The Lore
The idea of opening a photo studio with props and sets that others can rent out have been on my friend circle's minds for a while. These studios are relatively common in East Asia such as Japan and Taiwan, and some do somewhat exist in the US and Canada, but there isn't really one in the SF Bay Area. Honestly, it most likely boils down to "it's more expensive to run one here", but I believe it's definitely worth a try.
Set Photo Gallery
ι’ζζΈζΏ | "The Study"
A themed set with with inspiration drawn from traditional Chinese elements and design. Roughly 11 ft by 10 ft.
Second set coming soon!
Services
Rates for up to 4 people, including photographer(s)
| Base Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2 hours | Promo rate until 10 Dec: $200 Normally $300 |
| Each additional 30 minutes | Promo rate until 10 Dec: +$50/30 min Normally +$75/30 minutes |
| Each person after 4 people Max 7 people. All people in the studio are counted. |
+$15/30 minutes |
Rates include:
- Use of all sets in the studio
- Use of makeup room
- Borrowing lights and flashes
- Usage of some small items (e.g. bobby pins, safety pins, double-sided tape, hair spray)
- Usage of some convenience tools (e.g. iron, steamer, hot glue gun)
Base rates do not include:
- Photographer
- Camera and lenses
Additional services
| Service / Product | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Hire Moshi as a photographer | $100 for the session |
| Borrow a Rolleicord (medium format film camera) + light meter | $30 for the session |
| Borrow a Yashica Lynx rangefinder (standard 35mm film camera) + light meter | $20 for the session |
|
Kodak Portra 800 120 film 800 ISO Medium format color film 12 square exposures |
$20/roll |
|
Kodak Portra 400 35mm film 400 ISO 35mm color film 36 2:3 exposures |
$20/roll |
|
Develop and scan film Negatives can be returned to you by being picked up at the studio, or paying shipping anywhere in the US. Film developed by Memphis Film Lab in (wait for it) Cleveland, Ohio. Turnaround times are 3 to 5 weeks. |
$32/roll standard resolution +$4/roll for high resolution |
| Wig cap | $2.5 each |
| Super glue | $2 each |
| Fashion tape | $8/tin (36 strips per tin) |
Film is subject to availability, though there should most likely are at least one roll of each kind at the start of each day. If you'd like to handle film developing / send out the film for developing yourself, other film labs that you can consider include a mail in or dropoff at Underdog Film Labs in Oakland or Citizens Photos in Portland, OR.
Staff
Moshi is the owner of Moshitea Photo Studio, and has been in photography for over 10 years. You can usually find Moshi in the studio (but often times also just out and about taking photos around the Bay and beyond.)
Rules and Information
Rules, Regulations, and Expectations
Usage of the Moshitea Photo Studio requires the clients to leave the facility in the same condition as when they began - clean and organized. In the event that the facility is not returned to its original state, the renter will be subject to a cleaning fee of $100. In the event that any equipment, fixtures, furniture, etc. are abused, broken, or stolen during the usage period of the studio, the client shall be held responsible and must make all repair or replacement payments before leaving the premises.
Since the studio is located in a building shared with other offices and businesses, we do ask to practice common courtesy and keep noise to a reasonable level.
The time booked does not indicate shoot time. It is the time you are admitted into the studio, and the time you are required to have cleaned, exited, and paid for the remaining balance of the studio. Going over the allotted booking time will result in an additional $100 fee. Moshi will give you a 30 minutes and 15 minutes heads up near the end of your booking time, and will do a quick walkthrough with the client 5 minutes before the end of booking to make sure everything is in good order.
The balance for using the studio is due on the specified rental date prior to usage.
Please do not come to the studio if you are sick. Temperatures will be checked on entering the studio. Clients running a fever (>100.4F) will not be allowed in the studio. We would greatly appreciate it if non-models in the studio would wear a mask.
Absolutely NO drugs or alcohol shall be permitted at Moshitea Photo Studio. Smoking, vaping, and the usage of e-cigarettes are also prohibited. We generally also request to not bring food or drinks onto the set. (If it is a prop, please check with us first!)
While tasteful, provocative images are acceptable, we do ask to wear an outer covering while in the common area outside the studio (a makeup room is available in the studio.) We do not condone pornographic photography.
Banned items include glitter, smoke bombs, hay, colored powders, charcoal powder, and similar materials. If you think it may make a mess, please contact us first to see if it will work or we can see if an alternative prop can be used.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in the studio due to our lease terms and for liability reasons. (Service animals are obviously welcome.)
Photographic Notes
Since the sets are about 100 square feet in size, you'd most likely get the most flexibility with a 50mm (on a full frame) lens. 85mm lenses will work (and will be extra creamy) but will get a bit tight on space. Shorter focal lengths will work.
Business Hours
Please note that the studio will be reservation only - walk-ins will not be accepted.
This means that while we have business hours that we allow for booking, they are NOT necessarily our hours of operations. Our actual hours will vary based on scheduled bookings, and therefore we cannot guarantee to be available unless an appointment is made in advance. If you'd like to take a tour of the studio, please drop us a line to let us know ahead of time.
Generally, reservations are available on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings, and afternoons to evenings on Saturdays and Sundays. Please check the bookings page for exact availability.
Parking
Feel free to park in any space in the attached parking lot. The studio is on the northeast wing of the office building. Please send Moshi a message when you arrive and they can let you in.
Studio Members and Supporters
This studio wouldn't be possible without the help and support of so many people!
Core Contributors
- @reicharuru & @pbw.png
Equipment and props support - @ariisacat
Fellow photographer partner - @okaygelaaa
Set design support
Studio Supporters
- @kinosakuraa
- @daynahkay
- @yco.cos
- Fiora A
- @meganakamomo
PMT Supporters
MT Supporters
- @bbww
- @ojiisans_
- +1 more
If you'd like to also help support the studio (and get some neat perks and discounts while you're at it), please drop by the Studio patreon at MoshiteaPhotoStudio!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book the studio?
Please see our calendar for dates and times we have available. When you have picked a date, please email or book via our website. Bookings are taken on a first-come-first-serve basis and are only confirmed once we receive your 50% deposit. Please be prepared to fulfill an invoice online ASAP to ensure there are no complications with your booking.
Can I hold a studio booking?
No. Your booking is only confirmed once we receive your 50% deposit, no exceptions. You may lose your booking if you wait to place your deposit.
What forms of payment do you take?
We accept most major credit and debit cards, as well as most mobile wallet payments. We do not take cash or checks on site.
Can I hire Moshi to take photos?
Yes, provided Moshi is available. You are able to hire Moshi when making your booking.
Can I just come by to see the studio?
Yes, but please contact us beforehand first to confirm we are available. (We cannot accomodate walk-ins without an appointment.)
Is there availability outside what is shown on the calendar?
No.
How soon in advance are bookings open?
Roughly up to 30 days in advance.
If I do not use the entirety of my booking time, may I have a refund or credit for the time I did not use?
No, as the time you have booked has been specifically reserved for you and you alone, and cannot be refunded or be used for future credit. (We could not possibly find another client to book that unused time in such short notice.)
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations greater than 48 hours before the scheduled bookings will get a full refund. Deposits are non-refundable for cancellations within 48 hours. Deposits for cancellations within 48 hours will only be refunded if there is a natural disaster and/or a request from the government to close or shorten business hours. Bookings can be rescheduled once for a $25 fee if requested between 24 to 48 hours before the shoot. It is free to transfer a booking to another person for the same time. Patreon-specific discounts are not transferable.
Cancellation policy, in table form
| > 2 days before shoot | > 1 day before shoot | < 1 day before shoot |
|---|---|---|
| Full refund of deposit | No deposit refund Reschedule allowed once for $25 |
No deposit refund |
I'm not sure how many people are coming to shoot. How should I make a booking?
Please fill out to the best of your knowledge the number of people attending the shoot. Please message us with updates as your plans are finalized.
Why is there a maximum party size on the booking form?
The studio space is relatively small, so there is a safety (and physical) limit to the number of people who can come per booking. The number of people also include photographers and assistants.
Are masks required in the studio?
We strongly, strongly recommend wearing mask in the studio. For models, it makes sense to not wear a mask during the shoot itself. We would greatly appreciate it if photographers and assistants would wear a mask while inside.
I'm sick! But it's within 48 hours of my booking.
Please do not come to the studio if you are sick. Unfortunately, we cannot refund deposits within 48 hours of the booking. If you let us know 24 hours before the booking we can reschedule the shoot for a $25 fee. We will do a temperature check before starting the shoot. Clients with fevers (>100.4F) will not be allowed in the studio. It is free to transfer a booking to another person for the same time. Patreon-specific discounts are not transferable.
May I come early to set up for my booking, or to use the makeup room?
No. The booking time is the time you are admitted into the studio, and the time you are required to have cleaned, exited, and paid for the remaining balance of the studio. There may be another client booked back-to-back with your booking, so please be considerate of their paid time. Use of the makeup room is included in your booking time.
I'm running late due to traffic. Can I shift my scheduled time?
No, as the time you have booked has been specifically reserved for you and you alone. There may be another client booked back-to-back with your booking, so please be considerate of their paid time.
Does my whole group have to be here to start the booking?
No, people are free to come and go within the designated booking time.
What equipment and tools are available at the studio?
We do have some lights and flashes available for use. Please feel free to bring your own lights and equipment to use on set as well.
Is there a bathroom in the studio?
No, but there are bathrooms shared with other offices in the building. (Please refrain from using the bathroom in cosplay, if possible.)
Can I rent lights/props/equipment to use outside the studio?
No. All lights, props, and equipment are for in studio use only.
May I shoot videos in the studio space?
Yes, as long as the space isn't damaged and that any music that is played is not disruptive.
May I wear shoes on the set?
Generally, yes, but only after cleaning the soles of the shoes. Please wipe off any dirt beforehand. Please do not use shoes that may stain or damage the set. There may be cases where we would ask to refrain from wearing shoes on specific sets (e.g. with tatami mats).
May I bring food and drinks into the studio
Generally, no. If food or drink is used as a prop, we would request that it is unopened and unable to spill. (Water is okay, but we'd prefer that liquids are drunk away from the set.)
May I bring in weapons?
Real firearms and weapons are not allowed in the studio. Fake prop weapons are allowed. Please use your best judgment with prop weapons, as our common area is shared with other offices and businesses.
Are there any size restrictions for prop weapons?
No. Do note our ceiling is the standard 8 foot height, and there may be props hanging from the set.
Can I shoot more than one outfit?
Yes, as long as there is enough time left in the booked session period.
Can I move decorations from the set?
Please refrain from moving larger decorations and props. However, smaller items on the floor may be moved as you wish. Please feel free to ask for assistance.
I'm 18 or under. May I book with the studio?
Yes, but only with a parent or guardian accompanying you for the entire session.
Can I use photos taken at the studio for commercial purposes or in a photo book?
Yes. We would appreciate it if you can credit our name (Moshitea Photo Studio)!
When are you opening a milk tea shop, Moshi?
Moshi's head slowly turns to look at you with dead fish eyes. "Ha. Hahaha. Haha."