How to Rent a Photo Studio: A Beginner's Guide

Renting a photo studio for the first time usually feels more daunting than it actually is. Do you need to make an appointment? Will someone be there to help you? What if you get stuck? At a self-service studio like Studio BoenkOp, everything runs online and it could not be simpler: you book, you pay, you receive an access code and you get to work. In this guide we walk you through the entire process step by step, so you know exactly what to expect.

Why rent a studio instead of shooting at home?

You can shoot at home, but you quickly hit limits: not enough space, shifting daylight, cluttered backgrounds and no proper lighting. A studio solves all of that at once, giving you control over every aspect of your image.

• Space: our studio is over 100 m², a proper photo and video studio where you can move freely.
• Light on your terms: large windows for daylight, plus full blackout when you work with flash.
• Neutral background: an infinity wall 5 metres wide and 4 metres deep gives you a clean, seamless backdrop.
• Comfort: climate control, a dressing room with a make-up area and free coffee, tea and water.

There is no need to buy expensive gear or turn your living room upside down. You rent exactly what you need, for exactly as long as you need it.

Step 1: Choose the right package

Before you book, decide how much time you need. Studio BoenkOp offers three clear packages, everything included and no surprises afterwards:

• Quick Shoot - 2 hours for EUR 95. Ideal for a headshot, a few product shots or a short content session.
• Half Day - 4 hours for EUR 160. Plenty of time for an extensive portrait shoot or a small collection.
• Full Day - 10 hours for EUR 275. For large productions, multiple looks or a complete webshop catalogue.

Running late? You can simply extend for EUR 25 per half hour. Private customers pay prices including 21% VAT, while professionals see prices excluding VAT. You will find the full overview on our pricing and packages page. Still weighing up the total cost? Read our article on what renting a photo studio actually costs.

Tip: choose a little more time rather than too little. Setting up, testing and packing down always takes longer than you think. With a half day you have room to work calmly without watching the clock.

Step 2: Book and pay online

Once you know which package you want, you book online through the Studio BoenkOp booking portal. The portal shows live availability: simply pick a free day and a time slot that suits you. No emails back and forth, no waiting for confirmation.

You pay online right away. Your reservation is then confirmed and you automatically receive a personal access code. That code is your key to the studio at the time you chose. It really is that straightforward.

Step 3: Self-service - arrive and get started

On the day itself you simply come to Geraardsbergsestraat 31 in Aalst. There is no studio manager and no waiting time: you open the door with your access code and the space is entirely yours. Here is how it goes:

1. You arrive at your reserved start time.
2. You open the studio with your personal code.
3. You set up the space and dial in the lighting the way you want it.
4. You shoot photos or film in peace, with no one looking over your shoulder.
5. At the end you tidy up and leave. Done.

The studio is on the ground floor and step-free, so you can wheel your gear straight in. Everything you need is ready and waiting.

What is included?

The great thing about self-service at BoenkOp: the professional equipment is simply part of the deal. You pay no supplements. Ready to use as standard:

• 7 Godox studio flashes and 6 continuous LED lights;
• softboxes, a beauty dish and a fresnel with barndoors;
• a Nanlite zoom projector, a smoke machine, C-stands, tripods and boom arms;
• the infinity wall as a seamless background.

You will find a full overview of the available studio equipment on our equipment page. Unsure whether to use flash or continuous light? Our article on studio flash versus continuous light will point you in the right direction. Curious about that seamless backdrop? Read what an infinity wall actually is.

What do you bring yourself?

The studio and the lighting are taken care of, so you only need to bring your own essentials:

• your camera and lenses;
• enough memory cards and charged batteries;
• your laptop if you want to shoot tethered;
• your model or subject, plus any clothing, styling or props;
• for product photography: the products you want to photograph.

For concrete tips on that last point, our article on taking professional product photos is a handy companion.

Practical: hours, parking and getting there

Studio BoenkOp is open 7 days a week, from 07:00 to 22:00. You choose a time slot that fits your schedule, whether that is early in the morning or late in the evening. The studio sits centrally in Aalst and is easy to reach from Ghent, Brussels, Dendermonde and Ninove. Coming by car? You can pull up right in front to unload your gear.

How to get started smoothly

Renting a photo studio really does not have to be a hurdle. Choose your package, book online, receive your access code and come shoot whenever it suits you. No appointments, no waiting, no hidden costs. Ready to begin? Check the live availability and reserve your time slot, or first take a look at our packages and pricing. See you soon in Aalst.