Cheap Photo Studios for Rent in Los Angeles, CA

Your Guide to Renting Cheap Photo Studios 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? Sure, expensive studios seem nice, but the cheap ones can do as good a job. Don’t worry, the only things you should be thinking about now are ideas for the next shoot! We’ve found some venues for you, and the only thing you will have to do is decide on a couple of things before booking. But we tried to do as much as we can in order to keep the burden off you. 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!

LA cheap photo studios rental guide

If you’re wondering whether this guide is for you, then stop wondering because it is. You could be a photography student, an aspiring photographer, an amateur or a professional. Everyone needs help sometimes, and even if you’ve rented a studio or two in the past, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t more tips and tricks to remember. 

• Location. Easy enough - you should be thinking about where you want to rent the venue first. 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? Have you discussed with the people who are taking part in the photo shoot where they want the location to be? It’s good to choose 2 or 3 neighborhoods, so you can narrow down from there. 
• Time. When are you planning to shoot the photos? The type of photography you’re planning to shoot might also have some significance here. 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 valid. Remember that people might show up late to the shoot, or that you might have to arrive before everyone else to set the scene. Plan out your timetable accordingly.
• Equipment. This one goes without saying. You need special equipment to shoot the shot. Have you thought about what you need exactly? You and your crew will most likely bring the cameras and lenses. But what about the rest of the equipment? Which tripods, light stands and lights will you need? What about reflectors, cables, light measures, software, etc.? Some studios will offer equipment in the rental price, while others won’t. Check with the 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. Well this is what you came for right? You want to rent a studio, but not go bankrupt. No worries, we have some tips for you, especially here. Take notes. A lot of studios have an option to rent per hour, while others have the option for the whole day. Depending on what you’re shooting and who you’re shooting with, you have to make the call about which option will be best. 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. However, if you don’t believe in your team's skill to finish up quickly, then the whole day option might turn out more affordable in the end. 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. 
  
  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! Another thing which might make this scenario more budget friendly is considering who tags along to the shoot. If you can afford to work TFP with models, then why not? The same goes for operators, light managers etc. Students need work experience all the time. And with all that said, it’s time to make a booking!

FAQs about Cheap Photo Studios in Los Angeles, CA

What’s the price range of cheap photo studios in Los Angeles?

Cheap photo studios start at around $40 per hour. The upper price limit depends on you of course. But if you plan to capture your photos for only 2 to 3 hours, then you can definitely fit into a $150 limit. And on Tagvenue there’s quite a selection of lovely venues at this price, so get exploring! (All data from Tagvenue.com)

What are some cheap photo studios recommendations in LA?

Check out the Skyline Suite at Skyline SUITE. This venue is available for many events, but it is especially perfect for daylight photography. The white, open space, the huge windows and the placement of the venue make it a perfect location for fitness shoots, fashion shoots and other. It’s right in the center of the Fashion District. 

Can I cancel my photo studio booking before the photoshoot?

In most cases, you will not get a full refund if you cancel your booking at the last minute. When renting a venue, you will have to sign a contract where the cancellation policy will be noted. You can always try talking to the manager if the reason for your cancellation was unavoidable. But we advise you not to cancel once you set the date and book the venue.

What are some of the best neighborhoods in LA to book a cheap photo studio in?

The center of LA offers some fantastic cheap studios. Take your pick, anywhere from Vernon, to the Fashion District and Aliso Village. If you prefer to stay near main city attractions, streets and shops then this area will not disappoint. If you want to book something further away, then the areas of Midcity also offer studios, and you can even go further up north and book in the areas of Panama City.