Having a Dedicated Work Space for my Photography Business

Why Having a Dedicated Coworking Space Has Transformed My Photography Business

As a photographer, I’ve learned that where you work can be just as important as how you work. About 7 years ago I started working out of BLANKSPACES coworking with office in Santa Monica, Venice, Culver City and Long Beach.  Having a office to go to has helped my business reached new levels of creativity, productivity, and focus.  Here’s why having an place to work out of has been a game-changer:

The Perfect Balance of Creativity and Productivity

Coworking isn’t just about having a place to work at. For me, BLANKSPACES has become a hub where I handle everything from client interactions to creative edits. Here’s a glimpse of how I use my coworking space:

  • Meeting Clients & Editing Photos
    Having a professional space to meet clients for photoshoots makes a huge difference. I’ve worked with clients from a variety of professions, including lawyers, doctors, professionals in finance, marketing, and many others.  I’ve had individual clients as well as taking photos of entire teams. It helps me deliver a polished, professional experience right from the start. After the shoots, I use this space to focus on editing, ensuring my clients receive top-notch images.
  • Tackling the Business Side
    Running a photography business isn’t just about taking pictures. I spend a significant amount of time working on marketing tasks, from writing blog posts (like this one!) to improving my SEO so that potential clients can find me on Google and Yelp. My coworking space provides the quiet, distraction-free environment I need to stay on top of these essential tasks.
  • Building Community and Staying Inspired
    One of the unexpected perks of coworking is being surrounded by other entrepreneurs and creatives. These connections are invaluable—whether they lead to business collaborations, advice on growing my brand, or simply conversations that inspire me to think differently. And who knows?  Some of them often end up needing a fresh headshot!
  • A Space to Focus and Energize

    Let’s be honest: working from my apartment can blur the lines between personal and professional life, leading to distractions and burnout. Having a dedicated place to go every day gives me structure and focus. It gets me out of the house, into a vibrant environment, and ready to tackle the day with fresh energy.

    Why Coworking Might Be Right for You

    If you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or small business owner, I can’t recommend coworking enough. It’s more than just a workspace—it’s a place to create a routine, connect with like-minded individuals, and grow your business in ways you never imagined.

    What about you? How has your workspace impacted your productivity and creativity? I’d love to hear your story!

    And if you’re in the Los Angeles area and in need of a new headshot, let’s chat! Give me a call at 323-493-2552 to schedule a photography session.

    #CoworkingLife #Entrepreneurship #PhotographerLife #SmallBusinessTips #LosAngelesPhotography #BLANKSPACES


    Free Headshot Consultation

    Is it time to update your headshot? Whether you’re rebranding yourself professionally, preparing for a new opportunity, or refreshing your company’s team photos, a professional headshot is a must. 

    I’m Steven Hankins, a headshot photographer with offices in Santa Monica, Culver City, and Venice, serving the greater Los Angeles area. I also offer on-site photography, making it convenient to capture the perfect headshot anywhere in LA. 

    To help you get started, I’m offering a FREE 15-minute consultation to make your headshot process seamless and stress-free.

     A Law Firm That Keeps Coming Back 

    I’ve had the pleasure of working with a law firm in Westwood that regularly hires me to photograph their growing team. Every time they bring on new staff, they contact me to set up a professional lighting setup right in their office. It’s rewarding to know they trust me to deliver consistent, high-quality headshots that reflect their firm’s image. 

    This is just one example of how I tailor each session to fit the unique needs of my clients—whether it’s traveling to their office or creating the perfect environment in one of my LA studios. 

    Here’s how we’ll make the most of our time together

    1. Discover the Perfect Headshot Style: Are you looking for a classic, polished look? Something modern and bold? Or a creative approach to show off your personality? During our consultation, we’ll determine the best style for your goals. We’ll also decide whether natural outdoor lighting or an indoor studio setup suits your needs. 

    2. Identify Your Headshot Goals: Why do you need a new headshot? Are you aiming to update your LinkedIn profile, impress recruiters, or refresh your company website? We’ll tailor the session to align with your objectives. 

    3. Plan Your Headshot Session: From wardrobe choices to location preferences, we’ll cover every detail to ensure you feel prepared and confident for your session. 

    A headshot is an investment in your professional self! Let’s create something great! 

    Give me a call at 323-493-2552 to book a headshot session. 

    #headshotphotographer #professionalheadshots #personalbranding #careergoals #freeconsultation #photography #businessgrowth  


    Documenting Devastation: A Photographer’s Perspective on the LA Fires

    As a photographer, most of the photos I take are of the positive sort. Whether it’s someone needing a new headshot to take the next step in their career or documenting a memorable birthday celebration, my lens is usually focused on positivity. However, last week brought a stark contrast. When the fires began raging across Los Angeles, I felt compelled to pick up my camera—not for celebration, but for documentation.

    The devastation has been nothing short of heartbreaking. Watching parts of LA burn is a painful experience, especially as someone who has called this city home for 22 years. I’m fortunate enough to live outside the evacuation zones, but I can’t help but feel deeply for those who aren’t as lucky. Families forced to flee their homes, people experiencing profound loss, and landscapes forever altered by the flames—it’s overwhelming.

    In fact, last week I was suppose to go to a client’s house in Pacific Palisades to take headshots of him.  On the day of the shoot he texted me saying that he was pretty sure his house was gone.

    The fires are a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the power of nature. It’s also an opportunity to tell an important story. Through my images, I am able to capture not only the devastation but will be able to capture the resilience of those affected and the strength of the communities rallying together.

    To everyone impacted by the fires, my heart goes out to you. These are challenging times, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years in LA, it’s that this city is filled with resilient and compassionate people who support one another when it matters most. If you’re able to, consider helping local organizations that are working tirelessly to provide aid to those in need. Every little bit counts.

    In fact, the coworking office where I meet my photography clients is supporting those affected. BLANKSPACES Venice is giving out supplies all this week Monday, Jan. 13th - Friday, Jan. 17th from 10AM - 7PM.  Available items include: water, food, clothes (all genders/kids/baby), pet supplies/food, bedding, towels, hygiene/feminine products, socks, undergarments, toys, tech items, and more.  Check out their website for more details https://www.blankspaces.com/calendar/venice-helping-hub.

    Photography has a unique power—it can celebrate life’s best moments, but it can also shine a light on the moments that demand our empathy and action.

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