Welcome to my home studio in Jersey City! When I first started hunting for condos after graduating college, I wanted to find a place that I could both live in and also use as a home office & photography studio for my business.

This condo (ironically the first unit I even looked at!) turned out to be the perfect fit for me. I use the combined living-dining area as a studio space, for storage, and to meet with clients.
  

  
MEETING AREA

I love meeting with clients in my home rather than at a random Starbucks because it allows them to get to know me even better. They’re able to get a sense of how I live, how I work, that equipment I have, and my style, just by being in the space.

 

I have some of my favorite books displayed on my free floating bookshelves (made by my dad and I!) and sample canvas prints & framed prints on the wall. When clients are over, I also cast some recent work in a slideshow on the TV.

  

HOME PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

When I have a shoot, I just set up my lighting equipment and roll down my seamless backdrops. When they’re not in use, I hang up my stands and lighting equipment on these Ikea hooks – I love that they fold flat so they don’t get in the way of my seamless backdrops! My DIY backdrop holders are made from steel rods and curtain rod brackets.

53″ Seamless Backdrops:  https://amzn.to/37h8ych
Air Cushioned Light Stands:  https://amzn.to/2SbFkr2
Octagon Softbox:  https://amzn.to/31ENU4R
Rod Brackets:  https://amzn.to/379Aqz7

  

HOME OFFICE

I have two workspaces in the office area near the front door.

 
I keep my tools on a pegboard mounted on the wall above my cutting mat.

 
I store most of my ribbons, boxes, packaging materials, art supplies, flash drives, paperwork, etc. in boxes and binders on floating shelves above the desks.

 
On the walls by the front door, I have my certificates, some sample prints, and maps with flags of all the places I’ve shot.

  
I also have a third desk in my bedroom for editing on my laptop.

  

PERSONAL AREAS

My bedroom is in the corner farthest from the front door, so clients rarely pass by it (and I can close the door to my bedroom anytime clients come over).

 

The bathroom is located just past the living room – easy for clients & guests to access without having to walk through the bedroom or any personal areas.

 

The kitchen is located next to the office area – out of the way but also easy to access, if needed.

  

ENTRANCE

I also have some fine art prints from Jersey City landmarks in the lobby and hallways so clients can see some more of my work as they walk in.

 

Download a free copy of the spreadsheet I use to calculate & write off my home office expenses as a tax deduction here!

 

If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments!

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