My Favorite Photo Studios in Des Moines for Brand Photography
East Fifth Studio, Des Moines
Des Moines offers a variety of natural light studio spaces that are available to rent by the hour (and more depending on your needs.) Below is a list of my favorite local studios to use for brand photography clients.
East Fifth Studio
Whistler Studio
Creative Co. Studio
Invictus Studio
Studio E9
AMP Studio
Waterhouse Studio
The Monroe (event venue)
Each studio offers something unique - from colors to furniture to style. Keep reading for descriptions, photos and starting rates of each studio below. I have personally photographed clients at each of these locations so please contact me with any questions or to see additional photos of my own work in these spaces.
East Fifth Studio
This second story studio space in East Village features concrete floors, multiple windows, white walls, a brick accent wall, 3 neutral paper backdrops + basic seating. Additional backdrops, seating + more is available to rent. I love the urban minimalist vibe and the afternoon sunlight streaming in provides the opportunity for additional creative lighting on sunny days.
2 hours / $125
4 hours / $200
Metered street parking
East Village, Des Moines
More photos: https://www.eastfifthstudio.com/
Video of space available upon request.
Whistler Studio
Known for its historic charm and moveable backdrops in black, white and two seasonally changing colors, this hardwood floor studio with tall west-facing windows welcomes a flood of sunlight in the afternoon and beautiful even lighting throughout the morning. A variety of chairs, stools and ladders are included in the rental, as well as a sawhorse table that can be used as a desk.
1 hour / $100
2 hours / $175
4 hours / $325
Metered street parking
East Village, Des Moines
More photos: https://thewhistlerstudio.com/
Video of space available upon request.
Creative Co. Studio
This loft-like studio space features large windows, high ceilings and wood floors. Two couches, multiple chairs, a bed and a round table are included in the space, as well as two moveable backdrops in four different colors. The exterior of the building features brick walls and large doors with a modern industrial feel. It is located behind Northern Vessel Coffee which is another great spot for photos, making this one location with a lot of variety.
1 hour / $100
Each additional hour / $100
Free street parking available
Downtown Des Moines
More photos: https://www.thecreativecodsm.com/
Video of space available upon request.
Invictus Studio
This industrial, light-filled studio with wood floors is especially great for headshots. It includes moveable backdrop walls in 4 different colors and a variety of chairs and stools. There are also plants we can incorporate as well. (Note that this location is not completely private as it is adjacent to the Invictus office space, separated by sliding glass doors. Convenient private restrooms are available for outfit changes.)
1 hour / $90
Each additional hour / $75
Limited free parking on site
Downtown Des Moines
More photos: Peerspace listing
Video of space available upon request.
Studio E9
Located one mile north of downtown Des Moines, this studio-like space in a renovated historic building offers hardwood floors, brick walls and a selection of paper backdrops. Furniture is minimal, featuring antique chairs and a green leather sofa. The studio rental also includes access to their outdoor orchard.
1 hour / $45
2 hours / $80
Free street parking
Des Moines
More photos: https://www.studio-e9.com/
Video of space available upon request.
AMP Studio
With multiple rooms to choose from in varying decor, this styled studio offers many options, from white walls to dark, furnished with couches, chairs, a bed and plants. Please note that this second floor studio has no elevator access.
1 hour / $84
2 hours / $161
Free parking on site
Clive, Iowa
More photos on Peerspace
Waterhouse Studio
This small historical building has been converted to a modern industrial photo studio with concrete floors, white walls and brick walls. A couch, some chairs and a round coffee table are included in the space.
2 hours / $150
4 hours / $250
Free street parking
Northside Des Moines
More photos: https://www.waterhousedsm.com/
The Monroe
Not necessarily a photography studio, but this elegant and sophisticated event venue offers multiple large rooms full of windows and natural light. This private indoor space is a great option for group photos or large styled sets. The ground level entry and convenient parking makes it easy to load custom backdrops, furniture and more.
1 hour / $100
Each additional hour / $100
Free parking onsite
West Des Moines
More photos: https://www.themonroevenue.com/gallery
Booking Info
Most studio spaces must be reserved through an insured photographer, so please communicate with me directly if you are interested in booking a photo studio for your photoshoot.
Studio bookings are non-refundable, though most locations allow us to reschedule if requested in time. Studio policies vary and will be communicated per booking.
Rates were last updated January 2025 and are subject to change at any time.
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