Small studio, big dream - Establishing a Photography Studio in Sheffield

Where did your business idea originate?

Our business idea was born from a shared passion for photography that started as a hobby in  high school. Both Jimmy and I (Amus) dreamed of one day opening our own photography studio. That dream, however, remained just a dream until we met at the University Photographic Society, where we realized how deeply we both cared about photography.

Jimmy was drawn to studio photoshoots and digital photography, while I had a strong appreciation for analogue film photography. Through countless conversations, we discovered that we were not only passionate about our respective areas but also intrigued by each other's expertise.

This mutual interest sparked the idea of creating a business that blends both digital and film photography. While most studios today focus on either digital photoshoots or film labs independently, we saw an opportunity to merge the two worlds. This complementary vision laid the foundation for our unique business, combining the best of both digital and film photography.

What inspired you to turn your idea into a business?

Our decision to turn our idea into a business was driven by both experience and passion. After graduating, Jimmy worked at a large photography studio in Hong Kong that had five branches across the city. This experience gave him invaluable technical expertise and a deep understanding of what it takes to manage a successful photography business. His time there ignited a stronger ambition to have his own studio.

Meanwhile, I had the opportunity to work at a start-up film lab, also based in Hong Kong. This lab was founded by two university students who, like me, were passionate about analogue photography. Working there gave me a first-hand look at the industry and deepened my knowledge of film photography and processing. The experience also reinforced my desire to create my own film lab.

With both of us inspired by our respective experiences, we decided to combine our skills and knowledge. This led us to create a photography studio that not only focuses on digital photography but also embraces analogue film services, offering film processing and selling analogue film. Our goal was to bridge both worlds and offer something distinctive in the market.

What support did you receive from the University of Sheffield to develop your idea?

The University of Sheffield, particularly the Enterprise team, has been incredibly supportive throughout our start-up journey.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID lockdown, the University continued to offer various online workshops and meetings, which helped us refine our business goals and objectives. These sessions provided valuable insights and inspiration, encouraging us to think more critically about how to shape and grow our business.

The Enterprise team also offered guidance on market exploration and strategies to better reach our target customers, helping us to expand our reach and refine our marketing approach.

Additionally, we received a small but impactful funding grant, which enabled us to upgrade our film processing hardware and invest in a more advanced online gallery platform for our customers. These improvements gave our business a significant boost and helped us move forward with greater confidence and professionalism.

What are the most important skills for success in the start-up industry?

In a start-up, especially within a partnership, teamwork and collaboration are essential. Each person needs to have a clear understanding of their role and how it connects with the rest of the team. Clear and open communication is key to keeping everyone aligned, avoiding misunderstandings, and solving problems together efficiently.

Beyond internal communication, we reached out to professionals in the photography industry to seek guidance and insights. Since we are relatively new to the field, we found it crucial to ask questions and actively seek advice. Being unafraid to learn from others has helped us navigate challenges more effectively.

Equally important is communication with clients. Understanding their needs and expectations is the foundation for a successful photoshoot. By ensuring we’re aligned with our clients, we can deliver results that not only meet but exceed their expectations, strengthening our reputation in the process.

Moreover, we treat our customers' film as if it was our own. Attention to details and quality is key, especially in a field where word-of-mouth can make or break a business. By delivering high-quality service and products with care, clients can sense the effort and professionalism behind what we offer, leading to positive feedback and valuable referrals.

What advice would you give to someone starting a business?

Start small, but dream big. Every start-up faces tough times, and things won’t always go as planned, but the key is to keep trying. You never truly know what works best until you’ve tested different options. We launched our business during the COVID lockdown, which was an incredibly challenging period with very few customers. To reach potential clients, we used every tool available, especially social media, and offered various photography packages and services to meet different needs. We even offered free portrait photos for people passing by just to increase our exposure.

Throughout this journey, we made sure to keep learning, constantly improving our photography skills and deepening our knowledge of analogue film. Staying open to new ideas is crucial. By doing so, you’ll eventually find what works best for your business. Be patient, keep evolving, and always be willing to adapt as you grow.

Where is your business now, and what are you looking forward to in 2025?

Our business has grown significantly since we opened three and a half years ago. We started with a small, upper-floor office, but now we are located at The Forum in the City Centre.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited about expanding our market both locally and online. We also aim to upgrade our hardware to boost service efficiency and enhance the overall quality of our work. With our continued passion for photography, we strive to capture the best moments for our customers, whether through professional shoots or by developing their cherished analogue films.

Come and visit the studio on Devonshire Street!