We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Bailey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below. Chris...
Problem
Millions of new US employees need headshots
... but taking them is a massive pain
- Time Consuming
Finding and hiring quality, affordable photographers - Resource Intensive
Coordinating thousands of spread-out employees - Inconsistent Quality
Dealing with inconsistent backdrops, lighting, and output
Solution
Studio Pod:
The mobile pro photography studio for headshots
33% lower cost than in-person photographers
Product
Studio Pod is 100% self-service, automated, and highly scalable
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Patent-approved technology
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We've developed a series of headshot pods with a purpose-built assistive lighting system that offers companies an affordable, convenient, and flexible alternative solution to headshots.
- No photographer required
- TrueTone™ custom lighting and custom backgrounds
- Photos available immediately
- Patent approved
- Automated retouching
- Automated background matches
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Exclusive corporate scheduling, access, and organizational features on a unique online portal
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Portal features:
- Online session booking
- Team session management
- Photo delivery and organization
- Centralized photo access
- Brandable lighting and backgrounds
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Designed to make you look amazing using TrueTone Lighting
—TrueTone™ Lighting is designed to produce colors that are as close to real life as possible for all skin tones. The technology accurately measures the colors of a person's skin, which can then be used to adjust the lighting and other settings in a photograph to produce a more natural and accurate photo of them.
"Not only is the technology stunning, but we all found comfort and ease in taking pictures on our own — without a person behind the camera."
—Elizabeth M. Demontrond, UBS
Team headshots made easy |
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Traction
Business model
Studio Pod offers a dynamic model that appeals both to individuals and corporate clients
Studio Pod introduces an innovative business model, designed for scalability and diversified revenue streams, appealing to both individual and corporate clients.
Our model includes:
- Retail Locations: Offering quick, professional headshots for individuals.
- Corporate Unlimited Plan: Subscription-based access for businesses, enabling unlimited employee headshots.
- Studio Pod Direct: Flexible, on-demand pod delivery for corporate events or daily needs.
- Pod Sales: Direct sales of our advanced photography pods with ongoing software support.
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Nationwide delivery for events
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Also provides a rent or buy option to unlock unlimited headshots
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Unlimited Studio includes
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Studio Pod's Unlimited Headshots service, available exclusively through our Headshot Lounges, is tailored specifically for companies on a yearly subscription model. This innovative offering is designed to meet the dynamic needs of businesses seeking to maintain a cohesive and professional visual identity across their entire team. By subscribing annually, companies gain unrestricted access to our automated Headshot Lounges, enabling them to schedule professional-grade headshot sessions for their employees at any time.
This service is ideal for businesses aiming to streamline the process of acquiring high-quality, consistent headshots for new hires, team updates, or branding refreshes. It offers a practical and efficient solution for companies to ensure that their employees' profiles are always current and professionally presented, reinforcing the company's image and brand standards.
With Studio Pod's Unlimited Headshots, companies can enjoy the convenience of on-demand, top-tier photography without the hassle of individual session bookings, making it an essential tool for businesses committed to excellence in all aspects of their professional presence.
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Headshot Lounges: Rapidly deployable, automated headshot lounges for agile market entry
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Studio Pod's Headshot Lounges redefine professional photography with our state-of-the-art automated headshot studios. Designed for efficiency and excellence, these lounges offer a seamless experience for individuals seeking to elevate their professional image or businesses looking to streamline their branding efforts.
Walk in or schedule in advance, our automated system guides you through a simple, self-directed session, ensuring you capture the perfect headshot every time.
Ideal for professionals on the go or organizations aiming to maintain a consistent visual identity across all employee profiles, our Headshot Lounges deliver studio-quality images with the convenience of automation. With patented lighting and camera technology, each session is engineered to produce impeccable results, reflecting your professionalism and unique personality. Studio Pod's Headshot Lounges are your solution for high-quality, hassle-free professional portraits.
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Launching Studio Pod remote in Q2 2024:
Consistent, on-brand results, powered by AI
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Where innovation meets convenience in professional photography. Designed with precision for the modern professional, Studio Pod Remote transforms your iPhone into a powerful tool for capturing stunning headshots.
With simplicity at its core, we guide you through every step, ensuring optimal lighting and positioning to illuminate your best self, all from the comfort of wherever you are.
Upon uploading your photo, our meticulous approval process ensures only the highest quality. Your chosen backdrop seamlessly integrates with your portrait, complemented by subtle retouching for that flawless finish. This is more than a service—it's a gateway to elevating your personal brand, redefining accessibility in professional headshots.
Next generation
StudioPro
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The future of photography
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StudioPro redefines the creative landscape with an automated photography studio designed for everyone. Whether you're a professional photographer, a budding artist, or someone bursting with creative ideas, Studio Pro makes it possible for you to create high-quality visuals on your terms. With our user-friendly platform, creativity knows no bounds.
You have the freedom to execute your vision, experiment with different styles, and produce stunning results, anytime you want.
Our cutting-edge technology simplifies the photography process, offering an array of automated features that ensure every shot is perfect. From lighting and backdrops to camera angles and post-production, Studio Pro empowers you to bring your ideas to life with precision and ease. Dive into a world where creativity is accessible, and your imagination can flourish with StudioPro – your automated photography studio.
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Planned B2B Approach
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Per-session and per-day pricing with flexible add-ons
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Customers
Loved by leading brands —over 95k headshots taken
Market
Aiming for a $250M initial serviceable market in Texas
100+ Texan enterprise clients to date
Competition
Totally unique offering
ideal for enterprises
Vision and strategy
Democratizing access to visual representation
through scalable automation
Studio Pod helps professionals and creatives alike create stunning, studio quality professional portraits at the touch of a button. Finally take your headshot on your time, at your convenience.
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Go-to-market:
Dominate key cities, then expand strategically
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Impact
Look good, do good: Giving headshots to challenged youths
As a community-developed company, our work is focused on automatic headshots for everyone. For every headshot purchased by an enterprise client, a headshot will be given to an income-challenged youth — equalizing them on a visual playing field.
Funding
Raised to date: $900K
Studio Pod has raised from a trusted network of Angels, venture funds, friends, and family. We're excited to open up our capital raise to our customers, those that have supported us for so long, and the Republic community so that they can join in our mission to make headshots more accessible for everyone.
Founders
Leaders with deep photography, tech and entrepreneurial expertise
Joseph West
Co-CEO | Tech & Marketing
Joseph is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the intersection of technology and creativity. He has initiated and expanded multiple ventures, leveraging AI for multiple photography applications.
Chris Bailey
Co-CEO | Biz-Ops
Chris brings 15 years of experience as a professional photographer, renowned for building one of Texas’ top photography businesses. His entrepreneurial flair extends to launching additional successful studio ventures, demonstrating a knack for innovation and quality in the photography industry.
Summary
Studio Pod is the future of automated photography
Getting your headshot has never been so simple
We are changing the way that everyone sees the photographic experience, and invite you to join us in taking the first step for what’s next.
Helping people look and feel good — one headshot at a time.