The question what does renting a photo studio cost sounds simple, but the answer depends on a lot of factors. One studio charges by the hour, another by the day. With some the equipment is included, with others you pay supplements for just about everything. In this article we transparently explain how studio pricing works in Belgium, what drives the price and what to watch out for so you are not caught by surprise. That way you know exactly what you get for your money.
The different pricing models
Photo studios roughly charge their rental in three ways. Each model has its own logic, depending on how long you need the space.
- Per hour: you pay an hourly rate, often with a minimum of one or two hours. Handy for short jobs such as a headshot or a few product shots.
- Per half day: a block of usually four hours, at a more favourable rate than separate hours. Ideal for a portrait shoot or a small collection.
- Per full day: a day package for large productions, multiple looks or a complete webshop catalogue. Calculated per hour, this is usually the best value.
At Studio BoenkOp we work with these three clear packages, plus a simple extension option if you happen to need a little longer. Everything included, no fine print.
Studio BoenkOp's rates
We deliberately keep our prices simple and transparent. What you see below is what you pay. No supplements for equipment, backdrop or smoke machine.
| Package | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Shoot | 2 hours | EUR 95 |
| Half Day | 4 hours | EUR 160 |
| Full Day | 10 hours | EUR 275 |
| Extension | per half hour | EUR 25 |
Do the maths and you immediately see the advantage of the longer packages: a Quick Shoot works out at around EUR 47.50 per hour, while a Full Day comes down to under EUR 28 per hour. You will find a complete overview with all the details on our pricing and packages page.
What influences the price of a studio?
Why is there sometimes such a difference between two studios? A number of factors come into play. Once you understand them, you can compare prices fairly.
- Equipment included or not: this is the biggest pitfall. A low base price looks attractive, until you have to pay extra per light, softbox or roll of backdrop paper.
- Size and equipment: a space of over 100 m² with an infinity wall simply offers more than a small corner with a paper backdrop.
- Location: studios in major cities are generally pricier than in a regional city like Aalst, while the quality can be just as high.
- With or without a manager: a self-service studio keeps costs low because there is no staff on the payroll. You open with an access code and work in peace.
Why 'all-inclusive' matters so much
It sounds appealing: a studio advertising a rock-bottom hourly rate. But always read the fine print. At many studios the flash equipment, the continuous lighting, the roll of backdrop paper or even the smoke machine come on top of the base rate. Before you know it, that cheap studio is more expensive than an all-in package.
At Studio BoenkOp you never pay a supplement for equipment. The complete studio kit is included as standard:
- 7 Godox studio flashes and 6 continuous LED lights;
- softboxes, a beauty dish and C-stands;
- a smoke machine, tripods and the infinity wall as a seamless background.
Our photo and video studio of over 100 m² is therefore literally ready to go. The only thing you might pay extra for is if you soil or damage the backdrop paper: in that case we charge EUR 20 per metre. Beyond that, there are no hidden costs.
Tip: never compare on base price alone. Make a list of what you actually need in terms of light and gear, and add up the supplements for each studio. Only then do you see what a shoot truly costs.
VAT: private versus professional
One detail that often causes confusion is VAT. With us it is clearly arranged:
- Private customers pay the rates including 21% VAT. The price you see is the price you pay.
- Professionals pay excluding VAT and can also deduct the rental as a business expense. For freelancers and companies that makes a real difference to the bottom line.
So if you are renting for your business, the effective cost is lower than the gross price suggests. Worth factoring into your budget.
Tips to keep your costs down
Renting a photo studio does not have to be expensive if you go about it smartly. With a little planning you get more out of every hour.
- Choose the right package: if you need a half day, book that package straight away instead of stacking separate hours. Per hour you are better off.
- Prepare your shoot well: know in advance which images you want, bring a shot list and make sure props, clothing and products are ready. That way you waste no paid studio time on improvising.
- Work efficiently with light: plan your setups so you do not have to rearrange everything for each shot. Unsure about your approach? Read our step-by-step guide on how renting a photo studio works.
- Share the cost: rent together with a colleague or a fellow photographer and you split the bill without compromising on quality.
Looking for an original idea? A day in the studio is, by the way, a lovely gift for a photographer in your circle.
Conclusion: transparency pays off
What renting a photo studio costs depends on the model, the contents and the honesty of the pricing. A low price without equipment is rarely a bargain. At Studio BoenkOp you know exactly where you stand up front: clear packages from EUR 95, everything included and no hidden costs. Curious whether your preferred date is free? Check the live availability and rates in our booking portal. See you soon in Aalst.
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