are cleaned and well-kept.

Editing Tools

• Computer and Software: A high-performance computer with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom for editing. You can include other editing software depending on your preference and expertise.
• Backup Storage: Reliable external hard drives or cloud storage for data backup.

3. Important Issues to Consider

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

• Business Registration: Register your business with the Registrar of Companies in Kenya. This ensures you won’t be flagged as operating an illegal business. Nowadays, it’s easy to register a company online on e-citizen or any cyber café around you.
• Licenses and Permits: Obtain necessary permits from the county government and ensure compliance with local regulations. Most permits cost between 5000-15000 for studios.

Budgeting and Financing

• Initial Investment: Budget for initial costs, including rent, equipment, and marketing. Expect to invest around Ksh 500,000 to Ksh 1,000,000 for a basic setup, especially if you are setting up a photo studio in urban areas and want to start from scratch. We used slightly above 1m to put up our studio. If you already have some equipment like cameras, lights, and computers, the cost would decrease to even around Ksh 300,000. We can help you come up with a business proposal. Just reach us on WhatsApp: 0717303826
• Financing Options: Consider bank loans, savings, or partnerships to finance your studio. We wouldn’t recommend loans if you are entirely starting with photography, this is because a studio might need between 6 months to 1 year to start generating substantial income. Consider savings and partnerships as your priority.

Marketing and Branding

• Online Presence: Create a professional website like this (www.mjmediagroup.co.ke) and leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to showcase your work. You will need an experienced Digital Marketer, especially to start syncing your social media accounts for you. Social media will be an excellent tool for marketing your studio. Reach out to us to help you set up your social media accounts.
• Networking: Build relationships with local businesses, event planners, and influencers to generate referrals. We opened a studio next to another existing studio. The brand of the other studio is well known, and we rode on that to leverage the opportunities and create awareness about our new studio. We also ensured we correctly did window branding to attract clients from afar.
• Promotions and Packages: Offer special promotions and packages to attract new clients and retain existing ones. When you are starting, the greatest challenge is keeping your social media accounts active; you will need as many clients as possible to take photos in your studio. Run offers and probono shots from friends and family to build the much-needed portfolio. The more you post your work online, the more clients you will attract.

Customer Experience

• Client Comfort: Ensure your studio is comfortable and welcoming. Offer refreshments and create a relaxing atmosphere. Avoid having idol people around the studio, make the studio as private as possible. Most clients will not be comfortable taking pictures surrounded by idol people, and keep friends and family away from the studio if they are not taking photos.
• Professionalism: Maintain professionalism in all interactions. Communicate, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality work. One of the problems with photographers is that they fail to meet deadlines. Get an assistant if you cannot deliver clients’ work on time. Especially in the first few years, you will have to work extra hard to make sure the clients have a good review of your studio.
• Pro Tip: Ask your clients for a review, especially on Google My Business or social media when you send them the edited photos. You can even promise them an offer if they do that. This will scale your business higher within a short time. Record clients’ numbers and emails for easy access in case you want to send them offers and promotions.

4. Final Thoughts

Setting up a photo studio in Nairobi, Kenya is a rewarding endeavor that combines creativity with entrepreneurship. By carefully choosing your location, investing in the right equipment, and considering important logistical and legal issues, you can build a successful photo studio that caters to a wide range of clients. Remember, the key to success is continuous learning, adapting to trends, and providing exceptional customer service.

Embark on this exciting journey, and let your passion for photography shine through your work. Happy shooting!

We help upcoming photographers with information about the right decision-making in the photography business. If you need our help, don’t hesitate to call/WhatsApp us at 0717303826. We also teach photography and live streaming.