where to shoot when the snow flies

With the weather (and some of the leaves!) already turning it's about that time of year when anyone not suspending their business for the winter months in Edmonton might want to consider booking some space indoors.  While the truth is I'd love to shamelessly plug My Edmonton Studio alone, the REAL truth is we photographers need different spaces for different things.  You may want a swank boudoir set-up, a blank slate, a spacious area large enough to handle 30 people (and a hot rod), an intimate venue to do consultations and in-person sales, or a unique location to host a gathering for your clients.  Because most personal photography happens on weeknights and weekends when people aren't working or in school, regardless of what you need the key is to plan your shooting days well in advance and book early so you aren't left (quite literally) out in the cold!

Photographers in the Edmonton area are fortunate to have access to many venues with a wide variety of amenities, aesthetics, and functions.  With rates averaging around $40/hr, here are a handful of other rental venues available with a quick rundown of their highlights.  If you know a space that isn't on this list, please contact me via the contact page and I will make sure I expand the list!

Located in the heart of Edmonton's gorgeous 124th street business district, Garage Photographic is a slick outfit with tonnes of amenities including main floor access, HUGE continuous backdrop area, flexible operating hours, and an enviable collection of continuous lighting.  Geared towards film, Garage has also been used for stills by the likes of Jason Symington MFA of Imagen and Renee Robyn of Renee Robyn Photography.  Contact talented and knowledgeable owner Peter Markowski for complete details.

Edmonton Studio Rentals
Photocred: Garage Photographic

Catering to both film and photography, the team at King Oak offers a variety of production services.  Owner Chris is personable and friendly, and will assist with setting you up for your full or half-day shoot.  Contact him for complete information on renting his 1000sq ft 2nd floor south side studio with green room and kitchenette.  

Kijiji: STUDIO RENTAL
Photocred: King Oak Studios

MES is a 1200sq ft two-room south side studio featuring natural light, large antechamber with projection and IPS salesroom, kitchenette, 200+ costumes, and an evolving collection of props, drops, and furniture.  Located on the 2nd floor of a former flooring showroom, while MES is geared towards photographers it is also suitable for small fitness classes/training, intimate workshops, cocktail receptions, bridal day-of suite for getting ready, sales parties (candles, spices, cooking ware, etc.) and other small- or home-based businesses who do not require a full-time space.  Extras like hi-speed internet, iPod stereo, lighting rentals, and printer/copier on-site just sweeten the deal.  Min 2hr booking, weekly, recurring, and monthly rental options.  Contact Hope for more info.



NARE STUDIO
Rates start at $40/hr to rent this beautiful space with 12ft vaulted ceilings, loads of natural light, and a variety of wall colours for quick shooting.  Nare also features a change room, washroom, and the capacity to set up multiple seamless drops.  Contact Noelia and Rodrigo by emailing them here.  Minimum 2-hr booking.

Photocred: Nare Studio

Located in south Edmonton, Edmonton's largest photography-specific rental space, Studio 42 boasts 26 ft high ceilings, 32' x 22' shooting area, Makeup and hair station, Stereo systems with CD Player and IPod Aux, High Speed WiFi Internet, Telephone/Fax Machine, Client Lounge Area, Free Parking, main floor access.  Half and full-day bookings only.
Photocred: Darren Greenwood

Hands-down Edmonton's brightest natural light rental studio.  Outfitted with a bed and multiple draperies, The Photographer Studio's private 2nd floor location perfectly suits the dedicated natural light boudoir photographer.  With plans to open a second location in September 2013, owners Tammy and Lauri have a membership program that allows individuals the ability to have booking dibs.  Email them here.

Photocred: The Photographer Studio

The Where House is available to rent for photography, videos, rehearsal space, shop space, and more.  20 foot ceilings, full stage, 5000 watts of sound, countless props.  The Where House recently added a stripper pole to its collection of unique amenities for creative collaborations.  Zombies.  Fetish.  Fantasy.  Fire.  If these are the things you're looking to do, this is the place you want to be.  Contact them via their Facebook Page.


OTHER
Edmonton photographers who have been known to rent their spaces out include Elizabeth Van Der Bij of ENV Photography, who just moved into new digs this month and has been sharing sneak peeks of her almost-ready boudoir suite on Facebook.  Email her here.


Blake Loates of Blake Loates Photography has also been known to share her space from time to time.  Brick and wood with warm window light, Blake's studio is a gorgeous little spot for boudoir or small family sessions.  Email her here.


If you happen to be out in Sherwood Park/Gibbons/Fort Saskatchewan, you are welcome to contact Lareina or Corry-Lyn and inquire about their adorable little space located in the Fort.  With a quaint collection of furniture and drops, this itty bitty space has huge possibilities.

(pics coming soon!)

Still don't see what you need?  You should just check Kijiji - there is always a dance studio, gym, or other new photographer who has their doors open for a once-in-a-while rental.

Don't see your name on this list?  Send me a pic of your space and a brief write-up so you can be added!

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Unless otherwise noted, writing and watermarked images on this blog are copyrighted to Hope Walls.