Renting a Photography Studio: 6 PRO TIPS

One of the great things about being a branding photographer, product photographer, family photographer, etc. in a vast metroplex like Dallas Fort Worth is having access to so many great rentable photography studios for your photoshoots.

If you’re familiar with Peerspace.com, I’m sure you’ve spent plenty of time scrolling through the endless options of rentable spaces for your clients. They’ve got everything from gyms and offices to traditional photography studios and million dollar homes available to rent. The website is a goldmine.

But, how do you ensure that the space you’re about to rent has what you need in it?

Here are the 2 main things to look for when booking a rentable photography studio (or any rentable space).

1. Does the space have natural light?

   • Don’t just take someone’s word for it because a lot of people have different interpretations of what natural light is. Be sure to look through the listing photos and take inventory of available windows. Do they provide light in the areas you plan to shoot in? For example, if you are renting a house and intend to use the kitchen, are there any windows in the kitchen? Or, will you need to bring artificial lighting to achieve your desired effect?

   • Also keep in mind what time of day you’re going to be shooting and where the sunlight will be coming from, directionally speaking. This makes a huge difference when it comes to available natural light.

2. Does the space have décor or props that fit your client’s personal style/your vision for the photoshoot?

   • As a brand photographer, this is something I pay close attention to to ensure the look of the photos will align with my client’s vision, and the location/its style details play a huge part in this.

   • If you’re renting a home, make note of what décor, chairs, blankets, pillows, etc. they styled the space with. Does this align with your client’s look? Or, will you need to bring in props of your own to personalize the space?

   • If you’re renting a photography studio, they sometimes offer props and styling items which is a huge help. But, always be sure to double check that their prop inventory is up to date before promising your client a certain item/look will be available to them for the shoot.

   • At Brightside Studios, we keep several vignettes styled year-round (our living room, kitchenette, and conference room) - but we do occasionally swap out props from time to time. If you’ve booked our space, you’ll want to check current prop inventory here.

Okay, so you’ve booked your client’s dream location for the photoshoot. Great! What’s next?

I’ve been a brand photographer for over 6 years prior to opening Brightside Studios, so I’ve had my share of photoshoot prep work. I believe that being super organized on the front end leads to successful, fun, and well-executed shoots (and happy clients).

Here are my 4 pro tips to help make sure you’re ready for your client photoshoot at a rentable photography studio.

1. Discuss the logistics of the photoshoot with the client

   • I lead with this even though it should be straightforward and fairly obvious because I want to emphasize creating a seamless process for your clients. Make sure you’re providing them with:

     • A calendar invite for the photoshoot containing date, time, location

     • Your contact info/cell phone number/point of contact for the day in case of emergency

     • A confirmation/check-in email a few days prior to the shoot confirming the date, time, and location

     • Any helpful details to assist them in finding the location. What is parking like? What will the building look like? Is there a gate? Do they need a door code? Is there an elevator?

2. Discuss the timeline of the photoshoot with the client (and make sure it’s realistic!)

   • To minimize “scope creep” (aka the shoot getting out of hand with excess looks, scenes, deliverables, etc.), a timeline is necessary. Always be sure to buffer your timeline for potential delays and include time for outfit changes, as well as time for setup and takedown during your reservation at the rented location. Bookings tend to be back to back in rentable photography studios, so there is likely someone booked after you. You want to be sure you exit the space on time and had sufficient time to reset it for the next person.

3. Discuss props to bring

   • As mentioned above, the location you book may or may not have the props and decor you need to suit your client’s vision. Always be sure to walk through a prop list with them so they know what they should bring to the photoshoot. Props can include anything from laptops and notebooks to wine and children’s toys depending on the type of shoot, so remember you’re the expert and you’re uniquely positioned to help your client brainstorm on props that will make their shoot unique to them.

4. Discuss outfits to wear

   • As with props, it’s important that the outfits also fit well with the location you’ve booked for your photoshoot. I always tell my clients to wear something that they are comfortable in, but as a guiding principal - lean more toward solid colors that fit their brand palette or play it safe with neutrals. Busy patterns and graphic t-shirts can be distracting, especially when they clash with the location’s aesthetic.

By being well-prepared to shoot in a rented space, you can feel at-ease during your photoshoot, and your client will thank you for guiding them through the process. Being a photographer is so much more than just taking beautiful photos - it’s also being the location scout, stylist, set designer, project planner, and friend.

With love,

-Monika