Renting a photography studio is an investment—and the way you use your time can make a big difference in both your workflow and your bottom line. Whether you’re booking by the hour or for a half day, a little planning goes a long way. Here are our top tips for making the most of every minute inside the studio.
Start with intention. Before you even arrive, outline your shot list, pull your inspiration, and know exactly what you want to walk away with. Whether that’s six final images or a full gallery, having a plan means less time resetting and more time shooting.
Arrive early and use the first few minutes to get settled. At Parlor Studios, our rentals are straightforward—no time wasted waiting for someone to unlock the door or set up gear. If you’ve booked an hour, you get the full hour to create.
Keep your gear and props streamlined. Bringing in your whole kit might seem like a good idea, but it can slow you down. We have a variety of props and backdrops already on site—use them to simplify your setup.
And don’t forget about post-shoot tasks. Whether you’re reviewing files, backing up images, or creating content for social, set aside time at the end of your rental to stay organized. You’ll save yourself hours later.
Smart use of your rental not only leads to better work—it builds in cost savings over time. If you’re a repeat renter, consider batching content or sharing the time with a fellow creative to get even more out of each session.
