Excellent Portraits By April-Rose

Photographer April-Rose visited our NYC Studio 6 for a quick yet very vivid portrait session. The model’s outfit perfectly matched the interior of our “exposed blocks” stage.

A quick excerpt from Photographer’s bio:

“April-Rose is a freelance photographer who is passionate about creating and turning it into life. There is nothing more raw and powerful than seeing your idea that was created in your mind and you brought to life. Born and raised in Brooklyn. Self taught and Still thriving ”

Members of the crew:

photographer: April-Rose | www.arose.photography

The stage:

Simply described as “Morning light studio with rough exposed wall and metal door” NY Studio 6 is all you need for the vast majority of fashion/lifestyle/beauty photoshoots. Minimalistic and industrial, white and bright stage will give an abundant amount for natural light to play with. Find out more about our new NY Studio 6 “Exposed Block”! ‘s pricing and availability by visiting our website!

Hottcheetoqueen In Stage F!

What can be better than a lovely dalmatian accompanied by stunning, long-legged model, stylishly dressed and ready to conquer? Art directed by maestro Jessica Michaels, this photo-set is poster-perfect.

A snippet of Photographer’s story:

“Hottcheetoqueen, also known as Jessica Michaels, is a Los Angeles based wardrobe stylist, creative director, photographer, and creator of the one and only HCQ Magazine. Most of her work is inspired by the iconic Bratz dolls, female artists such as the Spice Girls, and time eras like the 90s and early 2000s. Hottcheetoqueen’s overall goal is to inspire boyz and girlz across the globe to dress as funky and colorful as possible! The more heads turned, the better! The more jaws dropped, the better! The more “OMG WHERE IS UR OUTFIT FROM?!”, the better!”

This session’s crew comprised of:

photographer: Jessica Michaels| @hottcheetoqueen | hottcheetoqueen.com

model: Tatianna| @sadsamo

stylist: Jessica Michaels | @hottcheetoqueen | hottcheetoqueen.com

Dalmation: Khaleesi| @khalessi_dal

At the location:

StageF was used for this team’s creative session. The studio is the smallest space we currently offer for our clients. Yet it is one of the most brightest stages with the tremendous amount of natural light coming from North West. It has gained a nickname – “light box” by some of our regulars and it truly fulfills it at any time of the day from dawn until dusk. This studio also features two section laminate floor of white and dark color for your creative needs. As with any of our stages, Studio F comes with 3 strobe lights already included in the hourly rate and backdrop seamless paper installed. Take a closer look HERE.

Sahar Golestani by Suzana Palyan

Perfecting both natural light and strobe light work, photographer Suzana Palyan shared with us astounding beauty shots of gorgeous Sahar Golestani. The desert-like interior with Moroccan flooring of our “jungle room” Hill 4 had fit just perfectly into each photo’s background.

About photographer:

Suzana Palyan is a first generation Armenian, American photographer and fashion designer based in Los Angeles. Suzana graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising majoring in Visual Communications. Her personal photography style is versatile which derived from her background and experience in fashion design. She began working on her photography portfolio many years ago and continues to photograph many reputable artists and business enthusiasts. She’s worked with popular artists and DJs such as EDX, Nora En Pure, Sons of Maria and many more. Suzana has found her niche as a creative and continues to embark a journey in photography.

Meet the crew:

Photographer: Suzana Palyan | @Suzanapalyan | www.suzanapalyan.com

Model: Sahar Golestani | @sahargolestani

About the Stage:

Stage Hill 4 is one of our largest and brightest stages. Advantageously positioned with the windows facing west and north, this stage gets plenty of sift indirect sunlight in the first half of the day and lots of direct sunbeams in the second half. Hill 4 is furnished with several comfy and photogenic couches of cream and and golden/brown leather color. As with any our other stages a standard package of three basic backdrops and three lights is available within the stage already. For more information visit stage Hill 4 on our website.

Emil Starr + Reginald Raphael

Photographer Emil Starr shared with us beautiful series of portraits/lingerie shots. Every image stands out with nice pop of hard light, emphasizing model’s unique features.

A snippet of Photographer’s story:

“I’m a Marine Corps veteran with an immense love for photography. My appetite for photography derives from my appreciation of priceless moments and from the idea of observing the world through many different perspectives. I was exposed to photography at an early age. My mother and father were freelance photographers during my childhood, I learned a great deal by watching them work. I dabbled in photography throughout the years, using whatever camera source was available to me. My wife purchased my first professional camera and I have been nonstop ever since. I’ve been shooting professionally for 3 years now. I’ve done portraits, landscape, children, lifestyle and events. I enjoy shooting in natural light but also do studio work with flash and studio lighting. I like to work in a fun and energetic environment. When it comes to portrait sessions I pride myself in making my subjects comfortable in front of the lens because my goal is to capture who you are and show our vision.”

Members of the crew:

photographer: Emil Starr | www.estarrphotography.com |@e_starr_photography

MUA: Reginald Raphael| @facesrmycanvas

About this location:

Stage Art 3
is truly one of the pearls of our studio. Featuring thematic furniture of white and gold color and antique look that beautifully coincides with a rose wall covered completely in red and white flowers this stage brings both the uniqueness and versatility. As any of other 11 studios we provide this stage is equipped with three paper backdrops of white, black and grey color ready for your shoot. Art 3 has amazing natural lighting conditions. However, if you require the help of the strobe lights, we have 3 of them installed and included in the hourly rate, thus making it as a very flexible creative space. For pictures and more information about stage Art 3 check out our WEBSITE.

Become Better Photographer: Creative Framing with Elaine Torres

While it is always a good idea to follow conventional guidelines about framing photography to avoid too much negative (empty space) around the subject, sometimes these rules have to tossed away to expand your creative mind. In today’s episode with Elaine Torres and AdoramaTV we will explore multiple creative approaches to capture just details of subject against empty frame and make an eye-candy out of it.

Elaine explains: “framing is a great element when you want to establish a photography style. We can shoot with the standard frame mean or we can do framing that is unusual but still visually and technically acceptable. There are many variations that we can try with our model in the center that doesn’t necessarily need to be showing the whole model within the frame. So experiment by cropping the subject in strategic ways that are still filling up the center proportionately.”

“Let’s get away from the center now and play with the top and bottom parts of the frame. There are endless possibilities of framing at the top and bottom. Specifically if you want to emphasize a body part or an accessory. So let’s experiment by cropping the subject feet, or hands, or head in a way that is entering the frame and then you can also experiment with your placement.”

“Now let’s experiment with either side of the frame. What I’m going to do is cut my model in half either standing or walking out of the frame. “

Check out our WORKSHOPS in Los Angeles that teach you hands-on how to make great photos!

One of our closest workshops –

Studio Lighting 102: Portrait Photography Lighting

will take place on September 11th, 7-9pm, in one of our Los Angeles studios !!!

Watch the full episode with Elaine Torres and Adorama TV:

Our “Blackout” Studio B just got XXX-rated!

A nice cherry on top of our recent upgrade in studio B – new black platform of 34″ height and a wall blocking the window, was fulfilled in the form of 3 giant LED X’s installed on the new wall section, facing towards entrance. Now you can be even more dramatic, in a complete dark environment, all for the same hourly rate!

Despite its simplistic nature that provides sufficient space for photo and video shoots, both big and small production, this stage still offers few unique prop pieces. This gorgeous leather chair is one of them.

Check out stage B on our website for more information on included equipment like 3 strobe lights and grip gear !

RektMag Shoot in Pro Stage II

Updated June 2023 In the heart of Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), an extraordinary photoshoot unfolded within the renowned rental photo studio, Pro II. A prominent magazine RektMag captured the essence of serenity and ethereal beauty in their editorial, and the studio provided the perfect setting. A captivating model Wylie Hays gracefully reclined on a bed, placed by a grand window, inviting an abundance of natural light to light the model in the best way. The soft glow illuminated her features and accentuated her allure, while the dynamic cityscape served as an exquisite backdrop. Artistic nudes magazine RektMag recently shared “IN-BETWEEN THE SHEETS“ photoshoot, shot in our PRO Stage II, starring the model Wylie Hays and photographer Linus Dotson. Simple, sensual and sincere bed scenes, taken with just natural light against the window is all Linus needed to portray seductive beauty of the model. Check out the full gallery on RektMag’s website!

Follow:

Magazine: RektMag | Website | Instagram Photographer: Linus Dotson | Instagram Model: Wylie Hays

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About this location:

Pro Stage II has been adorned with a few additions. First, now there is a huge American flag that covers a good portion of the wall and is already becoming a hallmark of the Pro stages. Second, there is a huge corner Cyclorama wall (white color), next to American flag. Third, there is a nice wood platform with the queen size bed installed right by the window. Fourth, our “space tunnel” with adjustable lights is a one-of-a-kind magical interior. In addition to that, standard photo backdrops of black, white and grey color, and studio lighting for stills are also included in the hourly rate. Make sure to catch the coolness of this space with your photo and video cameras and book with us NOW.

FD WORKSHOPS | Upcoming Events for September 2019!

Ready to go back to school? We are too! This hot September we will be hosting multiple amazing educational events with seasoned industry professionals who walked all photography paths. Here is what you can learn from them in September 2019.

Studio Lighting 102 : Portrait Photography Lighting

Where and when?

FD Hill Studios (FD Photo Studio Hill Location), September 11th, 2019, 7pm – 9pm.

What?

In this one, Toma will explain the patterns of the face, the separation from the background, distance and color tricks, planes of lighting, etc. One lovely professional model will be there to assist her demonstration and your practice! This beginner class is open to any level, from professionals who could use a refresher to new photographers working on their skills.

Please meet our speaker for this class:

Toma Kostygina

With thousands of hours spent on sets and at photo studios, Toma has gained experience in everything that you need to start working with studio lights. She has been always inspired by photography masters and artists so she’s decided to take it to the next level. While attending Photo classes at Santa Monica college, she has mastered creation of custom sets and thorough production. From assisting on sets such as for Coca-Cola, Italian Vogue, GQ, Interview magazines and Benefit cosmetics she is now working with A-list photographers and magazines. Toma is always in search of improvement her skills and creativity. You will find her work bright and colorful with some concept behind like for Grammy-nominated Sofi Tukker or David Bowie Tribute.

‘You are smarter than your camera’ Toma says.

So, come say hi and make the first step in your Studio light skills!

Here is the plan:

Introduction.
Portraiture Lighting.
Demonstration with Model
Practice with Model

How much?

Tickets are only $35 and we have few spots left!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Monthly Rooftop Photography Mixer

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Where and when?

FD Art Studios (FD Photo Studio Art Location), September 19th, 2019, 4pm – 8pm.

What?

Time flies fast and it’s time to meet up again!

You are all invited to participate in our Monthly Rooftop Mixer where everybody is having a good time while practicing photo/videography and working on their portfolios. New connections and friends are guaranteed! Come alone or with friends and models, come empty handed or bring your camera, this casual meet is your time to relax and create. Thinking of trying new studio shots? This is an opportunity to do so!

As it has become a tradition, we are also going to have another series of lottery. During check-in, everyone who RSVP’d will get a ticket with a number to participate. Don’t forget to check-in! 😉

Stage Art 3 will be available for all guests to do make up, hair, get ready, chill or take more awesome photos 😉

The rooftop will be open from 4 to 6:30pm.

How much?

ABSOLUTELY FREE!

RSVP HERE!

Learn how to Shoot on Manual Mode

Where and when?

FD PRO Studios (FD Photo Studio PRO Location), September 28th, 2019, 4pm – 7pm.

What?

With this easy, introductory workshop ending with a test shoot, you will get the knowledge you have been looking for! Practice is the best way to go here. Toma, will demystify manual mode for you, and will assist you during your practice with a professional model.

How much?

Tickets are $35 and we only have 5 spots left!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Dj/Producer EDX At FD Studios

Photographer Suzana Palyan had a last minute shoot with Grammy nominated musician Maurizio Colella known as EDX, and his fiance Charlene. Photographer and the couple chose our space tunnel in PRO stage II as their main creative stage. Plenty of cool photos followed after!

Few words about the shoot:

“So this shoot was coordinated literally within minutes before their Grammy Nomination dinner in Highland Park. I made the effort to set up a quick pre-engagement/Press photoshoot session at one of my favorite FD studios. And with the help of your assistants I was able to coordinate and book the studio. All during rush hour! ”

This session’s crew comprised of:

photographer: Suzana Palyan | www.suzanapalyan.com | @suzanapalyan

model: EDX

model: Charlene

The stage:

Pro Stage II has been adorned with a few additions. Firstly, now there is a huge American flag that covers a good portion of the wall and is already becoming a hallmark of the Pro stages. In addition to that, standard photo backdrops of black, white and grey color, and studio lighting for stills are also included in the hourly rate. Make sure to catch the coolness of this space with your photo and video cameras and book with us NOW.