General Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the studio?

The Studio Chicago is located at 2255 S Michigan Ave. We are a stones throw from McCormick Place and The Wintrust Arena. Only 8 min South of The Art Institute, 15 min from River North, 17 min from Lincoln Park, 22 minutes from Uptown and 17 minutes from the West Loop!

Tell me about parking / building access?

There is ample paid parking available on Michigan Avenue, along with several SpotHero parking lots within a short walking distance. The building is accessed by using the buzzer system to call our unit. For larger productions, there is an easily accessible loading dock. Upon request, our team will provide rolling carts to assist with the unloading process. The studio is also handicap accessible.


When can I rent the space?

The Studio can be rented any day of the week, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Feel free to send requests for extended hours.

What photo equipment is available?

The studio is equipped with C-stands, a large scrim, sandbags, apple boxes, a selection of 9' seamless backdrops, reflectors, and a variety of props—all included with your photo studio rental.

What else is included?

At The Studio, you'll have access to a fully equipped lifestyle space, featuring beautifully furnished living, dining, kitchen, and office areas. In addition, you'll have a spacious 1,500 sq. ft. open shooting bay, all available for use during your rental. The studio also offers a dressing room, clothing steamer, rolling clothing racks, hair and makeup chairs, full-length mirrors, a fully equipped kitchen, heat and AC, a gorgeous bathroom, and much more!


What time of day is the light the best?

The Studio features floor-to-ceiling south- and west-facing windows throughout the space, allowing natural light to pour in all day. The light in the morning is softer and direct sun starts to enter The Studio on a sunny day around lunch time. For productions that require controlled lighting, the space is also equipped with heavy canvas curtains that block approximately 75% of the light.


Can I rent The Studio for an event?

Absolutely! We are a venue for quiet, intimate events and would love to host you! Please inquire for more details.

The Studio East FAQs

What has changed about The Studio? 

Nothing! The Studio as you've known it is still open and operating as usual. The Studio East is only additive!

I'm confused... The Studio Chicago has more than one space?

Our business, The Studio Chicago, opened The Studio in 2021, this is the space you have known and loved for many years. In early 2025, The Studio Chicago opened its second space, The Studio East. The Studio East is right next door to The Studio, our original location.

Why did you open The Studio East? 

We opened The Studio East to make what we do at The Studio attainable to even more of our community. The Studio East will enable more creatives to spend more time creating and pursuing their dreams.

How is The Studio East different from The Studio?

The Studio East is shared rentals whereas The Studio is private rentals. The Studio East has four different spaces which can be rented simultaneously. For example, if you rent The Closet, you will have exclusive use of that space during your rental time. However, other spaces in The Studio East, may be rented by other creatives at the same time.

Can I rent The Studio East privately?

Absolutely. If you would like to rent the entire space privately, please reach out and we can help with that!

Can I still work with a studio team member in The Studio East?

Of course! If you're looking to book a photographer or videographer at The Studio East, just reach out for availability and we can coordinate the rental time with you!

When I book The Studio East will I have the whole space to myself? 

You will have your specific room to yourself, however, there will be other people in the other rentable spaces. The kitchen and bathroom are common areas. We hope you will run into friends here, be able to network with other creatives and enjoy meeting new people.

What’s the minimum hours required to book a studio space in The Studio East?

Currently, the minimum is 3 hours in one space. The spaces in The Studio East are priced very affordably to allow for more time to create on a regular basis.

Can I book more than one space in the same booking? 

Sure! If you want to book multiple rooms for the same period of time, you can absolutely do so.

Can I book The Studio and The Studio East together? 

Absolutely. If you have a large production or are in need of increased space, please reach out to book all 8900 square feet together!

Can I rent The Studio East for an event?

The Studio East will be home to our creative and educational events such as Creator Days, Candid Conversations (coming soon), educational workshops, panels and more. The Studio East can not be rented for personal events such as showers, if you're looking for an event rental, The Studio is the place to be!

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