From Airbnb to Peerspace: How to Book the Right Space for Your Branding Session

From Airbnb to Peerspace: How to Book the Right Space for Your Branding Session

A question I get asked all the time as a branding photographer is:

“Do you have a studio?”

Short answer, nope! I’m what’s called an on-location photographer, which simply means I come to you or we choose a location that aligns best with your brand.

Choosing the Right Location Depends on You

The ideal location really depends on your business, your personality, and the overall brand vibe you want to communicate.

If your business has its own office, studio, or storefront, that’s usually the easiest choice and we use your space.

But what if:

• You work from home?
• Your current space doesn’t reflect your brand aesthetic?
• You want a different feel entirely?

That’s when we look into renting a space. Planning ahead and budgeting for a location rental is always a smart idea.

Types of Rentals to Consider

If you want to shoot in a home-like environment: like a kitchen, living room, or office then an Airbnb can be a great option. Just keep in mind that we need a 2-night rental to allow for a full day of access to the house.

Looking for something more styled or professional, like a studio, conference room, or commercial space? That’s where Peerspace would be the best place too look. (They even offer a $50 discount for first-time users!) Peerspace offers hourly rentals and lots of great filtering tools so you can find a space that fits your desired look and vibe.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind:

• Check the location and parking situation—especially in Seattle, where parking can be difficult.
• Verify minimum booking time—most places require at least 2 hours, and some up to 8.
• For most shoots, I recommend budgeting for at least 4 hours, though larger shoots may require 6–7 to allow time for setup, breakdown, and transitions.

Once your Peerspace rental is booked, you can easily share it with anyone involved in the shoot so everyone has access to the details.

Insider tip: Look up the rental space on Instagram or Google their website. Often they have more photos and sometimes even offer a better price when booked directly.

Real Life Example: Laurel from Growing Wild Consulting

Let me share a recent shoot to give you a peek into how we approach location selection.

The Client: Laurel | Growing Wild Consulting 

Business Services: Strategic planning & implementation, process design & improvement, leadership & management development, food & beverage process workshops

The Location: Raised Doughnuts & Cakes Cafe in Seattle, WA

Laurel needed a space that:

• Had a commercial kitchen to speak to the food & beverage business owners
• Included a conference table to reflect corporate consulting
• Offered a desk-style area to show her behind-the-scenes work

Finding one space that checked all these boxes wasn’t easy, but with creativity and a little staging, we made it work beautifully.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re starting to think about a branding shoot, I encourage you to browse Peerspace or Airbnb for inspiration. Create a favorites list of the spaces you love. You’ll probably have some strong gut feelings about what feels right (and what doesn’t).

And when we officially begin planning your session, don’t worry! I'll help guide you through location selection. We’ll find a space that fits your brand visually and practically, so you walk away with images that feel truly aligned and ready to represent your business.