9 Great Places to Find Photoshoot Inspiration in San Francisco

From the Golden Gate Bridge to the Embarcadero, San Francisco has some of the most sought-after photoshoot locations in the world. But with rents on the rise, it can be harder than ever to find an affordable studio for you and your team to shoot in. That’s where Peerspace comes in, featuring beautiful studios and event venues available from local hosts. You can rent the space you need by the day or hour and customize it to your project. From fully equipped studios to stylishly decorated homes and apartments, these are great places to find photoshoot inspiration in San Francisco.

1. A modern treehouse in the Inner Sunset District

This stylish space is a great place to start off our list. With hardwood floors, white walls, and an open floor plan, this unique home gets plenty of natural light to illuminate your photoshoot. Set in the hills near Twin Peaks, the panoramic windows and raised deck give this place a “treehouse” vibe that’s been featured in major architectural magazines. This venue can accommodate up to 10 people at a time, and it works well for corporate photos, a fashion shoot, or even a cooking demonstration in the chef’s kitchen. You can arrange for A/V equipment, catering options, and more through the Peerspace Concierge service. Just give them a call and let them know what you want added to your booking.

2. A fully equipped kitchen in the Mission

Another option for food-related shoots is this spacious kitchen in the Mission. With walls lined with cookbooks, several countertops and islands, and a classy dining area, this is the perfect venue to host a cooking class or pop-up dinner. You’ll have enough tables, chairs, glassware, and dishes to serve up to 65 people at a time. This kitchen is a great place to find photoshoot inspiration in San Francisco for food bloggers and entertainers of all kinds!

3. An artsy shipyard at Fisherman’s Wharf

For an outdoor venue with an industrial vibe, book this 8,000 sq.ft. venue that’s suitable for up to 400 guests. You’ll have access to four fire pits and outdoor games like shuffleboard. Re-purposed shipping containers add to the creative atmosphere of the space. We recommend booking this venue for a company retreat or launch party, then setting up a separate photoshoot area to get professional photos of your guests. Not sure how to make best use of the space? Just call up the Concierge service and we’ll help you line up a caterer, professional photographer, bar staff, entertainment and more.

4. A mirrored-mylar studio in the Sunset District

This art gallery and music venue offers a photo studio with a twist! The walls are covered with mirrored-mylar, and there are colored LED lights throughout, giving you unlimited possibilities for a creative, artsy shoot. This is the perfect place to find photoshoot inspiration in San Francisco for a photographer who like to play with lighting and color. There’s room for five people in the studio at a time, and some lighting equipment is included with your booking. This space is an affordable choice for artists, musicians, and performers looking for creative promo materials.

5. A boutique Victorian hotel in the heart of the city

This centrally located hotel is a great option for engagement shoots, fashion shoots, boudoir shoots, and other portraits that require an elegant setting. There are 58 guest rooms in all, as well as a banquet area that seats up to 65. Pricing starts at only $50 per hour, depending on which rooms you need access to. As with many Peerspace locations, you can arrange for catering and equipment rentals directly through the Concierge service.

6. A colorful warehouse in SOMA

This vibrant warehouse offers a range of creative photoshoot options with nine converted shipping containers that have been painted different colors. With 10,000 square feet of space and room for up to 360 people, this is another venue that’s suitable for large group activities. Experiment with different backdrops and color combinations to make the most of this eclectic venue.

7. A multi-use production space in the Dogpatch

If you’re looking for some truly original photoshoot inspiration in San Francisco, you’ll love this 9,300 sq.ft. space that includes a kitchen and a rooftop deck. Most of the venue is inspired by nature, with cedar ceilings, eco-themed artwork, and plants throughout the space. You’ll also have access to lighting packages and A/V equipment for an additional fee. Rent this venue for a photoshoot, party, corporate event, art release, or musical performance. Your options are nearly unlimited at this multi-purpose venue that can accommodate as many as 600 people. And, of course, don’t miss the views of the Bay from the rooftop deck.

8. A professional photo studio in Nob Hill

Let’s get back to the basics with this straightforward photo studio located in Nob Hill. With a white backdrop, indoor plants, and natural light, this is a great setting for a minimalist photo shoot using simple props. You can rent this out for a single photo session, or use it to work with multiple models with back-to-back appointments. You’ll also have access to an on-site bathroom and kitchenette.

9. A quirky museum in Balboa Terrace

Rent out the Gregangelo Museum for a birthday party, bachelor’s party, or company retreat and get some one-of-a-kind photos at this unconventional location. Described as an “immersive arts and entertainment attraction,” the displays combine art and history to create a multi-dimensional experience. Play with light, color, and optical illusions to take photos you can’t create anywhere else! This venue accommodates up to 40 guests.

Planning a photoshoot in San Francisco can be a memorable experience. Whether you choose a rooftop venue with views of the city or an indoor space that uses lights and color to alter your perception of reality, there are no limits to what you can capture on your camera! Remember, if you need help renting equipment or booking a caterer or event staff for your shoot, just ask for advice from your local host or call up the Concierge service to get it taken care of all in one package. Plan ahead so you don’t have anything to worry about on the day of your shoot.

Find unique event spaces in San Francisco on Peerspace