Frequently asked Questions

How do I book?

Please call, text or email us and we will get you booked with an invoice. A 50% deposit is due upon booking to guarantee your spot, with the balance due 24 hours prior to your shoot.

Do you have a minimum booking time?

Currently we have a minimum of 2 hours to book either studio.

What if I need to reschedule?

We ask that you reschedule no later than 24 hours prior to your shoot, and we will accommodate rescheduling the same shoot no more than once. We do not offer refunds. All rescheduling is subject to availability.

What if I don’t pay my invoice on time?

Then we will give your time slot to someone who will.

What are your hours?

Our regular hours are from 8am-10pm, and we are closed on Mondays. Please note we are by appointment only!

What if I need to shoot outside of those times?

Please call us, and we will see what we can do to accommodate your project. We do charge higher rates from the hours of 10pm-6am.

Where is Pixel?

Pixel studios is tucked away in a standalone building in the West Ashley area of Charleston, only 15 minutes from downtown and 15 minutes from the airport.

Where can I park?

We have a small parking lot directly in front of the studio.

Can I rent both studios at the same time?

Sure can.

Does my shoot include a photographer?

Nope.

Does my rental include a camera?

No, but we do rent cameras.

What if I need to rent a lens? Or more lights?

We can help! We rent cameras for both photo and video, lenses, audio equipment, lighting, and accessories.

What kind of lighting is included in studio?

Three strobes, 2 continuous lights, one spotlight, and a riot of modifiers.

How many people can I bring to my shoot?

If you have a large crew over 15 people, please contact us ahead of time. If you roll up with 40 people, some of you will be asked to leave.

Can I pay cash?

Sure, but you’ll have to bring that deposit ahead of time.

Will you set up my shoot for me?

No, on-site personnel will not photo assist for you. We are happy to help, but please don’t expect a full-on crew member.

What if I have questions about equipment?

It is assumed that you or your photographer know how to use the provided equipment, but if you have questions we will do our best to answer. Remember, you’re paying for time here, so best to know what you’re getting into beforehand!

Can you help me move heavy things?

Of course.

Can I use glitter?

Absolutely not. Please no glitter, smoke bombs, open flame, flour, water, or other chaotic materials without permission and a plan. Please be considerate of your use of body oils as well.

How early can I arrive?

Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes prior to your session. All of your setup and breakdown time should be considered when you book your hours. We book back to back sessions (keeps prices down!) and your studio may still be occupied. You are welcome to hang out in the hall or outside. Help yourself to a water or a coffee.

Can I extend my session?

Maybe! Please always ask.

How many people are allowed at the studio?

Please contact us if your shoot will have more than 10 people.

Where can my client get changed?

We have a full hair and makeup and changing area in each studio, as well as a separate bathroom.

Can I move the furniture?

Totally! If it’s not nailed down you can use it. Please be careful not to drag heavy things across the white floors though, and always ask for help if you need it!

Can I bring my dog? Horse? Twenty-five snakes?

Yes, absolutely, yes. Bring me all the animals. That said please do let us know what you are bringing, so we can prepare accordingly.

Can I bring a car into the studio?

Yes, if you’ve cleared it with us first.

How do I get my horse or mini school bus into the studio?

We have a 10’x11.5’ garage door for all your load-in needs.

What happens if I break something?

We do ask that damages are paid for. Certain props may be hard to replace, lighting is very expensive, and a hole in the cyc wall may directly effect the client following you. Hopefully if anything happens, we can all come to a fair resolution.

Do I have to clean the studio?

We expect your studio to be left in the condition you found it in. So if you spill makeup, or use confetti, yes please clean that up. Put back any furniture or props you’ve moved, and always assume someone is coming in right after you and be respectful of that.

Do you have security cameras at the studio?

Sure do. There are no cameras in bathrooms or dressing rooms.

Can I bring weapons?

Nope.

What if they are prop weapons?

Clear them with us first.

What kind of props do you have?

Things are always changing, but expect an assortment of smaller props like vintage suitcases, champagne bottles, books, lamps, artificial florals, etc. We have vintage TVs, a small army of chairs and stools, a splatter painted baby grand piano, lots of fabrics, and a disco ball, to name a few. For backdrops, we have a flower wall (permanently in Studio A), hand painted canvas backdrops, colored paper seamless backdrops, and some moveable walls!

Can I reserve a specific prop?

All props and furniture are first come first served, so if you really want to use something, let us know before you book and we’ll make sure it’s in your studio when you are, as the majority are stored in Studio A.

Can I do [insert crazy thing here] at the studio?

We want to help you make your creative ideas a reality, so hit us up and we’ll do our best to make a plan and make things happen.

Do you have natural light?

We have one west-facing window in a corner, and you can always roll up the garage door and shoot with all that glorious light with the backdrop of your choice there. The cyc does not get natural light.

Is there a bluetooth speaker?

Yes!

Do the studios offer privacy?

While you may encounter staff or other creatives in the halls on occasion, the studios are fully private, and if we need you for some reason, we will knock if you choose to close the door. If you’re shooting with a nervous client or doing boudoir photos, just let us know ahead of time on the off chance we need to access the studio for some reason.

Can I record audio at Pixel?

We are housed in a standalone building, and Studio B is a soundproofed space that is excellent for recording audio and is often used by professional television and commercial crews. We don’t recommend using Studio A for audio as it is an uninsulated warehouse space with a metal roof. Want to insure perfect audio, and have control over the whole space? Rent the whole building!

Do you really have a swing in the studio?

Yes, but it can only be used in studio B and requires advance notice to set up.

What if I have a question that isn’t on here?

You win a prize! Please, reach out, we love questions.