Cheap Photo Studios for Rent in Los Angeles, CA

Been preparing to rent a photo studio, but the prices only seem to drive you away? We feel you. LA is not exactly the cheapest place on Earth. But who said you have to rent the most expensive locations? Want to know what to look out for when booking? Our five-minute read about renting guidelines will have you ready to get exploring and booking. Good luck!

• Location. LA has many neighborhoods, and when choosing the part of town that you would like to rent a venue in, you should think about a few key things. How are you going to get there? Should the venue be close to an airport/metro station/specific place? Should it be close to your home, office or anywhere else? Will you be moving to different locations before or after your photo shoot? If that’s the case, then where? 
• Time. When are you planning to shoot the photos? If you’re doing daylight photography, then come at the earliest possible hour. Some venues open around 10 or 11am, while others open very early in the morning. Do you want to catch any sunrises or sunsets? Even if you’re only planning to shoot with studio lighting, the time is still important. 
• Equipment. Have you thought about what you need exactly? Some studios will offer equipment included in the rental price, while others won’t. Check with the venue manager what’s included in the fee. If you find yourself missing some pieces, then ask if there’s a rental option available. Sometimes it might be better to book a space that’s slightly more expensive but offers equipment. Pick the most suitable option.
• Budget. A lot of studios have an option to rent per hour, while others have the option for the whole day. Can you make the shoot in two or three hours? If the answer is yes, then you can probably make this quite a cheap photo studio rental. You don’t want to be paying extra if it turns out you need more time at the venue. Other than that, remember that the closer to the city center you are, the more expensive the studios become. 

For Larger Crews

If you’re working with a bigger team or need multiple zones for styling, prep, and production, these studios give you the extra space without overcharging.

Professional Production, Photo+Film Studio (Arlington Heights)
One of the few affordable options with serious capacity—up to 65 standing. Great for lookbook shoots, campaign content, and small film crews. Layout supports multiple lighting setups, and the clean walls make it adaptable for a variety of shoots.

Studio 519 (Downtown LA)
With 50-person capacity and an open plan, this is a smart choice for teams needing flexibility. It's been used for fashion, editorial, and small-scale branded content. You get space to work without clutter, which matters when you need quick gear changes or client reviews on site.

Electric Pony Studios (South Park)
Ideal for content creators who need room to shoot stylised setups or video sequences. It handles high movement and props well, thanks to the open layout and controlled lighting zones.

For Lifestyle Shoots or Editorial Concepts

If you need a space that already has atmosphere or texture, these are better than starting from scratch in a blank box.

Artsy Apartment Studio Space (Downtown LA)
Built to resemble a real lived-in apartment, this is ideal for lifestyle branding, fashion photography, or home-style product shots. The space is styled but neutral enough to adapt with minimal staging.

International Waters (Echo Park)
Distinct in tone and layout, this is suited for stylised portraits or editorial photo series. Lighting is fully controllable, and the setup encourages creative framing and experimentation.

Practical Studios With the Basics Covered

No extras, no over-promises—just dependable spaces that let you shoot efficiently and stay on budget.

Community Center in the Heart of Silverlake A straightforward setup with seating and tables included. Works well for casual brand sessions, community headshots, or video content where structure matters more than aesthetics.

Noho Photo Studio (Sun Valley)
Offers both blackout and daylight control—making it one of the more flexible spaces at this price. Solid for e-comm, fashion, or interview setups.

Check out affordable options on the outskirts of town. Do calculate if the transport doesn’t cost you more with this option. If you have your own equipment, then consider bringing that too, because most of the time the cheaper studio rentals will be equipment free. There are exceptions to the rule, though, so don’t feel discouraged! And with all that said, it’s time to make a booking!