I am a professional photographer at B & B Artistry who has owned a small business in the Treasure Valley for the past 8 years. One resource that was majorly lacking for photographers who do not have a brick-and-mortar storefront was legitimate studio space to accomplish indoor portraits.
All of that changed in 2015 when Studio Boise owner Scott Williams and his then partner decided to open Studio Boise Photography Center.
“Interested by the multiple sides of business and seeing the creativity Boise has to offer, Scott saw the need for the use of a photography studio available for all to use.” (studioboise.org)
Studio Boise’s focus is community-based. Services include studio space rentals, equipment rentals, equipment maintenance, a gallery, classes, and events. Multiple opportunities for collaborations exist along with the ability to donate to charities every first Thursday. The selected charities for donations change quarterly. Go to studioboise.org for more information on the current charities available to donate to.
Studio Boise offers three separate studio spaces that are available to rent by the hour. The makeup room is also available to rent. My favorite space is Studio A, which has a white infinity wall along with an additional colored backdrop to the side. The hourly rate for Studio A is $40. Each hourly rental of any studio includes the use of an off-camera flash. I love the versatility of being able to switch up props with access to anything in Studio Boise. I have also brought my own props for shoots there. Studios B and C have different hourly price points for rental. You can view the hourly rates along with images of those spaces at studioboise.org.
Booking a space is easy with online availability, payment options, and confirmation all on the website. I am able to conveniently reserve the dates and times my clients need. I receive a confirmation email when I am finished with the booking process. Upon arriving at the studio for my reserved time, the staff is friendly, helpful, and upbeat. I have asked for help, and the staff is kindly willing to offer any assistance I need.
Aside from studio space rentals, Studio Boise Photography Center provides equipment rentals, which I have utilized for photographing a wedding. It is not necessary to be considered a “professional photographer” to use the services at Studio Boise. All experience levels are welcome to join in the fun! Classes are available for learning lighting and composition techniques in the studio.
When I sat down with Studio Manager Kat Watkins to talk about Studio Boise, she said, “What I love about the studio is the community part of it—the gallery and collaborations.”
I asked Kat if COVID-19 has slowed down studio rentals, and she replied, “It’s hard to say if COVID has really slowed anything down because this (summer) is the slower part of the year. In the fall, there are more family sessions and headshots. Equipment rentals are busy because of weddings.”
Studio Boise is committed to keeping its patrons safe with enforced mask wearing upon entry and various sanitizing practices in place.
Click here to view the video tour of Studio Boise Photography Center. You can view all services or book an appointment for a studio space at studioboise.org
If you’d like to view my photography work or book me for an upcoming session, head to bandbartistry.org. Find me on Instagram or Facebook!
Pictured Left: Scott Williams, Owner & Operator
Email: scott.williams@studioboise.org
Pictured Right: Kat Watkins, Studio Manager/Marketing
Email: kat.watkins@studioboise.org
Studio Boise Photography Center Location: 4619 Emerald St. #106 Boise, ID 83706
Phone: 208.917.7427