Being a Monthly Studio Renter
On Being a Monthly Studio Renter at Doc List Photography
Where's the Studio?
The studio is in north Austin on Burnet Road just down the street from Research Boulevard. We’re on the same side of the street as Olive Garden and Cavender’s. You can find more details here. You can also search Google Maps for Doc List Photography – I put a pin in it so it leads you directly to the studio.
What's included when I become a renter?
Monthly renters are part of the family. You have complete freedom to use all of my lights, props, wardrobe, and so on. That includes the computer and TV in the lobby, so you can do in-person sales. By the same token, you’re expected to treat everything with love and respect and clean up after yourself.
All of the renters also share their own equipment and props and such, but it’s up to each one to decide what they’re willing to share.
Currently, we have 6 Paul C. Buff Einstein E640 lights, 2 Godox 200W LED Video Light SL-200W,Bowens Mount 5600K, Studio Continuous LED Lamp, 1 Godox AD-200 light, some flashes, a variety of modifiers, lots of seating props couch, settee, chairs, stools), and a number of custom-made props like boxes and a posing shelf.
How do I schedule time?
We use a shared Google calendar. You’re welcome to block it off any time it’s available. We generally plan on including a buffer of at least 30 minutes before and after sessions so we have time to set up and clean up, and so we don’t overlap in any way.
How much does it cost and how do I pay?
Each renter pays ¼ the lease cost (it’s a triple-net lease so that includes rent + taxes + “common area maintenance”) plus something to cover utilities and Internet. Renters pay their rent on the 25th of each month so that we have the money in hand to pay the landlord. As of April 1, 2023 that share would be approximately $650/month.
At the end of each year, the management company reviews the taxes and maintenance costs and may assess an additional amount to each renter (our shares are based on the number of square feet in the unit – ours is approximately 1400 sq ft). When that occurs each renter is asked to pay ¼ of that amount for the prior year.
While most folks have been paying via Venmo, any form of electronic payment is acceptable. Doc sends a reminder/request on the 25th of the month.
Is it safe?
In the time that we’ve been there we’ve not had any issues. The worst thing that’s happened is that someone broke into the locksmith’s place (ironic, eh?) and also stole our doorbell camera (the receiver was inside, of course, so the doorbell was useless to them). There’s a light over the door of each unit, and some of us lock the front door once our clients or models have arrived.
There are cameras inside the studio that cover the front door and the back rollup door.
If you’re going to be there at an odd time and would like someone to accompany you, you can ask the rest of us.
What else?
We have a bunch of Amazon Echo units so you can play music anywhere and everywhere in the studio. We have a Keurig coffee maker in the lobby along with a filtered water dispenser.
The lobby is comfortable and professional. We also have a restroom, a dressing/makeup room, and a storage room which we share, as much as we can.
There’s parking just outside the studio (we’re at the end of the walkway between buildings, which makes parking very convenient).