Renting a Photo Studio
June 10, 2024
You’re producing an upcoming photo shoot. You’ve already chatted with the client to nail down a preliminary budget, schedule, on-camera talent, and photographer. One not so little detail remains: finding the perfect photo studio rental.
The reality is that photo studio rentals come in a massive range of sizes and prices. As a producer, it’s up to you to figure out exactly what your team needs to execute the job at a professional standard. Here are five keys to finding the perfect photo studio rental for your shoot:
1. Subject
Finding the right photo studio rental begins with a simple but important question: What are you shooting? Are you shooting fashion models? Minivans? A corporate department?
Just as studio spaces come in all shapes and sizes, so do the shoots themselves. And the subject of your shoot will determine the specifics of what you need from a photo studio rental. Knowing the nature of what you’re shooting is a starting point from which you’ll be able to prioritize every other decision-making factor regarding your photo studio rental.
2. Location
In any major city, the location of the photo studio rental can drastically increase or reduce its potential value to your specific shoot. Whether you prioritize accessibility or convenience, taking the time to choose the right studio location can enhance both the process and the final result.
A studio in a central, accessible area ensures convenience for clients, crew, and equipment transportation. Noise levels, safety, and the studio’s proximity to your target market can influence the session’s success. Ultimately, the right location balances practicality, creativity, and cost, making the photo shoot smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
3. Size
How big is the photo studio? How tall? How wide? If a photo studio rental is too small or too large for your production, it’s simply not the right option.
Consider exactly how much space you’ll need, but keep in mind that we’re not just talking about a camera, a few lights, and a model. You need to take each and every element of your production into consideration, from space for your client to space for food prep stations to space for dozens upon dozens of wardrobe racks.
Many photo studios offer the opportunity to rent gear directly from their facility, an option that can potentially save you a mountain of time and money. If you’re looking for an equipment-centric photo studio rental, Los Angeles’ own Quixote Studios, an industry leader when it comes to entertainment rentals, would be a tough option to beat.
But pay attention to the fine print. Not only do many photo studios source their own tools, some explicitly forbid their customers from renting other companies’ equipment when using their studio.
4. Price
The trickiest part of a photo studio rental’s price has nothing to do with contracts or rental day rates. What you really need to pay attention to are the little things. Specifically, you need to pay attention to the fees.
Insurance fees, damage fees, cleaning fees, and more – if any fee in your photo studio rental’s policy seems over-the-top, consider it a red flag that you’ll need to either plan for or negotiate before booking. Always read your rental contract!
Be straightforward about your budget and respectful toward the studio. If you present your financial restrictions honestly, there’s no reason you couldn’t get a discounted price. To rental facilities, there’s no profit in leaving a studio space empty so many times they will negotiate on budget.
5. Amenities
For many photo studios, amenities are their ace in the hole. They’re all the little extras that represent hidden strengths for your production to take advantage of. On one level, amenities can be as basic as additional rooms.
Rooms for wardrobe, make-up, or a private space for your client could all be must-haves for your shoot. And if you’re working with a child actor or model, additional space for their schooling and recreation may even be a legal requirement.
But, on another level, amenities can be far more than “basic.” In fact, they can be practically anything. From equipment rental to coffee bars, your production can enjoy an incredible variety of perks, depending on your choice of photo studio rental.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best photo studio rental can be complicated but making the right choice may prove to be one of the most rewarding decisions made on your entire shoot.
Before Googling “photo studio rental space”, take the time to figure out what you need, what you want, and what you can afford.