Studio Rentals

While we have been thinking deeply about our community and the best ways as a business to facilitate change, we had an idea…

We want to make a direct and positive impact. As we look at the professional photographers in Manhattan, while mostly women, the lack of racial diversity is glaringly obvious. We noticed a lack of representation in our field despite living and working in highly diverse neighborhoods.

Our idea is to provide low cost or free studio rental to under-represented photographers in our industry. Big Apple Portraits has for the last twelve years photographed families of every type and color. We want to extend that opportunity to other photographers. Studio space in Manhattan, in particular on the Upper West Side where many families live, is cost prohibitive. It is our single largest cost! But over the years we have been able to maintain and pay for as we grew a loyal following. To help other photographers, we want to offer the opportunity to help them grow their businesses without the huge expense. This means offer low cost or even free studio space and equipment use in our studio to hold their sessions.

Our space will be available for rentals after we reopen and will include the use of our space, lighting equipment, and backdrops. Click below for more information and please feel free to pass this information on.

Studio use:

Studio may be used for photography, videography or similar, with the exception of those activities that require, but are not limited to, the use of specialized ventilation, chemicals or flammable props. Studio may be used only for legal business activities.

There is absolutely NO SMOKING in the studio or on the building premises. Smoking is allowed outside the building. Renter is responsible for cleanup of smoking related debris (ashes, cigarettes, etc.) before leaving.

Damage of Equipment/Studio/Prints:

The renter agrees to pay for any repair or replacement costs of equipment, studio or prints that he/she damages. In the event that the renter’s assistant/s or model/s damages any equipment, he/she agrees to pay for any repairs necessary. The renter agrees to leave the studio in the condition it was found, or a $100 cleaning fee will be assessed.

Terms of use:

We require all renters sign a rental agreement. By signing the rental agreement, the host agrees to:

Arrive and Leave on Time
Rental starts and ends as set forth in the Agreement, however actual arrival and departure will count as actual rental time if arriving before or leaving after the agreed upon rental times.
All set-up and clean up time must take place during hours set forth in the Agreement
Be Respectful of our Neighbors at all Times during Rental
Be present at all times during the rental.
Keep the event contained within the studio space.
Obtain permission from Studio before having any alcohol on premises; provide proof of any applicable licenses required to abide by pertinent alcohol laws; and abide by all pertinent laws.
Maintain adult supervision of minors at all times
Clean up trash or other items on premises prior to leaving. Comply with the New York City Noise Code
Maintain all safety and health protocols put forth by Big Apple Portraits and the CDC.
Studio will approve all sound amplification prior to event.
Promptly respond to requests of management to turn down or turn off noise.
Keep doors closed while music is on.
Assume legal and financial responsibility for noise violations resulting from your event.