3 STUDIOS TO SHOOT IN CINCINNATI

Don’t you hate when you plan a shoot outdoors, but then the weather doesn’t cooperate? I’m so happy the studios are becoming more and more of a thing to shoot content. Even if you’re not a blogger/influencer/content creator, studios are great for maternity, engagement, graduation, or any other occasion you want to take photos. One thing that I’m appreciative of is how many studios are available in Cincinnati. So, today I’m sharing 3 studios to shoot when the weather doesn’t want to cooperate.

TIPS FOR SHOOTING IN A STUDIO

Before we get into the studios around Cincinnati, I want to share some tips that you should know before attempting to book one:

Unless you’re going to be taking self-portraits or content, your photographer should book the studio for you. All the bookings ask that the photographer schedule the studio.
I know sometimes you can’t help with the last minute booking of a studio. But if you know that you’ll be using a studio, be sure to book in advance to ensure you get the slot and studio you want.
Be aware of the seasons when you’re booking your studio. Studios are very popular during the holidays – Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc. – and will be designed to match the theme of that holiday. If you don’t want that theme to be present in your photos, be sure to book around it.
When you get to your studio, manage your time wisely. There may be someone in the studio before and after you, and you want to make sure you have enough time to get all the photos you need.
Be courteous and clean up after yourself. If you made a mess or if you moved things, put them back where they were. While many studios hire people to clean, there’s no time for the cleaning crew to come through if you have someone coming in right after you.
Figure out the covid protocols for your studio. I wear my mask when I’m not being photographed, and my photographer keeps her mask on the entire time. Not all studios require this, but my photographer and I have an understanding that no matter what, we’ll be wearing masks in any closed space.

STUDIO 821

821 YORK STREET NEWPORT, KY

Studio 821 was the first-ever studio that I shot in for the blog. It has been a go-to because they offer 7 different studios to choose from in one location. As you can see below, I’ve shot in 3 out of the 7 studios they offer. I love this space because you can get different vibes from the other spaces. The great thing too is it’s so close to the city. Just over the bridge, left on York St., and you’re there.

My favorite so far is the Garage on York because it’s down the street from the main building. I love the exposed brick and townhouse feel that it has. The Lounge is in the 821 house, but it’s a smaller space than it appears on the website. But I do love the amazing light you get from the bay windows. The Carriage House is directly behind the house and is more farmhouse rustic, a decor style I honestly don’t care for but worked for the photos I took.

LOCUST AND VINE

5901 VINE STRERT #2

I’ve shot in Locust and Vine a couple of times. This space only has two studios available – The Loft and the Studio. The lighting is *chef’s kiss* in the Studio, and it has more of a studio feel with a large open room, kitchen area, and full bathroom. The studio also includes color backdrops you can use if you need to change the scenery for your shoot. The Loft has more of an apartment feel with 2 bedrooms, a full kitchen and bathroom, and a living space to shoot in. If you’re looking for more of a comfy, at-home vibe, this is the perfect space for you.

MILL STREET STUDIOS

120 MILL STREET

It wasn’t until this year that I could get to Mill Street. This studio space has a whooping 9 studios. So far, I’ve only shot two in spaces – The Bay and The Loft. Both spaces have excellent lighting. It’s largely due to the big windows. The Bay is temporarily closed right now because the owner is renovating the rest of the space, which is a full apartment. When I shot in there, only the living room, bedroom, and sitting area were available. I can’t wait to see what the full renovation will bring.

The Loft is a smaller space, and learned that it’s typically used as a cake smash studio. Admittedly, I didn’t know what a cake smash was until that day. Because the loft is so small, I wouldn’t recommend it for multiple outfit changes because there are only so many corners you can use before it gets repetitive.

When it comes to booking, I honestly don’t know how to because Doresse has done it for me. But feel free to use their Facebook page to send a dm to the owner to book a space.