Photo Studios for Rent in Boston, MA

Photo Studios Rental Guide

Photo studios are great professional workspaces to expand your art and your business. If you are looking for a photo studio in Boston, you are spoiled for choice. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are searching for a studio:

Space

The scale of your upcoming project will determine the amount of space you need. If you are just doing headshots or portraits for a small group of people, you will not need too much space to complete this project. However, if you are shooting headshots or photos of a large group, it would be wise to seek a place with ample room to fit everyone and give them space to relax when they are not in front of the camera. 

Amenities

If your shoot will be going on all day, you should consider a space that has access to a kitchenette or refreshments to keep everyone energized. This is a great feature for any size shoot, and it also helps people get more comfortable with their surroundings, which makes for better photos.

Budget

Budget planning is essential for a shoot. Do this as early as possible, so you have as much time as possible to find the perfect venue at the best price. The more money you save on space, the more money you will have for more and better equipment. Tagvenue has plenty of options listed to accommodate any budget!

Organization

Having a complete and comprehensive plan for your day is key to ensuring things will go smoothly. When you are prepared with a schedule, and have a list of all the materials you will need, you will be able to use the photo studio to its fullest potential. Organizing your day with a clear plan will also make the day easier for the people you are photographing because they will know exactly where to be and when to be there.

Equipment

Some studios will offer equipment for you to rent for your shoot. This is a great option because the studio will have gear best suited for their facilities and backdrops. This option also saves you the trouble of transporting delicate gear from place to place. The gear that is usually available for rental includes lights, filters, backdrops, and sometimes even cameras and top-of-the-line cameras and lenses for the best possible image quality.

• Backdrops – The right background is the best way to make your subjects pop. These will come in various colors and materials, each designed to work with your choice of lighting and the overall aim of your shoot. If you are doing corporate portraits, a white or lighter-colored backdrop is the best for this scenario. If the project you have in mind is a bit more creative, then your options are pretty much limitless.

• Reflection – Light reflection has become increasingly popular in photography over the last few years. You can use a variety of polished surfaces in silver, gold, and copper for warmer or colder lighting. Umbrella lighting has long been the standard in studio photography and is great for flash photography, but is  not ideal for sustained lighting.

• Tripods – This vital piece of gear is often overlooked. Having a high-quality tripod or many tripods, depending on the goals of your shoot, is key to getting the highest quality photographs. These will not only help you speed up the shooting process, but you are guaranteed steady images with the same framing, making your product nothing short of clean and professional.

• Softboxes – These are also known as light diffusers and are vital for portrait photography. Flashes can be harsh, and studio LEDs can add to this, but the softbox will help soften this light while still allowing your images to come through well-lit. These come in a variety of sizes, each size being ideal for different scenarios and subjects. 

• Light Meters – Most cameras have a light meter, but in studio situations, having an external light meter is a great idea. The external hardware will give you a more precise reading, and in conjunction with the light meter in your cameras, you will get even better results. Multiple light photography is a science and having the most precise gear possible is the only way to get professional-level results.

Photo studios are a sure-fire way to elevate your photography. Whether you are a professional portrait photographer or looking to pursue your creative ideas in a studio setting, Boston has the space for you. Here you will find places designed for a professional and efficient workflow with top-of-the-line gear. There are many options, from enormous studios to a small area for product photography. Does any of those spaces sound like something ideal for your upcoming project? Browse through some of our listings and find your next studio!

FAQs about Photo Studios in Boston, MA

How much does it cost to rent a photo studio in Boston?

Depending on the area, photo studios can cost anywhere from $10 an hour to $300 per session. If studios have hourly rates, you can expect them to have a minimum rental period, which is usually 3 hours per session. (All data from Tagvenue)

What is usually included in the price for a photo studio in Boston?

Things that are always included in the price are the facilities themselves and the standard background or set. Sometimes studios will offer rentals, which saves you the hassle of moving all of your bulky set equipment. Apart from this, larger studios will sometimes have a kitchenette and other amenities for the comfort of your clients.

What are the best places in Boston for hiring a photo studio?

You have plenty of great options for photo studios in Boston. You will find many great options in places like Beacon Hill or The North End, cool, trendy neighborhoods with great art scenes.

Should I hire an assistant for my photo shoot?

This depends on the size of your event. Assistants will help you set up backgrounds and changes, as well as help keep your day on track. You can usually hire a well-trained assistant for anywhere from $100-300 per day.