By William Jones, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Barra da Tijuca’s photography atelier Storm Studios, although only seven months in business, is already proving an entrepreneurial success in the city. Founded by Harry Taylor, from Oxford, England, the studio dedicated to high quality, personalized photo shoots is already making plans to expand.
Billing itself as a ‘professional makeover photography studio’ catering for clients looking for higher quality, exclusive photography, Storm has welcomed top and amateur models alike, as well as pregnant Cariocas seeking the ever-popular ‘gravidas’ pictures, recording their growing belly in the last months of pregnancy.
Having moved to Brazil in 2010, Taylor hasn’t looked back. The strong belief that the business would succeed in the Brazilian market, as well as his own business acumen, have made Storm Studios a model success story.
“I had my own business in London, had lived there for fifteen years and was tired of it. I was looking for some excitement and fresh challenges, and I believe Brazil has a great future ahead of it, so it seemed like a good option,” he told The Rio Times.
“I decided to set-up a photo studio because I think Brazilians will love this type of business. Who doesn’t like great photographs? People in Brazil love taking photographs, or having their photo taken and let’s face it, they’re very photogenic,” he added.
As he puts it, Storm offers “a chic but relaxed atmosphere so that people can enjoy the experience with a glass of champagne.” People who choose Storm Studios have the freedom to “change their outfits during the shoot and have fun. They then choose which photos to buy afterwards.”
Despite not being a photographer himself, Taylor has encountered relatively few problems while setting up this new venture, avoiding the well-documented difficulties of entering the Brazilian marke and the so-called “Brazil cost“. In fact, the development of Storm Studios has led him to experience another side of the allegedly slowing Brazilian economy.
“This is a different culture from the UK, and you need to be prepared for the difference and not get bogged-down with it. Everything just takes longer here than you would expect, but if you’re determined and keep working hard with a smile, you will achieve what you set out to do.”
“Business is going well. I have already located a space for Storm Studios to open the second studio in Zona Sul, and then plan to open another in São Paulo later next year. I couldn’t really comment on the supposed ‘decline’ in the Brazilian economy because my business is still in its infancy, and growing. I will need more people in the future and this will take time, but I am always on the lookout for great professionals,” the founder revealed of his future plans.
Storm Studios
Shopping Downtown
Avenida das Américas 500, Bloco 4 / Loja 119
Barra da Tijuca, RJ
Tel: (21) 3689 5367
Email: [email protected]
Shoot prices start at R$500