A diary of a new studio owner

When working with my brand photography clients, choosing locations is always half the battle. What if it’s too hot and your makeup runs and your hair frizzes out? Where can we find a neutral office space? Where can we find a blank wall? Where can we get ready and set up?

The temporary solution? Renting a studio on Peerspace, Home Studio List, or Giggster. But being in the Bay Area, this gets expensive — fast. There also never seems to be one location that fits all of our needs, so we end up compromising in certain areas.

Another solution is to shoot in your own home, but not everyone feels that their home is photoshoot-worthy, or maybe you have kids running around all day that would make an at-home photoshoot near impossible.

So, I got to brainstorming and thought to myself: what if I had my own space that I could design specifically for Emily Kim Photography clients?

And thus, The Sunlight Space was born!

What is The Sunlight Space?

Originally, finding and creating a studio space was a long-term dream. AKA, I wasn’t planning on even THINKING about this for another 3-5 years. But once that idea was planted, I kept thinking about it. And then, I kept seeing commercial spaces for lease. One thing led to another, and I found myself signing a lease for the perfect space!

The Sunlight Space is an open, 950 square foot Bay Area photography studio with indirect natural light all. Day. Long. It’s perfect for lifestyle, branding, and portrait photography, and there is plenty of space to get ready and build the photoshoot location of your dreams.

Of course, right now, it’s just an empty room. But soon, it will be furnished with neutral furniture, props for days, and maybe even a flower/greenery wall. If you want to keep up with the behind-the-scenes as I build out the studio, follow @thesunlightspace on Instagram.

Some FAQs

Who can use The Sunlight Space?

While the space is built with photographers in mind, The Sunlight Space is also perfect for videographers, hosting events, bridal showers, birthday parties, workshops, and more.

The road so far

If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that opening a physical location is a totally new ball game. Lots of permits, licenses, and logistics to be had! Upgraded insurance, creating a booking website, buying a fire extinguisher? Where do I get one of those? 😂

A year from now, I’ll definitely be writing about all of my learnings so that you don’t have to go through the same trials that I did. 😉

What happens next?

The Sunlight Space is set to open in early August 2021. There will most definitely be a grand opening party, and I’m so excited to share it with the Bay Area creative community!

Your brand photos could use a bit more sunlight, don’t you think? I’ve got just the space 😉 Sign up to be the first to know when booking is available for my brand new creative studio, The Sunlight Space.