Free street parking, Metered street parking
Airy, Contemporary Lake Merritt Photo Studio
- •
6 people - •
2 hr min
"Great location, gorgeous lighting and Cheshire is super easy to work with." Jose L.
"Cheshire is the perfect host and I really loved his work space." Cameron P.
"Great place to shoot." Jerome P.
$
75/hr
2 hr min
8+ hour discount
10% off
- Cheshire typically responds within 2 hrs
Cancel for free within 24 hours
COVID-19 Health & Safety Measures
To help limit the spread of the coronavirus, Peerspace has provided guidelines for hosts so guests can book with peace of mind. Learn More
All hosts are required to do the following prior to each booking:
- Sweep, mop, vacuum and clean the space.
- Supply a hand washing station with soap, warm water, and paper towels or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Clean common areas allowing guest access including bathrooms, kitchens, and entrances.
- Collect and clean dishes, silverware, and other provided host amenities, if applicable.
- Remove garbage and add new lining to cans.
About the Space
This beautiful storefront studio is 600 square feet on the ground floor with a cozy 150 square foot loft upstairs. It's located in the Ivy Hill neighborhood of Oakland, close to Lake Merritt, downtown, and freeways, with very easy parking. Away from the crowded Grand Lake/Lakeshore area, Ivy Hill still has a funky neighborhood vibe, with a couple of great indie cafes within a block of the studio, a small park with playground across the street, and larger conveniences such as Walgreens and Lucky within easy walking distance. The newly renovated space is primarily a versatile photo studio with an elegant dressing room and space for makeup and hair. The main area is roughly 14' wide x 20' deep with 12.5' ceilings. It's large enough to do a fashion shoot and intimate enough to do headshots, boudoir, and more. While the overall vibe is clean and contemporary, there are tons of different areas within the studio to shoot lots of different looks. The studio is also available for small offsite meetings or retreats. It has free wi-fi as well as a small kitchenette.
Parking options
Parking description
There is often easily available inexpensive metered street parking within a block of the studio (the meters say "1 hour" but they're really 2 hours). Around the corner on E. 19th St and above on 5th Ave, there's often free street parking (check street cleaning signs on Thursdays and Fridays, however).
Space has natural light
Natural light can not be blocked out
Lighting description
The studio has several areas to shoot in. The main room contains a wall of frosted windows that face north, giving the space fairly even lighting all day, with sunlight hitting the front of the studio toward the very end of the day (about an hour before sunset) if fog hasn't rolled in.
While there are no blackout curtains in the main room, with high-powered studio lighting it can easily look like night in the main room without light spillage from the windows (provided you're not shooting with the windows visible in the shot).
Elsewhere in the studio requires artificial light. Some people have shot simply with the overhead lighting in the space; for greater flexibility, renters should bring studio lighting.
Space is not soundproof
Ambient noise description
The studio is on a fairly busy street, so passing car noise is definitely something that can get picked up in the main room. For interviews that require quiet, the upstairs loft is a possibility, though it gets hot up there in the summer.
Crew access
Ground Floor
Equipment loading description
Street parking is usually available nearby, but it's also possible to briefly double-park in front of the studio to load gear in and out. Previous clients have arranged with the city to block off parking spaces for their use.
Staging area is available
The middle room features a dedicated space for makeup, complete with pro makeup lighting, ample counter space for products/tools, and a high director's chair for the person getting makeup. There is also a separate small dressing room.
All rooms are available for shooting
Shooting the exterior of the building is allowed
Electrical system description
I don't know the power rating, but I would not call it heavy-duty. There are three circuits, one of which is shared with the flower shop next door which can get overloaded by accident if space heaters are on in both businesses (fortunately I have two other circuits that can be used).
The circuit breaker is easily accessible in the kitchenette. There are plenty of outlets around the studio.
Circuit breaker can be accessed
General Rules
UPDATED FOR COVID-19 -- PLEASE READ
Except for people in the group appearing on-camera, everyone must wear a face mask during their entire time in the studio. People appearing on-camera should wear a face mask when not on camera.
Everyone using the studio will be required to have temperature screening before using the space; anyone with a temp of 100.4°F will not be allowed in.
Hand sanitizer will be available, and there will be a touchless soap dispenser in the bathroom.
IF ANYONE IN YOUR GROUP FEELS SICK AT ALL on the day of your rental, please have them stay home.
PLEASE take care to keep a minimum distance of 6' from any other person using the studio with you.
No smoking of any kind is allowed inside the studio.
No baby oil or glitter.
Music volume must not be able to be heard outside or by neighbors who share studio walls.
There must be at least one adult (21+) present if there are children in the studio. Children must be closely supervised especially regarding sneezing/coughing.
All ages are allowed in the space
Production insurance is required
Not required but marking yes because it's highly recommended for larger productions.
Furniture and decorations may be moved
As much as possible, please pick up and move furniture rather than dragging. Furniture may only be removed from the building if it can be moved to a safe space and returned in perfect condition. Same with wall decorations.
Smoke machines are allowed
Nudity is allowed
Included in your booking
Amenities
White Backdrop
Sandbags
Chairs
Wardrobe Rack
WiFi
Steamer
Sink
Lighting Equipment
Blackout blindsFeatures
Natural Light
Restrooms
Dressing Room
Street level access
Freight Elevators
Wheelchair Accessible
SoundproofOther
2 6' Tables
Bluetooth Sound System
Photo Equipment Rental
Small Kitchenette
Don't see an amenity you're looking for? Ask the host, Cheshire
Location
Operating Hours
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Cancellation Policy
Grace period
All Bookings are subject to Peerspace’s Grace Period policy which provides a full refund for Bookings cancelled within 24 hours from receipt of a Booking Confirmation but no later than 48 hours prior to the Event start time.Flexible
Guests may cancel their Booking until 7 days before the event start time and will receive a full refund (including all Fees) of their Booking Price. Guests may cancel their Booking between 7 days and 24 hours before the event start time and receive a 50% refund (excluding Fees) of their Booking Price. Booking cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the Event start time are not refundable. Learn more
Reviews (83)
Jose L. booked a video shoot for 3 people
Yes, I would book again.
Great location, gorgeous lighting and Cheshire is super easy to work with.
February 7, 2020
Cameron P. booked a photoshoot for 2 people
Director of career services
Yes, I would book again.
Cheshire is the perfect host and I really loved his work space. He makes you feel right at home and provides more than enough tools for you to have a successful film or photoshoot. The neighborhood is perfect and centrally located. The perfect space for you to create lasting art. Easy check-in, Easy checkout, easy cleanup. Perfect.
January 18, 2020
Jerome P. booked a photoshoot for 2 people
Yes, I would book again.
Great place to shoot. Lots of possibility and nice natural lighting. The host was also very helpful. That’s the second time I use that studio and I’ll use it again.
January 14, 2020
Michael V. booked a photo shoot for 2 people
Photography
Yes, I would book again.
What a fantastic location. After shooting for 4 hours I barely scratched the surface of photo opportunities. Cheshire was incredibly helpful. Can’t wait to shoot there again.
January 10, 2020
Alex L. booked a production for 4 people
Cinematographer
Yes, I would book again.
Such a great space. Cheshire was so helpful too! He was aware of the type of shoot we were trying to do and helped us by giving us much needed information about the neighborhood and the surrounding area. Now let me talk about the space, It's amazing! Such a unique environment for shooting and is perfect for so many types of shooting situations. We will be coming back!
November 20, 2019
Carena R. booked a photoshoot for 2 people
Yes, I would book again.
This space was absolutely incredible! Perfect for our shoot. Wills definitely be back!
November 16, 2019
Scott T. booked a production for 2 people
Photographer
Yes, I would book again.
Thanks! Work out great
November 3, 2019
Cameron P. booked a photoshoot for 2 people
Director of career services
Yes, I would book again.
One of the few places that are better than advertised. I'm adding this space to my favorites now. Gives you exactly what you need to get all of your visual imagery done. Five star.
November 1, 2019