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What’s Included in DTLA Photo Studio Rentals: Lighting, Gear, Amenities, and Space Details Explained

Apex Photo Studios

Content Production Studios for Photo and Video — DTLA Studio Rentals: Natural Light, Blackout, Rooftops & What’s Included

Last updated: November 7, 2025 · 1024 Santee St, STE 800, Los Angeles, CA · (213) 233‑4437 · info@apexphotostudios.com
Photo Shoot BTS from the Apex Loft
BTS @ The Apex Loft
TL;DR

Included in every studio (excluding rooftops): wardrobe rack & rolling changing area, rolling makeup station with illuminated mirror, Bluetooth speaker, equipment cart, Wi‑Fi, climate control, restrooms, easy load‑in/out, and on‑site staff.

No hidden fees:

  • No cleaning fees
  • No electricity fees
  • No outside equipment fees
  • No equipment deposits
Flexible Gear Model

Lighting, camera, and grip are à la carte so you only pay for what you need. Anything you rent from Apex is pre‑staged before you arrive, and we can add items same‑day (subject to availability). Daylight or full blackout options available.

What’s Included in Every Studio Rental (Excludes Rooftops)

  • Spacious, ready‑to‑shoot studio
  • Wardrobe: clothing rack + rolling changing area
  • Glam: rolling makeup station with illuminated mirror
  • Bluetooth speaker for playback
  • Equipment cart for quick setup changes
  • Wi‑Fi, climate control, and restrooms (common areas)
  • Easy load‑in/out and on‑site staff support

No hidden fees:

  • Cleaning fee — $0
  • Electricity fee — $0
  • Outside equipment fee — $0 (BYO gear welcome)
  • Equipment deposit — Not required

Rooftops are outdoor-only spaces. They do not include makeup stations, changing areas, or furniture by default. For glam/holding, we recommend booking an indoor studio alongside your rooftop reservation. There is an available 13 x 13 canopy ($16/day) available for rental, as well as two steel deck riser platforms ($50/each per day). 

Rooftop A on a sunny day
Rooftop A — outdoor production space

Natural Light, Blackout & Orientation by Studio

  • Studios with floor‑to‑ceiling natural light: A, D, E, and F.
  • Orientation: Studios A and E face North‑West (consistent, softer afternoon light). Studios D and F face South‑East (strong morning-to-midday light; distinct afternoon angles).
  • Studio B: purposefully set up for easy blackout; ideal for precise light control for photo and video.
  • Any daylight studio can be blacked out on request if needed.
Studio B (blackout)
Studio B — Easily blacked out; above CYC grid

Fees & Policies (At‑a‑Glance)

Item Policy
Cleaning fee $0
Electricity fee $0
Outside equipment fee $0 (bring your own gear)
Equipment deposit Not required
Gear staging Pre‑staged before arrival for Apex‑rented gear
Same‑day add‑ons Available (subject to inventory)
Blackout Studio B or blackout any daylight studio on request
Studio walkthrough video

How to Book

  1. Choose your studio and date/time.
  2. Add optional gear (lights, grip, camera, etc.).
  3. Confirm booking — no equipment deposit, no hidden fees.
  4. Arrive to a pre‑staged setup; request same‑day gear if needed.

Studios Overview

Daylight / Skyline: expansive windows, golden‑hour opportunities, DTLA views.

Blackout (Studio B): total light control for photo/video.

Rooftops: 7,000–7,500 sq ft outdoor spaces; Rooftop A includes a moveable cyclorama.

Apex Loft: penthouse loft for elevated lifestyle or events; full gym and kitchen; high‑polished concrete floor.

Podcast Studio (Studio C): full‑service video podcast production available.

Explore more:

Photo Studios Collection Rooftops Collection Equipment Rentals Podcast Studio FAQ Contact

3D Walkthrough (Matterport)

Explore the space virtually. For glam/holding on rooftop shoots, add an indoor studio.

What You Can Do Here

Photo & Video: editorials, lookbooks, ad campaigns, e‑comm on white, beauty/macros, fashion flats, tabletop, stop‑motion.
Motion & Broadcast: interviews, music videos, promos, casting sessions, teleprompter setups, green‑screen pop‑ups.
Content & Social: UGC sprints, reels/TikTok, live shopping, product launches, behind‑the‑scenes.
People & Talent: headshots, look tests, self‑tapes, choreography/dance practice, fitness demos.
Brand & Events: workshops, panels, brand activations, pop‑ups, private screenings, community meetups.
Production Support: pre‑light days, fittings/wardrobe staging, client village, video village, craft‑service staging (indoor studios).

FAQ

What’s included in the studio rental price?
Studio space plus essentials (excluding rooftops): wardrobe rack & rolling changing area, rolling makeup station with illuminated mirror, Bluetooth speaker, equipment cart, Wi‑Fi, climate control, restrooms, easy load‑in/out, and on‑site staff support.
Are rooftops equipped the same way as indoor studios?
No. Rooftops are outdoor spaces and do not include makeup/changing areas or furniture by default. We recommend booking an indoor studio for glam/holding alongside rooftop shoots.
Which studios have floor‑to‑ceiling natural light and how are they oriented?
Studios A, D, E, and F feature floor‑to‑ceiling windows. A and E face North‑West; D and F face South‑East. Studio B is optimized for easy blackout.
Is lighting equipment included?
No. Equipment is optional and à la carte so you can tailor to your project and budget. We pre‑stage Apex‑rented gear before your call time.
Do you charge cleaning or electricity fees?
No — we do not charge cleaning fees or electricity fees.
Do I need a deposit for equipment rentals?
No. We do not require equipment deposits.
Can you add gear the same day?
Yes — same‑day add‑ons are available, subject to inventory.
Can you black out a daylight studio?
Yes — any daylight studio can be blacked out on request. For full control, book Studio B.

Questions or custom requests? Email info@apexphotostudios.com or call (213) 233‑4437.