Graffiti Warehouse

This is a bare-​bones place as far as lighting and all that.
BUT, what sets this apart is all the graffiti all over the walls on 3 different levels.
If you are looking for a safe and dry place to do a shoot with Graffiti, this is the place… NONE better.
They have several events a month that put photographers and models together in a meet n greet situation. These events cost $ 20.00 prepaid through paypal or 25-​bucks at the door.
Models range thru all genre’s. Some events have more models then others. you need to follow them on Facebook and/​or meetup to keep track of whats happening and the models involved.
PARKING can suck, and it can be ok. but be wary of where you park. this is not in the best of neighborhoods, though personally I have never had my vehicle touched. I do know if you park in the wrong area (and it can be confusing) your car will be towed and it can be VERY expensive.
THE WAREHOUSE
As you go into the warehouse, the main room is to the right. It is quite large straight up the stairs (there are many) you will find various studios. there are a few that are white on white and others that have a variety of furniture and wall graffiti art. Lighting isn’t the best and it can be very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer depending on the studio. some are open to the outside a bit and are ambient to the outside temps. Others have some temp control.
Some very unique rooms/​studios.
Rates outside of the events is like 20-​bucks an hour.
PERSONALLY… I go there for the events, but I don’t think I would rent for a shoot, as I would use a regular studio with all the extras, backgrounds, lighting ect. and photoshop in a specific background. I can control more in a normal studio and I can have full control over the temperature and have what I need on a ground level instead of trudging equipment up and down awkward stairs.
THIS place is unique… I would very much recommend this for the events. that gets 4 stars. I would not recommend it for a personal shoot for my reasons stated above

I have to say I was very excited about checking out this creative space, I found out about them through word of mouth. I stopped by today to see what all the fuss was about.
I was met with a cold reception. There was a bald man at the door taking money for the event. i explained that i was there just to look around before i invested my hard earned money. I had a few questions about availability, models, etc.
I was met with a cold rude reception it was explained to me that even to check out the studio I had to pay first and that no one got in for free. Which is absurd if I am going to invest in something I would like to know what it looks like.
Shortly after this the rude man walked away but not before making a curt comment to his partner about me Gabriella came over and spoke to me. She was much politer than the previous gentlemen. But the dye has been cast, I will not be investing my money here.

I love shooting at Graffiti Warehouse events. The space is amazing, great natural light, lots of options, several private rooms to shoot in plus group rooms. The alley is also great for all kinds of edgy, urban shoots. I wish it was closer to NOVA.
But I have a few suggestions…
1) The place really needs to be vacuumed regularly. Photographers bring in thousands of dollars worth of gear and the place has dust everywhere. Just walking around kicks up dust.

2) The photographer/​model events often lack models so it tends to be a feeding frenzy of 6 – 8 photographers shooting the same model at one time. After a few minutes, the models tend to get overwhelmed by dozens of flashes going off in their face and need a break. I’d prefer as a shooter to pay a bit more and have the organizer pay a few quality models to be available throughout the day. At times the quality of model is also lacking. Perhaps lower their cost will get a few more and higher quality to come and pose.
3) Offer a BIG discount to models that sign-​up and pay in advance. They will be more likely to show up if they already paid prior to the event.
4) The organizers should add some additional furniture, including perhaps a vintage sofa and love seat, a modern Italian-​style leather sofa, coffee tables, a few table lamps, a rug or two, and a desk and chair. Having a couple themed rooms with a few pieces of used but functional furniture (other then that current dusty old sofa) would make the space so much more usable.

The Graffiti warehouse is an amazing place to take photos and throw parties. They have multiple studios and are available for rental. Over the summer it was a bit warm in the lower level but upstairs in the studios there was air conditioning units. The lighting in the studios is marvelous and has that warehouse feel.
In the large open space on the first level the walls are covered with fantastic graffiti. There is also an ally (you can google it) outside that has some fantastic backdrops.
They do many events that can be accessed by
or their facebook page. Check it out!
They have bathrooms but sometimes its best to carry tp in case. There is running water in the building as well.
The location is a warehouse and wonderful place to shoot photos.