About Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the most vibrant cities in North America. Located on the west coast of Canada, it's blessed with a beautiful natural landscape and is full of energy and activities to explore. Vancouver is known for being an incredibly diverse city, with a rich cultural landscape that includes everything from independent art galleries to delicious cuisine. The city's stunning harborside location offers spectacular views, as well as plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation—it's one of the world’s best places for skiing and snowboarding.
Famously dubbed Hollywood North, Vancouver now houses one of the world's largest film industries and has become even more sought-after for filming and photoshoots due to its metropolitan vibe and captivating urban surroundings. Numerous locations—whether indoor or outdoor—can accommodate any production, whether it’s a large-scale film or a small photo session.
For projects such as lifestyle photoshoots, commercial videos, or films requiring an interior scene location, small loft spaces are a great option. Small lofts situated in urban industrial neighborhoods offer a multitude of picturesque views while allowing ample space for the production team and equipment.
Small Loft Options in Vancouver
- Photographers and Filmmakers
Vancouver is home to some of the world's best photographers and filmmakers. With a wide array of amazing locations to capture beautiful images or record stunning footage, you can find plenty of professionals who are experienced in working in small loft spaces. They are well-versed in the art of creating captivating visuals and know exactly how to capture the perfect shot within a restricted space.
- Lighting Rentals
Small lofts are often dark and require additional lighting to create the desired look. Countless professional lighting rentals in Vancouver offer high-end professional equipment for all types of projects, including for small loft spaces. From LED lights to diffusion panels, you can find a variety of options that will help you illuminate your space perfectly and create the desired atmosphere. Additionally, many rental companies offer technical support and advice on how to effectively set up lights according to individual projects’ needs.
- Props and Artwork Rentals
Small lofts have the potential to be transformed into amazing sets with props and artwork rentals. In Vancouver, you can find companies that specialize in providing unique props, furniture, and artwork for any type of project. Whether you’re looking to decorate a small loft space with vintage furniture or need some quirky items to add character to the set, these companies can help to make your vision become a reality.
- Catering Services
Your shooting crew will thank you if you opt to provide catering services while they’re working on the project. Vancouver is home to a variety of caterers who can provide delicious meals throughout the production process, which helps keep everyone energized and focused. The city also has plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options as well so you can please any palate. And if you need staff to serve the food and beverages, some caterers offer waitstaff services as well.
Small Loft Vendors in Vancouver
- FilmGear Canada
FilmGear Canada is an industry leader in production services in the film, video, and TV markets. They are based in Vancouver's East Hastings area and operate inside Trembling Void Studios. FilmGear Canada offers specialized lighting, grip equipment, and gear rental services, as well as sales of new equipment. They have been consistently praised by customers and industry professionals alike for their attention to detail, professionalism, and exemplary service delivery. With FilmGear Canada, film productions of all kinds have access to quality lighting and grip equipment rentals, giving them the power to produce their content and tell their story with confidence.
- Potluck Catering
Potluck Catering is all about providing memorable, high-quality meals for every event, whether it’s a wedding, a film shoot, or a corporate event. With experienced chefs and catering specialists on board, Potluck specializes in creating unique menu options with only the freshest ingredients. To ensure a stress-free event, Potluck's team members are available to support at each step of hosting an occasion. Their experienced servers and delivery team will provide attentive service so you can focus on your guests.
- Beau Photo Supplies
Beau Photo Supplies has been servicing photographers across Canada since 1982, making them a respected staple in the industry. The business came to life through the vision of Evangelos “Angie” Apostolides, who had been a successful photographer himself before beginning his own business. Angie had come from Greece to Canada in 1951 and quickly began working within the photographic field until he established his own photography studio “Evangelos” at Hotel Vancouver. There, Angie attracted many high-profile clients such as Bob Hope and even the Queen. Years later, when the Hotel Vancouver was being renovated, Beau Photo moved to West Broadway in Kitsilano where they saw an opportunity arise when another supplier went out of business. Beau Photo continued to thrive for 35 years and continues today as a leader in the industry.
Pros and Cons of Small Loft Spaces in Vancouver
Small loft spaces in Vancouver can be exceptional venues for photoshoots or filming, but there are also some potential drawbacks to be aware of:
Advantages
- Location: Loft spaces are often located in prominent areas of town, making them ideal for shoots that want an urban feel or look.
- Character: Many loft spaces have unique features that can add character and charm to a shoot, such as exposed brick walls or great views out of windows (big or small).
- Privacy: Given their smaller size, loft spaces tend to offer more privacy than other types of locations. This could be beneficial for shoots that require discretion or seclusion from the public eye.
- Lower cost: Renting a smaller loft space will usually come at a lower cost compared to hiring a larger studio space.
Disadvantages
- Age of building: Many loft spaces in Vancouver can be quite old, which could present potential safety hazards that need to be taken into consideration.
- HVAC systems: Airing out and cooling down the space for shooting might require additional HVAC systems to be installed, which could incur additional costs.
- Noise: Smaller loft spaces might not offer enough soundproofing from the outside environment, making them less suitable for certain types of filming and photoshoots.
Tips on How to Organize Photoshoots in Small Loft Spaces in Vancouver
Vancouver’s small lofts can be tricky to organize, but with a little bit of planning and forethought, you can get the most out of these spaces. Here are some tips on how to make sure your shoot goes as smoothly as possible:
- Utilize natural light sources to your advantage: Small loft spaces in Vancouver can be particularly dark, so make sure you take advantage of all possible natural lighting from windows and skylights. Position lights, reflectors, and diffusers to create the desired atmosphere during shoots.
- Choose furniture pieces wisely: Large furniture can make a small space look even more cramped, so use minimal furniture that is lightweight and easily movable, like folding chairs or stools.
- Maximize vertical space: When it comes to storage and props, utilize every inch of vertical space by using rolling racks for wardrobe pieces or hanging up accessories. You can also hang backdrops from wall-mounted hooks or stands.
- De-clutter the area to reduce distractions: Take out anything that could distract from the shoot (e.g. extra chairs, plugs, etc.) and make sure everything is tidy before starting to film/take photos.
- Look into renting additional gear: If you need more equipment beyond what’s available on-site, consult rental companies to help provide additional lighting gear, props, or cameras that may not fit within your budget otherwise.
Famous Locations in Vancouver
- John Hendry Park
John Hendry Park, better known as Trout Lake Park to locals, is a 27-acre haven for an array of activities for all age groups. The lake's freshwater beach is open to visitors from May to September with lifeguards on duty, and in case the lake should freeze solid, a unique opportunity arises and it becomes an outdoor rink. Gently walking trails and a large grassy field encircle the lake while providing peaceful moments that one would not expect in the city. Even more astonishing is the annual lantern festival where lights are strung amongst trees creating enchanting views making it an ideal destination for relaxation and recreation.
- Point Grey Road, Kitsilano
Point Grey Road in Kitsilano is a private stretch of waterfront known for its luxurious, exclusive residences. From beachy Craftsman-style homes to modern architectural masterpieces with sweeping views of the city skyline, Point Grey Road is home to some of the province’s highest properties. Residents enjoy maximum privacy and an ideal place for those interested in enjoying some outdoor activity. Take a peaceful bike ride or rent a paddleboard or kayak and admire this idyllic part of Vancouver from the water while taking in its serene beauty.
- Coal Harbour
Coal Harbour has managed to maintain a unique balance between its industrial history as a former shipyard next to the railway terminus and its present as a modern mix of residential and business. Bordered by Burrard Inlet to the north and West Georgia Street to the south, this charming downtown neighborhood is home to the iconic Canada Place and stretches west to Stanley Park. Visitors can expect cafes, restaurants, and the popular marina scattered around this area, while locals take in the sights on their daily walk along the Seawall. To get an even better sense of Coal Harbour's past, taking a tour around Vancouver Convention Centre is highly recommended where one can view public art as well as interpretative plaques telling stories of its history.