Upcoming Photo Events in NY in January and February 2026

February 6, 2026

Photographing with live animals creates images that stop people mid-scroll. FD Photo Studio brings exotic animals to their Astoria studios on February 28th for a three-hour shoot where photographers and models can create editorial-style portraits that stand out in portfolios and on social media.

Creature Captures: Group Shoot with Exotic Animals

Saturday, February 28th from 1-4 PM at FD Photo Studio Astoria brings live exotic animals to the studio. The event features live insects, small mammals, and reptiles.

Ticket Options:

Photographers: $80
Models: $60
Duo Bundle: 15% off (perfect for photographer-model teams)

Get Your Creature Captures Ticket

What is a Photo Mixer

A photo mixer is when multiple photographers, models, and creatives share the same studio space at once. Instead of renting the whole studio by yourself, you split it with other people. This makes it a lot cheaper and you get to meet other creatives.

It works differently than renting a private studio. Most people either bring their own photographer or model or team up with others at the event. You’ll have a chance to work with other local creatives while sharing our studio spaces. The collaborative environment means you can watch how other photographers light their shots, see different posing approaches, and make connections with people you might work with later. Many event guests rent our studios after they meet at the event for private photo and video shoots.

Learn more about how photo mixers work.

Why Shoot with Animals

Animal photography gives you images that look different from everything else in your feed. A portrait with a snake draped over shoulders, a model holding a lizard, or close-ups with insects creates drama and visual interest that standard studio portraits can’t match.

These images work for fashion editorials, beauty campaigns, conceptual portfolios, and social content. They show creative direction and styling skills. They prove you can handle complex shoots with unpredictable elements. And they give casting directors and brands something memorable to look at.

Wildlife and exotic animal portraits have become popular in high-fashion editorials because they add an exotic energy to controlled to every shot. This event gives you access to that same aesthetic without the complicated logistics of sourcing animals yourself.

Two Studios Will Be Open During The Event

Astoria 9: Brick corner daylight studio

Brick corner photo studio with large windows and natural light in Astoria, NY. This 450-square-foot space has exposed brick walls and southwest-facing windows. The natural light stays steady throughout the day. The brick texture adds warmth to portraits and the corner layout gives you different angles to work with.

Astoria 10: Daylight studio with white and brick walls

Daylight photo studio with white walls, brick accent wall, and large windows in Astoria, NY. This studio has both clean white backgrounds and textured brick options. The windows bring in natural light that works well for portraits and product photography. You can switch between minimal white setups and more textured brick backgrounds in the same space.

Both studios will be connected through a large door so you can move between both spaces easily.

How the Event Works

This is a group photo mixer where multiple photographers and models share the space. You’ll be shooting alongside other creatives in a collaborative environment.

FD Photo Studio doesn’t provide photographers or models. You either bring your own team or collaborate with people at the event. Everyone can photograph and be photographed unless they choose otherwise. Respect everyone’s boundaries.

All animal interactions happen under supervision from professional handlers. You’ll only handle animals when the handler says it’s safe. The handlers control when and how animals are posed to keep both people and animals safe.

Event Rules

A signed waiver is required before entry. All attendees must be 18 years or older.

Animals may only be handled under direct supervision. Unsafe behavior isn’t allowed. FD Photo Studio and the animal handlers can limit or stop animal interactions at any time for safety reasons.

No guarantees are made about specific animals, poses, or outcomes. These are live animals and the handlers make final decisions about what’s possible.

Model releases and usage agreements are optional and handled directly between participants. FD Photo Studio doesn’t manage or mediate these agreements.

Every person entering needs a valid ticket, including assistants or team members.

Get Your Creature Captures Ticket

Other Photography Events in New York

Street, Travel & Cityscape Photography Workshop

January 25th and February 2nd, 12:15 PM – 3:45 PM. Two outdoor sessions at Union Square Park or The Highline. Learn compositional skills for landscapes, cityscapes, and street photography. Hosted by PhotoManhattan Photography School. $390.67.

Get Tickets

Film Photography Intensive

February 15th, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Full hands-on outdoor workshop at Union Square or The Highline. Covers camera settings, loading film, color vs black and white film, processing, and special effects. Hosted by PhotoManhattan Photography School.

Get Tickets

Find more photography events on Eventbrite.

About FD Photo Studio

FD Photo Studio runs 60+ studios in Los Angeles and New York. You can check in yourself anytime with our 24/7 system.

Rental rates start at $29.99 per hour with package deals. The 12-hour package gives you the best price per hour. We also have 4-hour and 8-hour packages that cost less than paying by the hour.

Rent a Studio

1. Browse Available Studios: Visit our studio rental page to explore all 62+ locations

2. Check Equipment Lists: Review our completed equipment list

3. Rent Your Studio: Use our 24/7 online booking system to secure your preferred date and time

4. Receive Your Check-In Code: Get your self-check-in code to access your studio seamlessly

Call us at +1 (323) 454-2323, or email us at info@fdphotostudio.com. We also have a live support chat on our website where you can get directions, request help, or ask questions.

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See All Studio Reviews

Creature Captures: Group Shoot with Exotic Animals

What is a Photo Mixer

Why Shoot with Animals

Two Studios Will Be Open During The Event

How the Event Works

Event Rules

Other Photography Events in New York

Street, Travel & Cityscape Photography Workshop

Film Photography Intensive

About FD Photo Studio

Rent a Studio

Find a Photo Studio near you

L.A. Studios

N.Y.C Studios

Rent Studio

Clients Review

Events

Have Any Questions?