Renting a photo studio can elevate your work from ordinary to exceptional. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to upgrade your creative environment, this comprehensive guide will help you choose the perfect rental photo studio for your next shoot.
When you rent photo studio space, you gain access to professional-grade equipment, controlled lighting conditions, and versatile backgrounds that simply aren’t available in outdoor or home settings. Here’s what makes studio photography essential:
Perfect for: Fashion, portraits, lifestyle photography, e-commerce, family photography, etc.
Features:
Explore more about daylight photo studios for rent here. FD Photo Studio offers extensive daylight studio options for rent in both Los Angeles and New York, with spaces ranging from intimate portrait studios to large production spaces.
Art 1 – Daylight Photo Studio with White Steps
LIC 5 photo studio for rent in NY with art walls.
Brooklyn 4 photo studio for rent in Brooklyn with large windows and beautiful sunset light.
Hill 3 daylight photo studio for rent in LA with a mirror wall.
What to Look For: Studios with north-facing windows offer consistent, soft natural light throughout the day, making them ideal for controlled shooting conditions. West-facing windows provide beautiful, dramatic light in the evening—perfect for golden hour effects.
Perfect for: Dramatic portraits, creative lighting experiments
Features:
Explore more about blackout studio photography here. FD offers a variety of blackout studios for rent in Los Angeles and New York, featuring professional lighting systems and full light control for creative photography.
Hill 2 – Studio with RGB walls in Los Angeles
Astoria 4 – a blackout studio in NY with a full light control.
LIC 4 – a blackout studio for rent in NY with RGB walls.
Studio B – a blackout studio for rent in Los Angeles.
What to Look For: What to Look For: Studios that can completely block out natural light (with blackout curtains or windowless rooms), allowing you to use only artificial lights for precise control over mood and atmosphere.
Perfect for: Fashion photography, e-commerce product shots, model test shoots, family photography, etc.
Features:
Explore more about how to shoot in a studio with a cyc wall here. FD Photo Studio offers cyc wall studios for rent in both New York and Los Angeles, including large-format options for major productions.
Yukon 1 – Corner Cyc
What to Look For: Well-maintained cyclorama walls without visible seams or damage. Some studios offer repainting services for pristine backgrounds.
Perfect for: Unique creative projects, lifestyle content, family photography, boudoir photography, etc.
Common Options:
FD Photo Studio offers a variety of specialty photo studios for rent across Los Angeles and New York, including loft studios, art backdrops, and unique themed studios.
Loft 1 – French Loft
Studio rental pricing varies significantly based on location, size, included equipment, and demand. Most professional studios charge hourly rates ranging from $25 to $150 per hour, with larger, more equipped spaces commanding higher prices.
Many studios offer half-day and full-day packages at reduced rates compared to individual hourly bookings. Some companies like FD Photo Studio also provide multi-hour packages for longer productions.
Most studios now offer online booking systems. Some require deposit upfront, while others may not require any deposit or certificate of insurance.
Pricing factors to consider:
Booking process typically involves:
Equipment available for rent at FD Photo Studio
The equipment situation varies significantly between studios and can greatly impact your shoot experience and budget. Some studios include comprehensive lighting packages, while others provide only the space and expect you to bring or rent your own equipment. Many photographers prefer to use their own familiar gear, while others appreciate the convenience of included equipment.
Quality studios also provide practical amenities that enhance your shooting experience, including makeup stations with proper lighting, clothing racks for wardrobe organization, and reliable WiFi for tethered shooting.
Standard equipment typically includes:
Essential amenities to look for:
Location selection involves more than just finding a studio you like. Think about how close the studio is to where you’re based, client’s location, or where your team and models are traveling from. Downtown studios often offer better accessibility but may come with higher parking costs.
Equipment loading and access deserve special attention, especially for larger productions. Multi-story buildings may require freight elevator access, which should be arranged in advance.
Location considerations:
Logistics to plan ahead:
Studio policies exist to protect both the space and other renters. Your rental time typically includes setup, shooting, and breakdown, so plan accordingly.
Preparation is key to maximizing your studio time. Create detailed shot lists, organize your equipment and props in advance, and communicate any special needs to the studio beforehand.
Common studio policies:
Essential preparation steps:
During your shoot, maintain clear communication with studio staff about any equipment issues or needs. Professional studios employ knowledgeable teams who can troubleshoot technical problems and suggest creative solutions.
Building relationships with studio staff and management can lead to better service, advance notice of promotions, and flexibility for future bookings. Many studios offer additional services like workshops and equipment rentals that can enhance your photography skills.
For more photography events, workshops, and networking opportunities, visit our events page to stay updated on the latest offerings and community gatherings.
During your shoot:
Photographed at Art 3
See our necessary items checklist for the best experience here.
Now that you understand the studio rental process, let’s explore why FD Photo Studio stands out as the premier choice for photographers and content creators.
FD Photo Studio provides all lighting equipment for free with every rental. Unlike other studios that charge extra for basic equipment, every booking (except LA Lofts 1, 2, 3 and 4) includes:
Check out all of our equipment here.
FD Photo Studio offers 1-hour minimum bookings with rates starting from $29.99/hour when purchasing a 12-hour package. Our unique package system allows you to split packages (4, 8 and 12-hour packages) across multiple sessions, with hours that never expire.
FD operates photo studios across major cities:
New York: Multiple studios in Long Island City, Astoria, and Brooklyn areas
Los Angeles: Unique studios across 6 locations throughout Los Angeles.
Unlike many studios that require certificates of insurance, FD Photo Studio has streamlined policies, though security deposits may be required for certain bookings. Our 24/7 online booking system provides real-time availability calendars and confirmation within 48 hours.
Studio crews are available for production support, equipment troubleshooting, and remote assistance. We also offer photography workshops and can provide assistant services for larger productions.
Following this step-by-step guide will ensure your photo studio rental experience is successful and stress-free. Remember that the key to a great studio shoot is preparation, clear communication, and choosing a studio that matches your creative vision and budget.
Professional studio rental opens up unlimited creative possibilities, allowing you to produce work that simply isn’t possible with natural light alone. Whether you’re shooting portraits, fashion, products, or creative projects, the controlled environment and professional equipment available in rental studios can elevate your photography to new heights.
Ready to rent your first studio? Explore available options at FD Photo Studio, check real-time availability, and take your photography to the next level with a professional studio rental.
1. Browse Available Studios: Visit our studio rental page to explore all 62+ locations
2. Check Equipment Lists: Review our comprehensive equipment offerings
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.