Eclectic NY-Style 1920s Loft Near Arts District

Central LA, Los Angeles, CA

1 reviews
•15 people
•2 hr min
•743 sq ft

Michael C.

/hr

2 hr min

8+ hour discount 15% off

Michael typically responds within 1 hr

Cancel for free within 24 hours

COVID-19 Health & Safety Measures

All surfaces that would normally be touched, such as doorknobs, counters/tables, coffee table, etc., are disinfected after every session.

Enhanced cleaning measures:

High touch surfaces and shared amenities have been disinfected
Bookings are spaced apart to allow for enhanced cleaning
The space is cleaned and disinfected in accordance with guidelines from the CDC

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.

The following equipment is provided for every guest:

Disinfecting wipes or spray and paper towels
Hand Sanitizer

The space has the following features:

Capacity is limited based on state and local guidelines
Space has access to outdoor air ventilation

About the Space

This beautiful, brick-and-wood studio was Bruce Dern’s ‘New York apartment’ in the 2018 film Nostalgia. Since then it has been a photo studio specializing in the 19th-century wet plate process, but it began its life in 1921 and has served as a factory producing gas meters (memorialized by the ghost sign on the exterior!), a chili pepper plant and an architect’s drafting room. Just over the 1st Street bridge from the Arts District on the Boyle Heights side of the L.A. River, it offers 10 1/2-foot high ceilings, an arched window-lined wall for natural light, lots of wood, and eclectic decor in its six hundred square feet of open-plan space. There is an adjoining office with period features offering another 140 square feet. The studio space contains two alt-process darkrooms as well as antique cameras and associated photography equipment and lighting. Large original paintings by Bay Area artist Bruce McGaw bookend the room. There is copious free parking available near the railroad tracks a short block (or about a 30-second walk) behind the building, as well as a base camp just next door which, while unaffiliated, can be booked separately if needed (which it was during the production of Nostalgia, for example).

Parking options

Free onsite parking, Free street parking

Parking description

There is one space available in the driveway next to the building, and dozens of free spaces available a 30-second walk away, near the railroad tracks.

Space has natural light

Natural light can be blocked out

Lighting description

The south wall is lined with windows which have blinds that can be raised, angled to control the light, or simply closed. I also have blackout material if blocking the light to a greater degree is required. There are security grates on the exterior. I have used the natural lighting many times to shoot portraits, and during the right time if the day it can be a very beautiful, slightly diffused light. The best light is usually available between late morning and early to mid afternoon. I also have several banks of continuous cfls and soft boxes. Strobes are available for an extra fee.

Space is not soundproof

Ambient noise description

The ambient noise in the space is average. It is reasonably quiet, but traffic noise can be audible. Occasionally there may be a sound from someone in the unit above, but it is usually on the subtle side.

Crew access

Stairs, Ground Floor

Equipment loading description

Loading can be done from the driveway next to the building or in front, but there is no loading zone per se. The space is on the ground floor, and there are five relatively shallow steps up to the the front door.

Staging area is available

There is a small office next to the studio space (which actually needs to be passed through to reach the main space) that can be used as a staging, etc. area.

Some rooms are off-limits for shooting

There are two small darkrooms on the north side of the room (so opposite the wall with the windows) in which photographic chemicals are stored. Those are off limits without further arrangement.

Shooting the exterior of the building is allowed

Electrical system description

175 amp panel. 120/240V. (There is one outlet in the studio in which to plug in something requiring 240 volts. It is normally used by the window A/C unit.) There are 35 outlets in the room. These were added when the space was redone, as was the panel — there are outlets up near the ceiling, on most of the walls every several feet as well as on the two columns towards the middle of the room. It would be virtually impossible to ever run out of places to plug things in. I use very powerful strobe lights (4800ws Speedotron power packs) and have never had an issue with the electricity.

Circuit breaker can be accessed

General Rules

No smoking in the building. No excessive noise levels, as there are residential units above and behind the space. Outside catering is fine, and there is a refrigerator available.

All ages are allowed in the space

Production insurance is not required

Furniture and decorations may be moved

This is a working photographer’s studio, and the photos reflect how it is usually set up. There is a fair amount of equipment in the space, including some very large cameras. It would be difficult to remove everything from the building unless it was for a longer production, but it could be done, and just about everything can be moved out of the way (and much if it could be stored in the darkrooms and/or an adjoining space). The decorations are available to be photographed, as are the cameras, and for the most part can be moved around the room as needed.

Smoke machines are allowed

Nudity is allowed

Included in your booking

Amenities

Lighting Equipment

White Backdrop

Chairs

Steamer

Sink

Blackout blinds

WiFi

Features

Natural Light

Restrooms

Street level access

Parking Space(s)

Public Transportation

Dressing Room

Freight Elevators

Wheelchair Accessible

Soundproof

Other

Photography Equipment

Seamless Backdrops In Various Colors

Don't see an amenity you're looking for? Ask the host, Michael

Location

Operating Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

Closed

Friday

Closed

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Cancellation Policy

Very Flexible

Guests may cancel their Booking until 24 hours before the event start time and will receive a full refund (including all Fees) of their Booking Price. Bookings cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the Event start time are not refundable. Learn more

Reviews (1)

Jose M. booked a photo shoot for 15 people

Director

Yes, I would book again.

Awesome place! Michael is extremely helpful. I would recommend this place to everybody.

April 11, 2021

Eclectic NY-Style 1920s Loft Near Arts District

COVID-19 Health & Safety Measures

Cleaning protocol

Protective gear

Physical distance

About the Space

Parking

Lighting

Sound

Space access

Electrical

Host rules

Included in your booking

Amenities

Features

Other

Location

Operating Hours

Cancellation Policy

Very Flexible

Reviews (1)