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 NO LATER THAN 48 hours prior to your shoot.
A signed contract and credit card authorization form on file are required along with your deposit before your first booking each year.
Do you have a minimum booking time?
Yes, one hour.
What if I need to reschedule?
We ask that you reschedule no later than 48 hours prior to your shoot, and we will accommodate rescheduling the same shoot no more than once. Up to 14 days prior to your shoot, you can receive a full refund, after which time your deposit will be forfeited when cancelling. 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-8pm, 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.
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, 1 continuous light, one spotlight attachment, and a riot of modifiers, as well as mounted RGB lights above the cyc walls.
How many people can I bring to my shoot?
If you have a large crew over 10 people, please contact us ahead of time. If you roll up with 40 people, some of you will be asked to leave. Shoots over 10 people will be charged a $100 cleaning fee.
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 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.
Can I buy a gift card for someone?
Yes! Click here.
How often are the white floors painted?
About every 2 weeks or as needed. If you want to guarantee fresh white before your shoot, there is a $200 paint fee. (If not booking the entire day, we would also need to make sure you have the first shoot of the day).
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. Note: you may use our furniture but NOT take it apart. Please be careful not to drag heavy things across the white floors though, LIFT THEM, 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 and agree to the $200 paint fee and level of preparation this requires.
How do I get my camel 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 affect the client following you. Hopefully if anything happens, we can all come to a fair resolution, and PLEASE let us know and don’t try to sneak out.
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, candles, 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 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 see what we can do.
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?
The cyc does not get natural light. You can always roll up the garage door and shoot with all that glorious light with the backdrop of your choice there.
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.
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.