Simple Studio Lighting

BEWARE OF MAKING ANY PURCHASES HERE.
We purchased a new tripod here with cash, big mistake. It was never used. When I came in to return it less than a week later, I was told that there were no refunds. I explained that there is no sign posted and we were not made aware of such a policy. The employee I spoke with, pointed out the policy on the digital receipt.
Let me be clear:
THE RECEIPT IS EMAILED AFTER THE PURCHASES IS MADE AND THE BUYER HAS NO KNOWLEDGE OF ANY SUCH POLUCY UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE.

if you need to go buy those chinese knock off equipments, this is the place. I do own some higher end equipments, but when I need quick, cheap equipments and don’t have time to order it from Amazon or something, this place usually has it. There’s also a rental studio space below, but their rates aren’t reasonable because other places nearby give better rates.

I went for my first time today prices are amazing, customer service was awesome, he showed me the studio underground and it was really big! it has bathroom, mirrors, lighting everything you need to get shoot!

I’ve rented the studio and bought equipment from Simple Studio a few times and have to say for the price, it can’t be beat.
The studio has 3 shooting bays white, black and green. They are large enough to do groups of people, as well as products. Included with the rental is the use of lights both flash and hot lights. For model shoots and products the studio is perfect.
I also shot a dance video here and it worked out really well. The one problem for video is when I used an ultra-​wide angle lens it did pick up the ceilings which ideally should be about 3 feet higher. It did get hot down there with the hot lights. There is an empty space with a large cement block wall next to the bays in which we also shot part of the video in, by back-​lighting the wall and having a dancer move in front of it. The effect looked fantastic and gave a feeling of being outdoors on a street. (unfortunately that part of the studio has now been rented out)
I give an extra star for the owner of Simple Studio of supporting the arts. They have a gallery space which is always open when they have the downtown art walks. I need to talk to the owner about getting some of my work shown there.
There is a huge parking lot right next door, so parking is not a problem. All in all, Simple Studio is a great place to shoot with great service. Barring hot days, you can’t go wrong with buying or renting from Simple Studio.
Here are model photos I shot there, but changed out the backgrounds in photoshop.

give these guys a visit if you need fast lighting equipment and are in DTLA.

This review is for the studio rental only. I can’t comment on the gear sales although they look to be well stocked. The price for the studio is unbeatable, and the space itself is a nice size and works well. I think it is probably a great fit for short photography sessions, which admittedly, is its primary purpose. However, we were shooting video there and ran into some snags. First and foremost, there is NO A/​C and so the place heats up quite a bit after a whole-​day shoot with lighting, especially in the hotter months. Truthfully, we were uncomfortably hot all day and our interview subjects were especially hot under the lights. Also, because gear is being sold and moved around directly upstairs from the studio, the conditions can sometimes be noisy which doesn’t work quite as well for video shoots. Check it out but know about these limitations for video shoots in particular.

I’ve bought photography gear from this company before at their Anaheim location. This new (2^nd) location just opened at the end of ’11 and have been offering the same cool selection on equipment and services. With knowledgeable and friendly staff at both locations, I highly recommend.
— shop for gear
— rent studio space
— gallery space
— photography services for portrait, events, etc
— workshops
The shop is a good size and enough browsing room to check out the lighting setups and display cases with smaller items. I wish I could buy it all! Their prices are competitive and they have a growing selection on gear on consignment.
The photo studios for rent have green, black and white seamless options. They also offer photography workshops as well.
My latest trip was during a Art Walk and they had an amazing one man gallery show with music and live shoot. Hope they do more of this in the future.
Parking is available on the street and pay parking lot. Near the Mayan and Belasco Theater.