11 Gorgeous Indoor Photoshoot Locations in Oakland, CA (2024)

In Oakland, CA, environments as diverse as beaches, city streets, and incredible redwood forests are all in close proximity. That’s why it’s no wonder that people are eager to live here! In this article, we’ll delve into a topic of great interest to photographers based in/visiting this city: a list of 11 gorgeous indoor photoshoot locations in Oakland CA. We’ll also share quick descriptions of each to give you a clear sense of what you’ll find here.

As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, Peerspace knows what makes a sensational photoshoot location! We also make it easy to book amazing creative spaces no matter your location, with the venues we list ahead all available to rent with ease through our platform. Stick around for our top indoor photoshoot locations in Oakland, CA, and book your favorites today!

1. Create amazing lifestyle photos in this loft with natural light, brick wall, & kitchen

This 900-square-foot loft has nearly everything you could possibly want from a loft: all-white walls, polished concrete floors, exposed brick walls, 10-foot ceilings, massive windows, a photo-ready minimalist kitchen, and movable furniture for staging. This was initially an industrial laundry facility and was named one of the country’s most beautiful industrial buildings in America. Today, you can book it as the setting for your next indoor photoshoot!

2. Make memories in a historical loft with industrial features and beautiful natural light

An over 1,000-square-foot historic loft in Emeryville, this space offers a large main space with giant industrial windows and tons of natural light, as well as a chef’s kitchen and Moroccan-tiled bathroom that’s ideal for editorial product photos. The furniture is unique and gorgeous and your photos will benefit enormously. 

3. Go pro all the way on this industrial photo/video studio with great natural light

If instead of a loft you’re seeking a more formalized photo studio, this industrial photo/video studio has not only fabulous natural light through its large windows but also a wide array of equipment. There is also a comfortable lounge and a large bathroom. And in terms of transport ease, it’s five blocks from BART and has a gated parking spot for renters.

Now that you’re one step closer to booking that dream indoor shoot space, be sure to check out our favorite outdoor photoshoot ideas in Oakland to cover all your creative bases!

4. Create your dream images in a versatile photography studio with a skylight in a storefront gallery

This 1,000-square-foot multi-use space has a photography studio as well as some outdoor space if you decide to step outside at any point in the course of your photoshoot! As the hosts describe it, this space “works well for fashion photo shoots, portraits, product shots, some conceptual work, and small video projects.” It offers useful equipment like seamless backdrops, continuous lighting, a large video monitor, and more. 

5. Make your portraits pop in this airy, contemporary Lake Merritt photo studio

We’d consider this airy, contemporary photo studio to be one of our favorite indoor photoshoot locations in Oakland, without a doubt! It’s a storefront studio measuring 600 square feet on the ground floor along with 150 square feet of loft upstairs. The dressing room and space for makeup and hair will be an asset to many photoshoots, as will the “clean and contemporary” vibe. Take a look at the photos in the listing for a sense of how flexible the space is.

6. It’s all about the warmth in this bright, spacious, remodeled historic craftsman

This is a 1910 craftsman that “maintains classic character with the addition of a modern look.” Whether you’re drawn to the abundance of natural light, the space’s period details, and lovely hardwood floors, or the backyard with its garden and walnut trees, everybody will find something to love here. There is also a private driveway along with on-street parking, and the space is located within a relatively short distance from Lake Merritt, buses to BART, and lots more. 

“Great space for a photoshoot,” shares a Peerspace reviewer about this craftsman home. “Lots of natural light. The host was warm and welcoming when letting us in, But gave us our space and privacy, and left for the time we booked.”

7. Imagine the possibilities at this light-filled 1920s warehouse

Seeking natural light for your photoshoot? This light-filled 1920s warehouse in Ralph Bunche is one of our favorite indoor photoshoot locations in Oakland, CA in large part because of its massive amounts of natural light, which is provided by the space’s enormous floor-to-ceiling windows. As the hosts describe it, “the 2,700 square foot mainspace is very open and furniture and plants can be rearranged depending on your needs.” Sounds ideal to us!

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this venue and its host get lots of rave reviews from past Peerspace renters. Here’s one example: “The space was great – large, well-lit and exceptionally quiet. The light is actually great in the morning as well as afternoon (different looks). The host was very accommodating about moving furniture, time and other details. I think we’ll rent it again.”

8. Hang out in Downtown Oakland’s premier wine bar

If you’re looking for indoor photoshoot locations in Oakland with a stylish retail vibe, then you need to check out this downtown wine bar and shop. It is a 1,300-square-foot shop with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in tons of natural light and a modern, minimal design that looks amazing on camera.

The shop features wines produced by Women, BIPOC, POC, and local small wineries, making it a wonderful space to support. We love the idea of shooting elegant portraits here or any type of lifestyle content that would look cool set against a cream and mauve backdrop, and of course, with plenty of wine bottles abounding.

9. Go vintage in all the right ways at this mid-century modern home with a backyard and design studio

This is our first house on this list of indoor photoshoot locations in Oakland, and we’re starting things off with a bang! It’s a gorgeous mid-century split-level home with an open floor plan, large windows (meaning enormous amounts of natural light), and plenty of warm wood. The hosts have furnished it with a tasteful selection of vintage Danish and modern industrial furniture, and have included unique handmade art as well. 

These awesome vintage photoshoot ideas will complement this stunning mid-century home perfectly. Check them out!

10. Embrace bold color and global influence at a Spanish revival home

This Spanish revival is another incredible house that we had to include on this list. Built in the 1920s, it measures about 1,000 square feet and “is loaded with charming details like stucco archways, a fireplace nook, vibrant colors, and a whimsical spirit.” Not to mention that the interiors were designed by a talented interior designer! It’s also easy to access – it’s surrounded by an abundance of street parking in the Oakmore District right by Dimond Park and Sausal Creek. 

11. Let your natural talent sparkle in a natural light photo studio loft

Take a look at this 2,100-square-foot photography studio loft, which the hosts note achieves “a nice balance of functionality and character.” There are soaring ceilings and large windows that allow plenty of natural light, which will of course benefit your photos. And there is also a full kitchen with a large gas stove and plenty of counter space, ideal if you need culinary-themed indoor photoshoot locations in Oakland, CA. 

Indoor photoshoot locations in Oakland, CA: conclusion

We hope this list of indoor photoshoot locations in Oakland has inspired your next creative project! As you can see, the area is bursting with amazing venues, you just need to know where to look. Luckily, you have Peerspace by your side! Hop on our platform, enter your search parameters, and start exploring all the unique spaces that you can book by the hour from local hosts.

Find more unique photoshoot locations in Oakland on Peerspace