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What we’re about


S.N.A.P. - the meetup group full of innovation and inspiration. We offer educational opportunities in a professional studio atmosphere for all skill sets and genres while helping you grow your portfolio. Simply choose a session that will help expand your knowledge and lets meet up. J

WHO WE ARE

studio821 (Newport, Kentucky) has created S.N.A.P. as an avenue to offer more than just an amazing group of shared studios to shoot in. It’s also a place where photographers can come to perfect their craft. We have put together an All-Star line up of respected instructors, models and other industry professionals who create meetup opportunities to take your game to the next level. Our base of instructors is regional however we also love bringing in well known traveling instructors and models as much as possible. To be the best, you have to learn from the best. A visit to studio821 is always as much about the experience. Come check us out. (We will have an updated instructor roster available soon.)

HOW DO THE MEETUPS WORK?  

The majority of our meetups is located in one of four natural light or flash studios. Studio821 has selected experienced photographers who run and/or teach all meetups. The structure of each may differ and will be explained with each invite. The purpose of some meetups will be strictly portfolio building while others will include one on one instruction. Some meetups may be just for fun and networking. We try to think out of the box with what we do and also rely heavily on feedback right now so please send us your suggestions.

*If you are interested in becoming a paid meetup instructor, please send complete bio and/or resume along with topics (and sub topics) you feel qualified to teach to info@studio821photo.com.

WHAT IS MY COST?

Our goal is to give photographers the biggest bang for their bucks. We will manage our costs as best we can in order to keep your price as low as possible. Our price range is from FREE to $$$$ and everything in between. Our priority is always to provide 1) Experienced instructors who share their knowledge in a personal and professional way. 2) Beautiful, professional models you will be proud to showcase in your portfolio.  3) Studio environments that are designed for many styles of photography.

RSVP / REFUNDS

All RSVP's require upfront payment in full. It’s pretty simple; we need a commitment from you so that we are able to plan on our end, just like you want a commitment from us to have great meetups. Each meetup has a minimum and maximum number of attendees, which is posted. The minimum is set to cover at least 80% of our costs. The maximum guarantees that meetups are comfortable and not over crowded. The minimum number of attendees must be reached by the date announced “Moving Forward Date” on the invitation to continue planning.  Any money that we receive is fully refunded should our meetup not reach the minimum attendance by the “Moving Forward Date”. Should you RSVP and decide to cancel after our “Moving Forward Date”, NO refunds are given. No exceptions. When a model or instructor cancels last min we know that is very disappointing, as it is to us as well. We always do our absolute best to find a comparable replacement to avoid cancellations. Our instructors are knowledgeable and our models are beautiful and professional. Should you not like the replacement you may request a transfer to another meetup within 60 days or a full refund. We are always extremely fair and honest with how we operate our meetups. We treat everyone with good humanly standards and are more than fair. We except the same from you at all times.

WHAT IS THE STUDIO LIKE?

A circa 1870’s lodge hall fully restored boasting 6 FANTASTIC studios. The 1st floor has a 900 square ft.' flash studio' where we do some shoots requiring backdrops. This is also where our newborn studio is now located. The 2nd floor offers approx 3500 sq. ft. of natural light space with 11 ft.’ tin ceilings, 9 ft.’ windows with sheers - filled with stunning props, flash area and fire escape. Studio821 also offers a natural light Carriage House, 1500 sq. ft. of “Old World” charm, which is perfect for boudoir, family and lifestyle shoots featuring a working, claw foot tub. The basement has our unique white 17’X25’ infinity wall, for those high key glamour shots, overhead lighting rig (use your own lights) and includes a staging area with three makeup stations! You will NOT find another property like this one anywhere for photographers. Features include:

Convenient location in eclectic neighborhood 8 blocks from Newport on the Levee.Street parking usually in front of building or close by.5 separate restroom facilities throughout. Hair, makeup and changing area in each studio.3 Flash photography areas with Manfrotto backdrop systems Tons of beautiful Natural light, original woodwork, wood floors and historically correct restored windows.Private lounge / meet and greet area off of the main lobby (also used for select classes) with 50” smart TV for projection.A variety of furniture props from vintage to modernNewborn Studio complete with many different miniature props, backdrops and accessories. Newborn nursing chair / changing table area; Plenty of space – you will not be cramped in any of our studios. 

THE MODELS

The models in many cases will be traveling from out of town, full time, professionals that have referrals and resumes to back it up. Our goal is to be sure our models become an asset for your portfolio. For our Fashion shoots we will hire professional hair and makeup artist as well as purchase / rent wardrobe for the event. We will do our best to make these high quality shoots second to none in the region.

WHAT EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?

This will depend on the meet up that you choose. We plan to offer meet ups for novice, advanced, PRO and even combined experience levels on occasion. All photographers started at the beginning. No worries, the instructors that will be chosen for each meet up will be talking your language. Shooting along side of other photographers is a great way to learn. We highly recommend that you shoot in manual mode throughout your meetups and will have assistance setting your camera should you need it

WILL THERE BE MODEL RELEASES?

Models will only be signing Workshop Model Releases. We have a program that allows the model to sign electronically. A release is then emailed to you in advance for your records.