Are you a photographer on the lookout for a great studio for your next project? If you want your photoshoot to go forward without any hiccup, it might be useful to take a bit more time to find the perfect photo studio. Renting the right space can make your final product better, as well as give you space to experiment in any way you want! Toronto is filled with excellent photo studios but looking through every single venue on your own might be a time-consuming and boring task. However, you’re in luck! Our team of experts has searched high and low to find you the best venues in town, so now all you have to do is look through our curated list below and take your pick!
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If you are looking to organize a photo shoot in Toronto, finding the perfect photo studio to fit your vision is a key step in the process. To make your job easier, we’ve found the best spaces in town so you can pick and choose faster than ever before. However, when making your final choice, there are many factors that you should consider before making your final pick:
The field of studio lighting comes not only with a ton of new information but also with specific technical vernacular. For you to ask the studio manager for what you need, you should have at least basic knowledge of the names of the many types of light and be aware of what they are used for. However, as with any jargon, some words can be used differently and interchangeably from person to person and as soon as you start using the words casually, you will also figure out which terms work best for you.
Different types of lights that are used in photo studios:
Strobe lights - These are the most commonly used lights in photo studios, as their purpose is to simulate a classic camera flash. However, unlike standard on-camera flashes, strobe lights (or monolights) are much brighter, powerful and shorter. Their output is anywhere from 100 to 1000 watts. They are adjustable depending on the distance you need for your shoot.
Continuous light - Continuous light is a powerful source of light that does not flash. This type of lighting is most frequently used for video, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t add it to your photoshoot equipment. It makes a great combination with strobe lights and is actually the best light to experiment with if you’re a beginner or are working with models that aren’t professionally trained, as the light won’t overwhelm them with a burst of light.
Speedlight - This type of light is a smaller and more portable lighting option, however, it may not be enough of a light source on its own when you’re shooting in a photo studio. It is usually attached to the hot shoe of your camera and can be used on its own for a specific effect or in combination with other lights.
So which lighting option is the best for studio photography?
In general, it very much depends on the vision you are going for. For beginners, it is often enough to have a speedlight, as it has a similar effect as a strobe light and can also be set up as an off-camera light. However, the strobe light is still the most common type of light for photo shoots, and you will usually require two sources of light at each side of the camera to eradicate harsh shadows.
Basic types of modifiers you can use to manipulate light:
Softboxes - This type of modifier offers easy manipulation as well as great directionality, so it is great for both beginners and professionals. There are many sizes of softboxes, so you can pick one according to your needs. There are also different shapes of softboxes such as strip boxes and octaboxes, that are used for different occasions.
Umbrellas - This modifier looks exactly what it sounds like - an umbrella mounted on top of a strobe light. As light is fired into the modifier, it is reflected back to your subject in a larger and softer manner. Nevertheless, as common as they are, umbrellas are actually not very easy to control.
Translucent umbrellas - This type of modifier diffuses the light from the strobe through a special material. However, the light it produces doesn’t have directionality, unlike the classic umbrella modifier.
Reflectors - This modifier is designed to reflect light, which is especially useful if you only have one source of light. They will help you essentially mimic a second source of light without you having to actually set up one.
Which light modifiers are the best to use in a photo studio?
At the end of the day, the type of light modifier you want to use will mostly depend on the type of photo shoot you’re planning. If you are just starting out, softboxes will be your best friends, as they are easy to direct, use and prevent light spillage. Reflectors are another type of modifier that should be included in your equipment, as they are easily portable and provide great assistance in creating a second, and softer, light source.
If you want to take your photography career to the next level, you will need to start working with the professionals. Many of the major gigs including product, fashion and commercial photo shoots will involve being a part of a large production team, along with one or more models. Even if you’re a family or portrait photographer, organising a shoot with a model may be a nice contribution to your portfolio - a chance to show your potential clients what you’re capable of. While the specifics of collaborating with model may change depending on who you’re working with, we made you a list of best tips to find, approach, and work with some of the best models in Toronto and beyond:
Rental prices for photo studios in Toronto depend on the size of the space and the length of the rental Usually, the cost starts at around $250 to $800 per day. The rates for a half-day can go from anywhere around $145 to $220. Some studios even offer a per hour rate, which usually fluctuates between $30 and $60. (All data from Tagvenue.)
Toronto is home to a variety of photography studios, and you can definitely find a few in each district. Some of the most popular ones are located Downtown, for example in Corktown, Regents Park or the Fashion District. On the Eastside, you can check out venues in Leslieville or East Danforth, while on the Westside you shouldn’t miss out on spots in Liberty Village or Carleton Village. Midtown and York are also trendy parts of Toronto, so you shouldn’t miss out on photography studios in Davisville Village or the Caledonia-Fairbank district. With such a wide selection, you can be sure to find a studio that fits your requirements and is easily accessible.
Each studio offers a slightly different selection of equipment, so make sure to check what is included in the price and what you might need to rent for an extra fee before you book your desired space. Normally, the backdrop or props come with the rented space, along with the WiFi and basic on-site facilities. Some venues also offer their own professional studio lights and reflectors, as well as tripods. Overall, the rule of thumb is to double-check which equipment you lack and need to have for your photoshoot and enquire your venue manager about it.
Here are some of our favourite photo studios in Toronto:
F.A.M. Base Collective, is dedicated to establishing a safe space for independent creatives to work and connect.
Coalition Music, a studio located in a historical building with an abundance of natural light and a cyclorama wall.
Borada Photography, a versatile space for video and photo shoots.
Blue Phoenix Studios, offering a variety of props and lighting included in the rental fee.
Studio Cozy, a highly accessible space packed with a ton of useful equipment and backgrounds on-site.