Photo & Content Creation Studios in Saint Louis
Photography, videography, with a phone, a camera, a whole crew, or by yourself — studio spaces offer a wide variety of use, a blank slate to make it your own, and something you can use year round & any time of day. While most studio spaces over similar options overall, there is still plenty of variety to be found in St. Louis, including props, inclusions, rental rates, location, and style/aesthetics.
Below, I’m sharing just handful that I’ve personally used, photographed at, and paid my own money for. I’ve included links to all websites and social medias if you’re interested in checking out more information, current rates, membership options, and policies. In my experience, most websites stay updated with their current selection of included furniture, props, backgrounds, etc.., but this is bound to change & highly recommend reaching out to the studio directly if you have questions on what is currently there when you’re aiming to book time.
Quick note: none of the businesses mentioned paid me, asked me to share this, or offered anything in exchange. All opinions are my own and listed in alphabetical order.
20TH STREET STUDIOS
Owned by photographer Emily Broadbent, this is a really versatile, natural light studio that offers multiple spaces within one building. It’s dual level, with the ability to rent either space individually or the entire building (both spaces being the same amount hourly to rent).
The first floor is an all white floor to ceiling space with street access for easy load-in. It’s great for medium to large teams and has large windows with light coming in from the south. Depending on time (of year or day) and weather there can be direct sunlight (easily diffusible) or completely flat light. There’s a private dressing room with a rolling rack, tons of shelves, and two vanity mirrors. Bonus: this space is also more accessible for those with limited mobility.
The second floor is a lifestyle studio — essentially, a beautifully decorated home space with neutral, evergreen decor. It’s huge and includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, office, fireplace (not working cause safety), two restrooms, and a spiral staircase. I find this to be really customizable for those who want a lifestyle look, but don’t have a designated workspace or maybe don’t have a photographable place of work or life. This does require a set of stairs, heads up for load in or accessibility.
High Level:
Downtown STL • Street Parking • Membership or Hourly • Natural Light • 2 Studio Options
Check out website & social media, @20thstreetstudios
FATHOM STUDIOS
Big fan of this studio for it’s size, factory style windows, and second story natural light. I’ve shot in here during storms, rain, snow, and bright sunlight and you’re able to manipulate the light easily to your style and preferences.
There’s a changing room included with loads of mirrors, a small kitchenette for snacks or catering during longer shoots, and different pieces of furniture that’s up for grabs during your time. This is an incredible space for larger group shoots, photo and video, set building, or productions of any kind that have a lot of moving parts that needs to spread out without feeling cramped.
Located in the Globe Building downtown. There’s a security check-in for everyone and allow parking in an underground garage and have larger elevators that are really helpful for load in of gear, people, or sets/props.
High Level:
Downtown STL • Garage Parking • Hourly Rental • Natural Light • Large Space
Check out website & social media, @fathomstl
SINGLETON STUDIO
Owned by Tristan Singleton, this studio has gorgeous light throughout the space, with corner windows that you can shoot into or use for more direct light on the opposite wall. I love it for all of the natural tones, warmth, and textures.
This space offers both an all white look with a movable white floor or use of the wood floor with the white walls. It’s a long space with plenty of room to bring in large or small backdrops with stands. Has a bunch of options for seating for both kids and adults with lots of different textures, heights, and size options. Included is a clothing rack, sink, (Tristan has mentioned this is helpful for mama’s needing to warm up bottles for babies), toys for kids to play with that also look good on camera, as well as a cabinet full of options for swaddling. There’s a full length mirror, a section to lounge in, and restroom within.
I love that every part of this studio is thoughtfully curated and you’re really able to make it your own with all of the included options for variety in looks.
High Level:
Kirkwood, MO • Attached Parking • Membership or Hourly • Natural Light • Family Friendly
Check out website & social media, @singletonstudio
STUDIO BY TAYLORED
Content creation agency, Taylored, opened this studio with the content creator in mind. It’s filled with furniture, props, and equipment that are up for grabs during your shoot time. Included are two dressing rooms and vanity stations with higher chairs – great for hair and makeup artists use. A rolling wall with two sides, a kitchenette with a stocked mini fridge, clothing rack, and a lot of outlets to plug in or charge gear. Super unique — a rolling white cyc wall (a backdrop with a curved, seamless transition from wall to floor that creates an illusion of an infinite and shadowless background).
There’s a ton of possibility within this studio. While there is a ton of variety included, almost everything is easily moveable to really customize how you want to use the large space. It feels like a blend of a lifestyle studio and blank slate kind of vibe mixed within the same area, allowing you to jump around to multiple set ups easily.
High Level:
South City, STL • Street or Lot Parking • Membership or Hourly • Natural Light • Props & Furniture
Check out website & social media, @studiobytaylored
THE MODERN STUDIO
Created by the gals at The Modern Social, this is a flexible space that was designed for videographers, photographers, and content creators of all kind. While a completely blank slate, this studio offers more than 5 different textures and wall options — including a rolling wall with 2 different sides, plus various furniture options to use. If you want the studio look, but more variety than an all white space — this is your spot. Unique to many spaces, they have a wall of large 9ft backdrop color options (website keeps updated with current colors, but usually anywhere between 10-20) that are included in your rental. Huge win: a full shelf of rentable equipment light stands, tripods, lighting for both photo and video, and gear for the content creator. It’s an incredible option for anyone wanting to learn, practice, or experiment without having to invest in buying just yet, or rent from elsewhere.
Included is a getting ready space with two vanities, rolling rack, and adjustable stools that are great for hair and makeup artists. There’s also a full kitchen space that can be used for more lifestyle shots or bring in snacks or catering for you and team on longer days.
High Level:
Midtown STL • Street Parking • Membership or Hourly • Backdrops & Gear • Textures
Check out website & social media, @themodern.studio
There are so many options locally — I’d love to hear your favorites, if you’re a studio owner, or are a fan of any really cool non-studio type locations (more on these spots coming soon). Shoot me a note, comment, or DM with your go-to’s!!
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