About a year ago, I blogged about what makes a good photo studio or video stage from my point of view of running one for over 25 years. https://www.mccaddenspace.com/blog/makes-good-photo-video-rental-studio/

I recently re-read it and decided to turn it around to what the renter should expect in a photo studio. Use the following as your guide.

The best photo rental studio or video stage depends on the needs of your next job. But chances are you might have a short deadline in picking out one that is available once you get the go ahead from the client. Every job is different and so is every studio, so what to look for? Hopefully, you have enough time to scout the studio before hand; here’s my list of what to look for coming from someone who hears the compliments about my stage and the complaints about others. I bring all this up because McCaddenSpace has taken the time to solve all this potential pitfalls for you, but regardless of where you rent a photo studio be sure to ask these questions:

• Gear. Not just lighting and camera equipment but all kinds of grip from C-stands, ladders, sandbags, apple boxes, V-flats, flags, etc., etc. What kind of furniture can you use? Is there a rolling cart for your computer and cameras? Are there enough tables and chairs for the clients and crew to have lunch? A kitchen and fridge available? A steamer and rolling racks for the stylist? Does the studio provide all at no extra charge like we do?
• Lighting and Equipment Rental. Let me share the #1 complaint that we get from renters about other studios: an equipment package that you are forced to rent that you already own. Why on earth would you want to rent someone else’s camera equipment when yours is all set up the way you want it? And maybe you own lights and maybe you don’t but if you don’t, I’m pretty sure that you have a good relationship with a rental house that knows your needs. We never force anyone to rent anything they don’t want but there is lighting and camera equipment available if need be.
• Cleanliness. If your prospective rental studio is not clean and organized you may have some unhappy clients. From their point of view, they may be looking at the entire budget vs. what they are being presented with when they walk in the door. After all, they may not have yet seen the magic that you will produce once you begin to click the shutter. So, first impressions matter. Check the bathrooms on your scout and imagine what your client would be seeing. Women in particular will notice these things. Just saying.
• Ambiance and Feng Shui: There are a lot of cool looking studios but are they comfortable too? And are there different backgrounds, as well as a large cyc available to shoot against? What are the options in a studio when it’s full of cast, crew and clients? Enough room for everyone to work? Does each department have an area devoted to their task? I have worked out the kinks in this formula over the years and there is a flow that’s important. In other words, Feng Shui: (in Chinese thought, a system of laws considered to govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to the flow of energy (qi), and whose favorable or unfavorable effects are taken into account when siting and designing buildings).
• The Studio Manager. Is he or she knowledgeable about the space and helpful, particularly on the load-in? Are they available at a moment’s notice throughout the day for questions that arise? They are your ambassador for a day so you should ask about all this in advance.
• Parking. This is always the toughest thing of all in a city. It is always a challenge for a large shoot. Maybe everyone will Uber on your shoot. However, there must be spaces available for clients, art directors VIPs and the main players if not. Fortunately, we have a gated lot for what is some very expensive, but included-in-the-price parking spots and we are fortunate to have great street parking too. Also fortunate to have a large paid parking structure, a 5 minute walk away.
• Air Conditioning and a Stereo System. I know this seems basic but if you look around, you will find some bare bones by-the-hour studios that have neither. You will want a 10-ton AC unit for a medium size studio and a stereo ready to plug your phone, tablet or laptop into for music.

Hopefully, this helps as a general list of things to look for. Your requirements for dressing rooms, power, access, available light or blackout capability etc. will be specific to your job, but the foregoing is what to ask about. Ask, mom always said; it never hurts to ask!