When planning a photoshoot, there’s always that one question: Should I bring my own gear, or rent equipment on-site? Whether you’re a seasoned photographer, a social media content creator, or a brand producer organizing a campaign, the answer depends on cost, convenience, and creative flexibility. At FD Photo Studio, we’ve made it easy for you to choose by offering both affordable in-house rentals and inclusive gear options with every studio booking.
This post breaks down the pros, cons, and real-world costs of renting studio equipment versus bringing your own—so you can decide what works best for your project and your wallet.
Before pulling out your gear checklist, it’s worth noting that every FD Photo Studio rental includes a core set of equipment at no extra cost. This gives you a solid base to start with, even if you opt not to rent any add-ons.
Here’s what’s typically included at no charge:
That means if your lighting needs are relatively simple, you might not need to bring anything extra—or pay anything more.
See What’s Included in Every Studio Rental
Photographers face an important financial decision when weighing equipment options. Let’s examine a realistic scenario for a standard portrait session and compare the economics of both approaches:
| Factor | FD Photo Studio Rental | Bringing Your Own Equipment |
| Upfront Cost | $29.99+ per hour | $2,750+ for basic equipment set |
| Equipment Included | Professional lighting, modifiers, stands, studio amenities | Only what you’ve purchased and transported |
| Maintenance | Included (handled by studio) | Your responsibility ($150-300 annually) |
| Transportation | Just bring your camera and lenses | Requires larger vehicle, cases, more time |
| Storage Requirements | None | Dedicated home/office space needed |
| Insurance | Covered while in studio | Personal policy required ($300-1,000 annually) |
| Upgrade Costs | Always access to current equipment | Additional investment for newer technology |
| Setup/Breakdown Time | Minimal – equipment ready to use | 30-60 minutes additional time |
| Flexibility | Book only when needed | Always available but requires transport |
| Equipment | Purchase Cost | Lifespan (Years) | Cost Per Use* |
| 3 Studio Strobes (Mid-range) | $1,500 | 5 | $25 |
| Light Stands (3) | $300 | 7 | $3.57 |
| Modifiers (Basic Set) | $600 | 4 | $12.50 |
| Wireless Triggers | $200 | 3 | $5.56 |
| Sandbags/Clamps | $150 | 10 | $1.25 |
| Total | $2,750 | $47.88 |
*Assuming 12 shoots per year
Beyond the direct financial comparison, owning photography equipment comes with several hidden costs that aren’t immediately apparent:
Photography technology evolves rapidly. That $3,000 strobe system you purchased might be outperformed by a $1,500 system just three years later. When you rent, you always have access to current equipment without the depreciation hit.
Professional photography equipment requires regular maintenance. Flash tubes burn out, electronic components fail, and accidents happen. These repair costs can add hundreds of dollars annually to your equipment expenses.
Insuring your professional photography gear is essential but adds another recurring cost. Depending on your coverage level, this can range from $300-$1,000 annually.
Moving photography equipment safely requires appropriate vehicles and cases. Many photographers upgrade their vehicles specifically to accommodate their growing collection of gear, which represents a substantial hidden cost.
Quality equipment deserves proper storage, which means dedicating valuable home or studio space to keeping your gear safe and organized.
Despite the advantages of renting, there are scenarios where bringing your own equipment is the better choice:
If your photography style requires highly specialized equipment that rental studios don’t typically stock, owning this gear makes sense.
If you’re shooting multiple times per week, the economics may favor ownership despite the higher upfront costs.
For photographers who frequently shoot in remote locations without access to rental facilities, owning essential gear is necessary.
If you shoot across various locations and need absolute consistency in your lighting setup, owning your core equipment ensures you get identical results everywhere.
Many successful photographers adopt a hybrid approach:
This approach maximizes flexibility while minimizing costs and management headaches.
To further maximize your photography budget at FD Photo Studios:
The decision between renting equipment and bringing your own ultimately depends on your specific situation, shooting frequency, and business model. The good news is: you don’t have to choose just one approach. FD Photo Studio is designed to be flexible—so you can bring what you love and rent what you need.
If you’re curious about options, want to lighten your load, or are ready to try new gear before investing, take a look at our equipment rental list or contact us for advice.
Explore FD Photo Studio Equipment Options
Ready to experience the convenience of shooting with professional equipment without the ownership hassles? Book your next session at FD Photo Studios in Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago, with hourly rates starting at just $29.99 and all the equipment you need included.
FD Photo Studio offers affordable, professional photography spaces in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Our flexible booking options and affordable rates make high-quality studios accessible to photographers and content creators at every level.
Feel free to head over to our website, check our online calendars for availability, and fill out our reservation form. That’s it! Our streamlined booking process makes it very easy to book your creative session in under a minute.
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.