Jen and Ben Weatherston opened Photo Studio Group as a membership-based business for professional photographers and hobbyists.

Photo courtesy Photo Studio Group

Older, wiser and back in Ann Arbor, Weatherston and his wife, Jen, have a solution for other photographers breaking into the business who don’t want to break the bank: Photo Studio Group, a new membership-based studio located off of Ellsworth Road that offers equipment, studio space, technical assistance and a developing network of professional photography jobs.

It’s a for-profit business model that’s found fertile ground in the city lately. Maker Works, a membership-driven, 11,000-square-foot open-access workshop that offers tools, space and community to makers — anyone from hobbyists who make robots to woodworkers to quilters — opened this summer less than two miles west of PSG.

“They’re exactly like us. What we do for photography, they do for woodworking, fabrics and electronics,” Weatherston said.

Photo Studio Group opened in March after Weatherston and his wife, Jen, did market research that showed there were more than 500 photo businesses registered in Washtenaw County, many of them single operators.

Also, Washtenaw Community College, Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan each offer photography programs, producing a pool of photographers who graduate with strong portfolios and a wealth of skills. But they relinquish their access to studio space and equipment when they graduate.

It can cost as much as $10,000 to buy studio equipment, Weatherston said. And few have the needed space in their homes.

“Space is a hot commodity for photographers,” Weatherston said. “Every photographer is always keeping an eye out for space.”

With a bank loan collateralized by their families, the Weatherstons opened the 5,100-square-foot studio on Phoenix Drive.

Early members include a photographer who specializes in newborns and a commercial photographer who shoots industrial products such as ball bearings. One member photographed a box truck, while others take family portraits.

The studio offers high ceilings, lots of space and equipment such as studio lights, umbrellas, stands and clamps. There are cameras and lens and props such as rocking chairs, doors and furniture. There are seven shooting studios.

The business offers an entry into corporate and commercial photography. Weatherston said he is working with local businesses to promote using original photography rather than stock photos in their marketing pieces.

“It’s better to have your people at your place holding your products,” Weatherston said. He’s working to create a network of companies for Photo Studio Group members.

While there are other photo studios in the state that rent space, Photo Studio Group is different, Weatherston said. Most studios are used primarily by their owner-photographer, who rents space on the side to capture added income. Photo Studio Group focuses on its members, Weatherston said, helping set up a member’s shoot, giving technical advice or lending a hand.

For example, the photographer who specializes in taking pictures of newborns was shooting in the studio when an older sibling began to get antsy, Weatherston said.

“I went out and bought him Teddy Grahams as a way to protect the photographer's time with the baby. We want our members to know we work for them.”

The business will also allow photographers who typically only take photos outside when the weather is good to expand into studio work, said Chris Stranad, studio manager.

“They’ll be able to expand their business model beyond on-location environmental portraits,” he said. “They can now make it a year-round business.”

Weatherston is keeping his day job as a photographer for St. Joseph Mercy Health System, a position he’s had since 2003.

There are four levels of membership, running from $50 to $500 a month. The level determines the number of hours of studio time along with access to equipment. Hourly rentals are also available. It is open to professional and hobbyists.

Janet Miller is a freelance reporter for AnnArbor.com.