Let me Martha Stewart you on this...she's a bit busy right now and appreciates the help. I share several of your concerns since my office, meeting space and studio are in my home. Firstly, I keep my equipment locked in a closet (yes, with a real live dead bolt lock) when it's not being used. I'm not flashy about discussing what I shoot when speaking with clients. I have an alarm system AND I USE IT every single time I leave the house. Now then...I would suggest some sort of screen to hide your electronics from view. Pier One, Restoration Hardware, these types of shops would likely have something you could use that would be moble enough for you to place in front of equipment when you are expecting company to keep it from view. If you're handy (Martha assumes you are) you could build one to suit your needs, taste, color and space. You might consider a HUGE reflector to tie in to the photo studio theme....and down the road you may actually need to use it. Have you considered setting up your backdrop in front of your electronics? I use the area behind my backdrop for storage up in my studio. I could have a carcass back there and no one would know. You might consider a different type of desk/cabinetry for your electronics. You can find (or, again, make) a desk that hides the contents behind closed doors. May not be practical but then again, it may be an easy fix. If your electronics are on open shelves you might consider adding doors to the fronts of some to hide what's behind. Last but not least you could toss an old blanket (Martha is rolling) over your valuables while strangers are in your home. Make it a pretty one at least. I keep a data sheet on everyone who calls me for a shoot. I record name, phone numbers, address, dates, times, photo goals and price quotes on this sheet. Someone could give me false info, sure, but so far no one has. Having info on people, I'm guessing, keeps them honest. And that's a good thing. Lea ----- Original Message ----- From: <shyrell_lynn@juno.com> To: "List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students" <photoforum@listserver.isc.rit.edu> Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2003 3:38 PM Subject: Re: Home Studio > To the Group, > > Do any of you run your photo studio out of your home? My main concern is > for customers getting an idea of my personal belongings and be tempted to > return and ransack the place. How do "you" (plural) deal with this? All I > have is a 12' x 20' living room with one end for shooting. My walls > display my work, but my electronic equipment is in full sight as well. I > suppose I would have the same concerns if I rented space, but this is my > home. Any ideas? > > Thanks, > Shyrell Melara Photography > Jonesville, NC > > >
