Residency

Are you looking for a place to experiment, collaborate and create new portfolio work in the near future?

As freelancers ourselves, we know just how difficult it can be to prioritize time and/or nail down the resources needed to develop our own creativity… So in an effort to address this very real conundrum, entering our fourth year in business, Prop Up Shop is making a commitment to cultivate creativity and make our space more inclusive for commercial artists in the region.

We’re now offering affordable studio time with full access to our 350 sf shooting space, prop collection, surface/backdrop collection, kitchenette & equipment to photographers, stylists and art directors! Scroll below for details, pricing, rules, perks & how to apply.

How It
Works

FULL RESIDENCY

A Full Residency Period lasts 1 year from your 1st studio session. It includes 3 studio sessions, 8 hours each / 24 hours total, of studio time over the 12 month period.

INDIVIDUAL STUDIO SESSIONS

A Studio Session consists of 1 full day (8 hours) of time in our studio to create portfolio work. Upon enrolling you will be asked to select a primary and back up date for your first studio session.

AMENITIES INCLUDED

Our studio comes with a 22x16 ft shooting space (350 sf), prop collection, surface/backdrop collection, grip kit, kitchenette, private restroom, client lounge, heat/ac, and high speed internet.

Pricing

While the program unfortunately can’t be free, we’ve done our best to make it affordable at over 50% off regular pricing with additional perks! There are two ways to pay for your residency:  

1) INDIVIDUAL STUDIO SESSIONS

Pay a-la-cart $500/per full-day studio session

Savings: normally a single 8-hour studio session with surfaces would cost $900.

2) FULL RESIDENCY*

Book 3, full-day studio sessions/year = $1,000*

Savings: normally a single 8-hour studio session with surfaces would cost $900 and 3 x 8-hour sessions would total $2,700.

*By selecting the full residency option, you effectively buy 2 sessions & get one free (saving you an additional $500).

ADD-ONS

While each session allows you 1 free team member or collaborator (can be someone different each time), each additional team member would be $50/per person

Weekend sessions would be an additional $100/session as our studio is generally closed on weekends.

Rules

  • The number one stipulation is that the residency is for personal, creative, test shoots only (ie. portfolio, treatment creation, pitch decks, creative experiments, light testing, etc). NO client work. That said, we encourage you to hold client shoots at our studio and would extend a 25% commission to you for any new clients you bring to the studio (see “New Client Commissions” under “Perks” below fore more info) 

  • Must book Studio Sessions 3+ days in advance (pending on availability)

  • Same Day Cancellations will result in a $100 fee. Cancellations made 24 hours in advance can be rescheduled at no additional fee.

  • The residency does not include props “to-go”. Shooting must take place in our studio. If you would like to rent props to take off-set that would be billed separately as it requires more time on our behalf to facilitate.

  • All of Prop Up Shop’s standard studio rental terms apply in terms of clean-up and breakage (see “FAQ” below).

  • All individual members of your shooting party must fill out our studio rental agreement prior to using our space.

  • You and anyone on your team must credit and tag @propupshopbmore as ‘Props + Photo Studio’ or ‘Props, Surfaces + Photo Studio’ (if applicable) when you share your work on social media.

  • You also grant Prop Up Shop the right to post your images on our social media page. We would credit you and any team members accordingly.

Perks

THE OBVIOUS

Over 50% discount to our photo studio, prop house, equipment & amenities during residency sessions!

FREE ACCESS TO OUR SURFACE & BACKDROP COLLECTION

For regular rentals, our surface & backdrop collections are charged “a-la-carte” or as an “add-on” when clients rent the studio. We’re offering our surface & backdrop to our residency participants free of charge during your session(s) ($200+ value).

NEW CLIENT COMMISSIONS:

For anyone participating in our residency program, we’re extending a 25% commission / kick-back to you for any new clients you bring to rent the studio and/or our inventory (ie. props/ surfaces/ backdrops “to-go”) for the entire 2024 calendar year. In order to receive the 25% commission, it must be the client’s 1st time ever renting from us, clients must pay the full rental rates, the rental must reach a $400 minimum, they must credit you as the person who introduced them to Prop Up Shop.

COMMUNITY

We hope that this will bring new collaborations and connections within the industry. Photographers, Art Directors, Stylists, Producers, Videographers, Photo Assistants and other Creatives. If there is interest, we would like to hold quarterly meet-ups to help nurture these relationships.

How To Apply

1) Fill out the form at the bottom of the page stating your interest.

2) We will then answer any questions and send a contract/agreement along with an invoice in order to complete your application. 

FAQ’S

  • Yes, we encourage you to bring anything you need to help create your vision!

  • Yes, as long as you are using the products as part of self-initiated work to experiment, test treatment and/or build your portfolio. If the company is paying you to create images of their product, this would be considered ‘client work’ and would be billed separately at our normal rates.

  • No, unfortunately editorial work is still considered ‘client work’. We do offer small discounts for editorial projects. Please consult with us if you or your editorial client is interested.

  • Yes of course! Email nate@limonatacreative.com to schedule a free, 1-hr walkthrough.

  • Yes! If you pay the $500 for the first session and later another $500 for your second session (within the same 12 month period) you would automatically qualify for a third session at no additional cost (but must be used within the same 12 month period).

  • Yes of course! However the invoice for payment will go directly to the Residency applicant and must be made on one card. Your collaborator(s) can compensate you however you see fit

  • You and/or the responsible party would be required to pay for the repair, cleaning or replacement of the damaged item. We’d inform you and the responsible party of any fees in advance and would proceed accordingly from there.

Interested in participating?

Fill out the form below and we will get back to you with the next steps!

Resident Reviews

  • “Prop Up Shop has become an invaluable resource for my business! I’ve rented props from their amazing collection, booked their studio space for client shoots, and now working my way through their residency program. Being able to rent the studio and not only get a large open space to shoot, but also the ability to utilize their entire prop collection--it's a no-brainer for me! The space is comfortable and always brilliantly organized and clean, making it easy to scout for different props. It's so fun to just browse the shelves and always find something new with each visit. Nate, Giulietta, and Emily have been so kind, helpful, and easy to work with. I find myself constantly recommending them to other creatives!”

    Becca Maffett | @terrgoldphoto
    Photographer | Baltimore

  • “I recently completed a test shoot (Residency) at Prop Up Shop's space and it was brilliant. Having the run of the props and backgrounds made all the difference in the world. The selection is brilliant, the space was perfect for what we needed. Nate and Giulietta are easy to work with and readily offered assistance and advice. And Nate makes a perfect espresso!”

    Steve Buchanan | @sbpho1
    Photographer | Centreville, MD

  • “The Prop Up Shop is a total gem in the Baltimore area for stylists, photographers and the like. The collection of props and backdrops is extensive and exactly what I need for any photoshoot. I completed a Photo Residency at the Prop Up Shop. It was a great way for me to create new portfolio work, with no pressure, just pure fun, and with the advantage of utilizing everything the studio has to offer. Can't wait to go back!”

    Vivian Marie Doering | @vivianmariephoto
    Photographer – Baltimore & DC

  • “I love prop up shop! As a creative, I feel like a kid in a candy store whenever I get to shoot here. Having access to so many options of place settings and surfaces makes our shoots that much more creative. And they’re not limited to just that, they have all sorts of props! Also, it is really easy to load in and out and has plenty of space with tall ceilings. Giulietta and Nate have a really special hidden gem, I haven’t seen another prop shop in the DC/Baltimore area.”

    Diana Jeffra | @lifeofafoodstylist
    Food Stylist & Owner of Culina Creative - Richmond, VA

  • “I love being able to rent props at Prop Up Shop! They have such a beautiful collection of props to pull from that it helps make my job so much easier. I love all of the vintage options that they have along with a wide variety of colors. The space is so well organized and easy to navigate. Such a lovely place to pull from for a shoot”!

    Danielle Wood | @dwdaniellewood
    Prop & Wardrobe Stylist | DC / NYC