Studio A
16' Ceilings.
White brick walls.
Concrete floors.
insanely large windows. and one killer view of downtown st. paul.
You know you want to...
A view that can't be beat
Studio B
amenities + add-ons
faq
Studios for hourly, half-day + daily rentals
Apparatus is located in a warehouse along the river overlooking downtown St. Paul, about a mile away from I-94 or Highway 52.
We have a large private parking lot with loading dock access.
There are carts and pallet jacks available, as well as a modern passenger elevator.
Our studio is situated on the top floor in a corner suite with large windows that provide ample natural light, which can be blacked out by blinds.
We have 16’ ceilings, white brick walls and concrete floors.
Max electrical output is 2500W/circuit with 2 circuits available in each studio.
Day rentals typically include access to our main studio, Studio A, or our secondary studio, Studio B. Kitchen & lounge spaces are only accessible when booking Studio A. The boudoir is available at an additional rate when booking Studio A.
Access to the external secondary shooting bay is welcomed regardless of which studio you reserve, but privacy in this area cannot be guaranteed. Our building is home to other tenants, and our restrooms are a shared commodity, therefore building activity is possible, though infrequent.
studio layout
FAQ
Studio A is about 2000 sq feet in total, with about 1200 sq feet in the main studio, and 600 sq feet of other shooting areas.
We have standard double-doors to get into the space (6” wide entrance) and there are power outlets on all primary beams in the main studio, every 14 feet.
The available props in this space are more colorful and range from vintage, boho, and a bit modern.
KITCHEN + LOUNGE spaces are only accessible when booking Studio A. The BOUDOIR is available at an additional rate when booking Studio A.
Studio A
Book studio A
RATES
ADD ONS
FAQ
Studio B is about 1400 sq feet, with an additional 800 sq feet of shared space in the external bay.
Studio B is our newer secondary studio (across the hall) that's more minimalist and modern. All of the props available for use in this space are neutral tones. While booking Studio B does not get you access to the kitchen, lounge, or boudoir areas, you'll find unique new textures around this space.
Studio B
Book studio B
RATES
ADD ONS
FAQ
The Common Area is available to use when booking either Studio A or Studio B.
common area
basics
The studio includes high-speed WiFi for all guests and a bluetooth audio system for playing music. Clean bathrooms are next door to the studios.
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comfort + refreshments
We offer complimentary hot tea, french press coffee, and cold filtered water. A rotating array of sparkling water, juices, and iced teas are also available for purchase. The client lounge in Studio A offers a comfortable place for clients or guests to wait during breaks or between shoots. Studio B also has a designated sofa area and mini fridge.
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Styling Tools
All rentals include access to our garment steamers, clothing racks with hangers, hair & makeup styling stations with backup styling accessories.
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Furniture + props
All rentals include use of whatever furniture and props we may have available, which consists of a large variety of chairs, stools and sofas. We try to update our selection regularly, so checking our Instagram may be the best place to look for inspiration.
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GRIP GEAR, LIGHTING EQUIPMENT & BACKDROPS
The studio is well equipped for most small to midsize production needs! We offer a basic grip package that is included with all rentals -
We also offer lighting equipment and other tools, as well as a large assortment of seamless & fabric backdrops available for rent. Click here to learn more.
- Apple box set
- 3'x5' standing reflectors
- C-stands
- V-flats
- Colored gels
- A-clamps, super clamps & clip clamps
- Extension cords
- Gaff tape
- Sandbags
- High-powered fans
- Garment steamers & clothing racks with hangers
- 10 ft & 6 ft ladders and several stepstools
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Included Amenities
lighting
$20 flat fee + $15 per hour or $150/full day
Profoto:
(2) Profoto D1 1000W Air & (1) Profoto D1 500W Air
1200W Acute Profoto power pack & (3) light heads
Pocket Wizards
2’ white umbrellas & 5’ white shoot-through umbrellas
Profoto 6’x1’ stripbox
Profoto 5’x1’ stripbox
Westcott Rapid Box 24” beauty dish
(2) Westcott 3’x5’ softboxes
(2) Profoto 2’x3’ softboxes
Westcott 7’ octabank
Godox:
(3) SL-60 LED Video Lights
(2) 3’x4’ softboxes
36” parabolic softbox
Godox gobo projection set with various shapes
Grids & barn doors
Studio B clients may use one Godox light with any rental.
Additional lighting gear available with lighting rentals:
4x4’ scrims
Cinefoil
Video LED panel lights
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9' Seamless or fabric
$30
Backdrop purchase includes professional setup.
Specific colors or 12’ rolls must be requested in advance, otherwise options are limited to our current inventory.
*Click the image to enlarge it
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$30
Backdrop purchase includes professional setup.
Specific colors or 12’ rolls must be requested in advance, otherwise options are limited to our current inventory.
Tethering monitor w/ rolling cart
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$25
4K Monitor mounted to heavy duty rolling cart with built-in power strip. HDMI, MiniDP and tethering cables for various cameras are included.
Rolling Camera Stand
$15
A very sturdy option for holding any camera size. 8’ tall and allows you to transition easily from a straight-on angle to a bird’s eye view in a flash.
*Click on an image to enlarge
astroturf
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$15
Add a little summer to your shoot year-round! 6x12' roll of astroturf is a $15 add-on.
Flamingoes not included.
Add ons
Frequently Asked Questions
STUDIO A VS STUDIO B
Studio A is our main studio. Booking this space will also give you access to the kitchen and lounge. The boudoir room is an add on to this studio. The available props in this space are more colorful and range from vintage, boho, and a bit modern.
Studio B is our newer secondary studio (across the hall) that's more minimalist and modern. All of the props available for use in this space are neutral tones. While booking Studio B does not get you access to the kitchen, lounge, or boudoir areas, you'll find unique new textures around this space.
Both spaces are priced out equally, the rest is up to you!
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Test vs production
Test shoots are short with a maximum of up to 4 hours and groups of up to 8 people total. This is an affordable option for photographers that are portfolio-building or shooting simple client sessions, such as portraits, boudoir sessions, or basic product photos.
We offer our full-service rental options as Production bookings. These can be booked as longer sessions further in advance. If you are shooting video, planning an extensive shoot that has a full team involved, or you need more than 4 hours, you would want to book your session as a Production.
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CANCELLATION & RESCHEDULING
All reservations are non-refundable. Reservations can be rescheduled once up to 72 hours in advance. Any cancellation or rescheduling outside of these terms is subject to our team’s discretion.
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INSURANCE, SAFETY & ACCOUNTABILITY
Although recommended, insurance is not required for normal hourly rentals. Renters are liable for any damages or fees incurred, and we require having a card on file for liability purposes. By reserving your appointment, you acknowledge that you've read and agree to our day rental policies.
The safety of our clients and their guests are top priorities. The studio is equipped with video surveillance for security and liability purposes, and we always have staff on site to help alleviate any issues or concerns.
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EARLY ARRIVAL OR EXTENDING YOUR SESSION
Your reservation starts at the time that you book online, and it's possible someone may be booked following your session. It's encouraged to book more than just your "shoot time" if you need to set up and tear down. Please let us know if you happen to run late and if there's anything we can do to help get things rolling right away.
If there is someone immediately following your session, there is a $75 fee for going overtime. If the studio is available, you are welcome to extend your session at $75 / hour ($50 / hour for test shoots).
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RIGHTS TO PRIVACY
Your reservation includes exclusive use of the studio space, with no one else sharing any parts of it. While we always have staff on site in our dedicated office, you will generally be left alone and uninterrupted during your session in the studio. We are available for assistance when needed, but any privacy requests will be respected.
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ARRIVAL PROCESS
Our studio is more than just a space we offer to shoot in; it's a full-fledged service. On the time of your reservation, simply notify us of your arrival and we will escort you into the space through our secure building. Our staff is available to help you load in, as well as get you all set up with anything else you may need throughout the duration of your shoot, whether it's putting up backdrops, studio lights, or just preparing fresh coffee. Our goal is to enable your production to run as smoothly and merrily as possible.
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booking process
All first-time renters MUST book with our online booking system so we can save your information on file, as well as provide consent that you've read our policies. Once set up, our booking system is very convenient and easy to use, but you are also welcome to set up appointments over the phone.
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SOUNDPROOFING + NOISE LEVELS
Please be aware that Studio Apparatus is not a soundstage. The building does have concrete floors and is well-insulated from outdoor noise, and activity on our floor is infrequent. Generally, noise is not an issue, but because the studio itself is not soundproof, some disturbance may be possible and outside of our control. Therefore, we cannot guarantee perfect silence in the space at all times.
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MESSY SHOOTS & CLEAN-UP
To keep our studio clean for every guest, the studio must be put back into the same condition it was before your rental session; anything that is not adequately cleaned up is subject to a cleaning fee at the end of the shoot.
Rentals involving substances that are difficult to clean or remove, such as paint and glitter, are strictly prohibited.
Otherwise as long as it is well-contained and properly cleaned, getting a little bit messy is usually not an issue. We do ask that you notify us ahead of time if you are planning a messy shoot!
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pet policy
We love pets! All critters are welcome here, as long as they are relatively well-behaved and supervised. They must be leashed or in a carrying kennel when not inside the studios walls.
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event hosting
Looking to host your wedding, shower, birthday party, corporate event or something else? Fill out our inquiry form here:
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inquire here for event hosting
