The Creative Lab

Summer Photography Sessions

The Creative Lab is a pilot program launching this summer at Elle Studios.

We're introducing this experience to explore a different way for photographers and creators to work, connect, and experiment in our space. As a pilot program, we may continue to refine the experience based on participant feedback.

The Creative Lab experience sits between a community photo event and a private studio rental.

Unlike larger open-studio events where many photographers may be sharing the space, Creative Labs is intentionally limited to a maximum of three teams per session, each assigned a designated area, allowing each team to maintain focus while still enjoying the energy and inspiration of creating alongside others.

Who This Session Is For

This is a referral-based night designed for creators who have previously shot at Elle or who have been referred by a studio friend and/or photo community.

The person booking the session must be the referred participant. Their creative team is welcome to join as guests.

Who This Session Is For

Creative Lab is a referral-based experience designed for creators who have previously worked at Elle Studios or who have been recommended by an Elle Studios friend or someone within the photography community. The person booking the session must be the referred participant, while their creative team is welcome to join them as guests.

The Experience

Each Creative Labs session includes:

  • A designated shooting area for your team

  • Access to the unique Elle Studios environment and curated collection of props and furniture

  • Time to experiment, test concepts, and create in a professional studio setting

  • The opportunity to work alongside other photographers and creatives in a respectful, collaborative environment

Depending on bookings and availability, another creative team may be working in the studio during your session, or you may have the space to yourselves.

Session Details

Price
$100 per team/zone

Team Size
Up to 4 people per team

Session Length
2.5 hours

Creative Zones

  • Zone A: Seamless Station + Red Carpet Wall

  • Zone B: Corner Cyc Wall

  • Zone C: Seamless Station + Black wall

Session Time Slots

  • 5:00–7:30 PM

  • 7:30–10:00 PM

Need more time? Reserve both time slots for a full 5-hour Creative Lab session, subject to availability.

Price
$111 per team / session

Session Length
2.5 hours

Team Size
Up to 5 people

Studio Capacity
Maximum of 2 teams per session

Available Session Times

Golden Hour Session: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

After Dark Session: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

If availability allows, teams may reserve both session times for a full 5-hour Creative Lab experience.

Please note that all setup and cleanup must be completed within your reserved session. We recommend using the final 15 minutes to reset the studio for the next booking.

Shared Studio Environment

Creative Labs is built around the idea that creativity thrives in community.

Each team is provided with its own designated shooting area while sharing select common areas within the studio. This format creates opportunities to work independently while enjoying the inspiration that comes from creating alongside other photographers and artists.

We ask that everyone participating be respectful of the shared environment, allowing every team to enjoy a productive and creative experience.

Props & Set Pieces

Elle Studios features a curated collection of vintage furniture, décor, and distinctive set pieces available for creative use throughout your session.

Because certain items are especially popular, teams may reserve up to two major props or set pieces in advance if they are essential to their concept. Reservations must be requested and confirmed prior to booking so they can be coordinated with other participating teams.

Reserved items will be held exclusively for the team that requested them during their session. Any sharing of reserved items is at that team's discretion.

Lighting & Equipment

Creative Labs participants are expected to bring their own cameras, lighting, and photography equipment for their session.

A limited selection of studio lighting and equipment is available for rent upon request. If you plan to rent equipment, please contact us before booking to check availability and reserve the items you need. This helps ensure everything is ready for your session.

Creative Labs Is Ideal For

  • Personal photography projects

  • Portfolio development

  • Test shoots

  • Editorial concepts

  • Creative experimentation

  • Content creation

  • Collaborative projects

Please Note

Creative Labs is designed for independent creative work and collaborative photography sessions.

It is not intended for commercial productions, client shoots requiring privacy, or projects that require exclusive use of the studio.

If your project requires exclusive studio access, complete privacy, a client-facing environment, or a fully controlled production space, we recommend reserving a Private Studio Rental, which provides exclusive use of the studio for the duration of your booking.

We Can't Wait to Create With You

As we launch this pilot program, we're excited to welcome a small community of photographers and creators into the studio to experiment, collaborate, and help shape the future of Creative Lab.

We look forward to seeing what you make.