15 Things to Consider When Renting a Photo or Video Studio
There are so many amazing photography and videography studios to rent all over Massachusetts. Each photo studio is unique and has different amenities that are just right depending on your project.
Certain amenities are more important if you are capturing corporate video or music videos as opposed to photographing headshots, products, aspiring models, or family sessions.
We have thought though all of the different factors you may want to consider when you rent your next photo/video studio space in and around Boston.
Here are the top 15 things to consider:
1. How tall are the ceilings?
Ceiling height is key for great studio photography or videography. Any photo studio with ceiling heights under 10 feet are not worth renting.
At a minimum, you need 10 - 12 foot ceilings to capture standing full body shots.
2. What color is the ceiling?
Does the color of the ceiling matter? Absolutely! All white ceilings are always the best option.
Wooden ceilings may look cute and rustic but beware, you will be battling the dark ceilings during your entire photoshoot. The colors in your photos will be off because you are bouncing brown tones off of your client. Your photos will look muddy, and you will have to work much harder to take a neutral picture.
Black ceilings are even harder to work with unless you are trying to create negative fill. In that case, a V-Flat or two is the perfect tool to quickly create more contrast in your photos or video without dark ceilings.
3. Does the wall color of the photo studio matter?
Photography is all about lighting and bouncing light off your subject in the most appealing way.
Dark walls can be an asset if you know how to use them properly. Again, negative fill is a perfect example of a great way to use dark walls which can add contrast to your photos.
Rather than dark walls, look for studios that have reversible V-Flats that have both white and black sides. The larger the V-Flat, the better, because you can replicate natural window light or shade.
4. What’s better natural light from windows or photography lights?
Windows are not absolutely necessary for natural light. If the space has windows, check to see if they are equipped with black out curtains. Natural light can be too overwhelming at times and you would want to be able to control the light levels.
We love natural light and it is a great asset but please be aware to schedule your rental at a time when the natural light is exactly the way you want it to be whether it is golden hour, hard light, cloudy, or moonlight.
Natural light is great, but it can also be created with professional photography lights if you know what you are doing.
5. Is professional photography lighting included in the rental price?
There are many studios that do not provide lighting equipment or only provide it for an additional fee.
Some studios rely solely on natural light from the windows. If this is what you prefer, you have to consider the ideal time to rent the space for the best lighting.
6. Will there be a photographer or videographer on-site during your photo studio rental?
Depending on your skill level, you may or may not need a professional photographer or videographer on-site during your shoot.
If you are a novice photographer or have never rented a studio before, you would want to have an experienced person on-site just in case you get into a jam. There is nothing worse than fumbling in front of a client (say goodbye to your professionalism). If a professional staff member is on-site at the studio, it can appear as though you have a large team which may impress your client.
If you are an advanced photographer, a studio with keyless entry code would work just fine.
7. Is there free parking?
Parking could be a challenge depending on the size of your project and the time and day of the photoshoot. Ample free on-site parking is always a major win.
The last thing you want to think about during your shoot is moving your car, refilling the parking meter, or even worse, your client getting ticketed or towed.
8. Can I make noise?
If you or your client are high energy people, a rental space that limits noise could really dampen the mood.
Look for a soundproof studio to rent so you can play your music and set the mood for your session.
9. Is there a private changing room?
Your customers and models may want to have multiple outfit changes. It is important to have a clean and private space for your guests to get ready for their photo or video shoot. No one wants to drag their clothes on a dirty public bathroom floor.
Clothing racks and steamers are also a huge plus. Keep your eye out for these amenities when you rent a studio. As a photographer, you never know when your headshot client may show up with a wrinkled shirt.
10. Is there a makeup room?
The more confident and comfortable your client feels, the better their pictures or videos will look. Is there a space for your client to touch up their hair and makeup that has good lighting and full-length mirrors? Something to think about when comparing studios to rent.
11. Does the studio require certificate of insurance?
Certificate of insurance provides proof that you have an insurance policy in place. Some photo and video studios require certificate of insurance to protect themselves against liability for accidents or injuries that occur at their facility.
If you don’t have an active business insurance policy, there are insurance companies that provide special event insurance or one-day event insurance policies. Here is a list of the best event insurance companies. If you are in the Massachusetts area, we recommend Vargas & Vargas Insurance.
It is important to consider this in the overall cost of your studio rental.
12. Are there additional fees for guests?
Many photo studios tack on extra hourly fees if you have more than 4 - 6 guests. These additional fees typically range from $20 - $60 per hour.
Don’t forget to factor in additional fees when comparing studio rental costs.
13. Does the studio have a cyclorama wall?
Cyclorama walls, also referred to as infinity walls or cyc walls, are walls built with a slight curve that provides an illusion of an open endless room.
If you are looking for a studio with a cyclorama wall, we recommend looking for one that is at least 12 feet or larger.
If you are looking for an alternative to a cyc wall studio, just ask the photo studio if they have 2 backdrop stands which can combine into a large photography or videography set. A skilled professional would know how to manipulate the camera to create the illusion of a seamless infinite space.
Keep in mind that it takes a lot of light and camera power to properly expose the cyclorama wall and your scene. We recommend at least 4,000 watts of light to expose at ISO100, decent f-stop, and desired shutter speed.
14. Does the studio have a loading dock?
A loading dock provides easy access to haul your sets, props, and camera equipment. Depending on where in the building the photo studio is located, a loading dock, dolly, and freight elevator may be crucial to the success of your photography or videography rental session.
A loading dock is also great if you want to drive into the studio for car scenes.
15. Is the studio private?
Many photo studios are shared spaces because the cost of renting the studio space and the overhead costs are so high. This may be fine for some guests, but others may prefer a completely private studio space with no distractions from strangers entering and exiting the room.
Renting a photo studio is a great way to avoid the many surprises that come with outdoor photo/video shoots. Avoid cancelations and rescheduling due to rain or frigid temperatures.
Let’s face it, no one looks good with squinting eyes, melting makeup, harsh shadows, frizzy hair, and sweaty pits. Why battle the elements when you can control the temperature, humidity, and lighting in a comfortable relaxed studio space?
We hope this list helped you find the best photography studio to rent for your specific project.
Cheers!
Boston Studio Rental
63 Wyman Street
Stoughton, MA 02072