What to Look for in a Photoshoot Venue Rental

When it comes to planning the perfect photoshoot, the venue is everything. Having a great, unique space will enhance your photos, adding a degree of professionalism that you just can’t get elsewhere. But how do you choose the perfect photoshoot venue rental space?

There are many things to consider when choosing the perfect venue, and in this article, we will go over each of them so that your next photoshoot venue rental can be everything you want it to be. 

Why Should You Choose a Photoshoot Venue Rental Space?

So, the first thing you may be asking yourself is, why rent a venue at all? After all, there are plenty of excellent outdoor spaces that are free to use and would make for great photos, right? 

Well, yes and no. By renting a unique photoshoot venue, you can guarantee that everything will be just as you want for your photoshoot. You’ll be able to control every aspect of the shoot, whereas nature and random passersby – well, let’s just say they can be a bit less predictable. 

The Best Occasions for Renting a Photoshoot Venue 

There are plenty of occasions for booking a photoshoot venue rental space. From weddings to graduations to retirements, or a product launch, influencer post or professional career photos, a photoshoot on location versus a basic studio often produces more interesting shots. 

Photoshoot Venue Rental Considerations

There are literally thousands of possible photoshoot locations, no matter in what city you plan to shoot. Public places are risky, so a photoshoot venue rental is often a better idea. What do you need to think about when deciding which venue to book?

Rent the venue in advance

The best photoshoot venues can be popular, and as such, they fill up quickly. By reserving your rental in advance, you’ll be able to guarantee that you’ll have the space to yourself, and you’ll also be able to give all of your guests plenty of advanced notice so that they can make the arrangements to attend. 

You will also be able to talk with the venue owner or manager to ensure that you’ll have the venue to yourself, it has all of the necessary outlets and other technical elements, and you know exactly what you have access to and for how long.

Related: Weekday Event Venues in Austin 

Indoor, Outdoor, or Both?

There are pros and cons to both indoor and outdoor photoshoots. With indoor photoshoots, you’ll have much greater control over the elements, such as lighting, the backdrop, furniture, etc. But you won’t get that natural, outdoorsy feel that so many people love. 

When shooting outdoors, on the other hand, you’ll have far less control over the technical side of things, but your photos will benefit by looking for more natural and less staged. Of course, the best solution is to find a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor spaces so that you can have the best of both worlds. 

Either way, it’s always a good idea to ask your photographer to check out the spaces to determine what lighting equipment they may need to bring. Ask the venue manager when a good time is for them to stop by, ideally around the same time of day as your photoshoot is scheduled so they can see the lighting.

Venue Features 

When looking for the perfect photoshoot venue rental, there are many factors to consider. Let’s go over some of the main things you should be on the lookout for when choosing a space for your next photoshoot. 

Lighting

One of the essential considerations in any photoshoot is the lighting. A great photoshoot rental venue will have excellent lighting that can be controlled and set to your exact specifications, guaranteeing that your photos will capture the exact mood you desire. 

Backdrop 

There are a few options for the backdrop of your photos. Of course, if shooting outside, you will have a natural backdrop which can work very well if the location is beautiful. Even so, you may want to add something to the photoshoot venue rental, such as greenery, flowers or props.

However, a staged backdrop can make your photos look more professional, and depending on the backdrop you choose, arguably more unique as well. A great venue will have both options available for you to use. 

Versatility of space 

The best photoshoot venues are often the most versatile. Being able to adjust on the fly and get different types of shots from the same space is a great feature that you should look out for. If you’ll only be able to get one type of photo in the space, then you’d probably be better off going elsewhere. 

Cleanliness

Another often overlooked consideration is how clean the space is. If the venue is cluttered, then your photos will not look as great as they could, and your guests will also have a worse experience than would have been possible in a tidier venue. As such, before you ever rent any photoshoot venue, you should make an appointment to stop by and look at the space; if it appears in disarray, then consider booking another venue. 

Privacy

When you are paying for a private photoshoot venue rental space, it should be private, which means your guests only. Having random people walk in off the street or wandering around can be both distracting and uncomfortable, especially when your photos are intimate. The best photoshoot venues will have on-site security or, at the very least, will be able to guarantee that the only people on the set are those who you’ve invited and perhaps venue staff who are absolutely necessary. 

Electrical components 

When shooting outside, it’s important to have quality, working electrical components whether you are shooting inside or outdoors. The photographer may need to plug in lighting elements, for instance, and won’t want to be limited.

Unique ambiance 

The ambiance or mood of your photos is perhaps the most important thing to consider when choosing a venue for your upcoming photoshoot. The best photoshoot venue rentals will have a fantastic ambiance that can be tuned, tweaked, and changed to fit your mood and your vision. Look for customizable spaces but naturally have a great vibe and an ambiance that will enhance your photos.

Related: Get Creative with Event Venues in Austin

Furniture & Art

Another thing to consider is what type of furniture and art will be in your photos – if any at all. Does the venue have different options for you to choose from, or is there only one type of furniture available? The same goes for artwork. Great venues will usually have art on the walls that you will be able to capture in your photos, enhancing them and adding a touch of class and elegance to your shoot. 

Be sure to ask the venue if you can remove any pieces that won’t work in your photoshoot. You may also need permission to bring in any pieces of your own, particularly if you need to hang anything. Many venues are flexible, but you need to know ahead of time.

Private bathrooms

Private bathrooms are actually more important than you might think. Having quick access to a nice and clean bathroom will make a big difference at the end of the day. Remember, photoshoots can be long, all-day events, and the chances are that nature will call at some point throughout the day. If your photoshoot includes a person, they may also need access to a private room/bathroom to change clothes. 

Kitchen facilities 

Another consideration should be the kitchen. Does the venue have a kitchen so your photoshoot can offer food or cater to your guests? It should. As mentioned, photoshoots can be long, and providing dining options to your guests is something they will definitely appreciate. The best venues will have at least one excellent option, with a well-equipped kitchen. 

Variety of spaces

The best photoshoot venue rentals will have many different spaces available so that you can capture a variety of different shots during your session. If the venue only has one area, then all of your shots will look similar, which can be tedious. So, ask if they have indoor and outdoor spaces available for you to use on the photoshoot day; this will guarantee that you get the best photos and the most for your money. 

Rates

Last but not least, the price is, of course, a consideration. The best photoshoot venues aren’t cheap, but they shouldn’t break the bank either. Considering everything included with the photoshoot, including the length of time you have access to the property. 

All Things Considered

Ultimately, your photos will last a lifetime, and as such, you want to make sure that they are the best that they can be. An excellent photoshoot venue will have all of the following: 

• Great lighting
• Versatile backdrops
• Indoor and outdoor spaces
• Clean and clutter-free spaces
• A unique ambiance
• Interesting furniture and art
• Private bathrooms 
• Kitchen facilities
• Reasonable rates

If any of these things are missing, then consider finding another, better photoshoot venue rental space. There are plenty to choose from and there’s no reason you have to settle on something less than what you hoped for. 

Where to Find the Best Photoshoot Venue Rental

Where to book your photoshoot venue rental depends first on in what city you want to shoot. Austin, TX is considered one of the hottest cities in the world, with plenty of gorgeous topography, hip areas of town, innovative architecture, and intimate settings. If Austin is your vibe, then consider VUKA. Vuka offers two central Austin locations, both of which offer their own unique ambiance. Contact Vuka to learn more and book your next photoshoot.