Discover Vintage Photoshoot Locations in Los Angeles and Beyond
The vintage aesthetic is a very popular photoshoot theme—photographers and clients love dressing up to embody the old days. Apart from the makeup and outfits, part of the joy of planning this photoshoot is finding the best location to do it, whether it's on the streets, in a genuinely old place, or somewhere vintage-inspired.
The good news is you don't have to search far and wide to find that one location where you can take great photos. With the Giggster app, you can find an extensive variety of affordable venues that suit every aesthetic and budget—from charming mid-century homes to retro diners.
Whether you're shooting engagement photos, commercial products, or artistic conceptual work, we have the best spaces to complete your project.
Vintage Photoshoot Locations Curated by Giggster
You won't find mediocre options on Giggster—every listing on our app and website is carefully picked to reflect our unique taste. Our curated vintage locations are chosen for their great design and cool amenities to make your creative vision shine.
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A preserved Victorian home with its antique furnishings will make every photo look like it belongs in a period film. This is ideal if you want something majestic and already dressed up that no studio set can ever replicate. It will have ample space inside to accommodate a music video set or a large photoshoot crew.
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If you're drawn to the aesthetics of the 1950s and '60s, a mid-century modern home would suit you. With terrazzo floors and statement furniture, you'll get that vintage chic look without trying too hard. Here at Giggster, you can find a home with a classic car in its garage to complete the look.
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When we think about the "vintage aesthetic," the image of a dimly lit club often comes to mind. Think low lighting, dark wood, and a bar stocked with decanters. This is often a hit for couples looking for a fun theme for their engagement photoshoot. You can make this possible by renting an Old Hollywood-themed bar or lounge.
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The classic retro diner with checkerboard floors is a familiar, quirky image seen in movies and in real life. It nails that classic '50s retro vibe that we love. It's perfect for fun, energetic shoots that celebrate the playful spirit of that era. Here at Giggster, we have a couple of them, complete with red seats and vinyl records.
Amazing Vintage Photoshoot Locations Starting at Just $20 USD/hr
Exceptional Variety & Quality: We keep adding new locations to our 1704 venues, so you have many exciting options for your future projects. Plus, they're showcase listings rich in useful features to make your stay comfortable.
Hassle-Free Booking: Booking a beautiful venue like 90s Vintage Office: Authentic Backrooms Vibes Liminal Space doesn't have to be a challenge. Giggster makes booking a venue seamless and quick, with a few taps on the app. You can easily browse through numerous venues, check how much they cost (you can book one for as low as $20 USD/hr}}), view photos, and message the host directly if you have any inquiries about the venue that you like.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Whether it's for work or pleasure, plans change often, so we want to be flexible with you. You can cancel your booking free of charge within 24 hours of confirmation, as long as the booking was made at least 48 hours before your scheduled shoot.
Platform Protections: We help you focus on creating great work, instead of worrying about what could go wrong. Opt in to our extensive protection plans to be covered for damage and liability.
Choosing the Right Type of Location for a Vintage Photoshoot
There are many places suitable for a vintage photoshoot. But not all locations that look like they're from a certain era can be used—the secret to making your photographs look authentic is choosing the one spot that fits your concept best. Here are inspiring locations to use for a vintage photoshoot.
Victorian Homes – Timeless and Majestic. If you need extravagant features as props in your photos, a restored Victorian home is your best bet. You'll find fireplaces, papered walls, and richly colored interiors that will make your final photos look impressive. Plus, with plenty of rooms and corners inside the house, you'll be able to shoot multiple scenes in a single location, making it versatile and apt for vintage portrait and fashion shoots.
Art Deco Buildings – Glamorous and Bold. If your concept is the roaring 20s or the golden age of Hollywood, an art deco space, characterized by geometric patterns, gold accents, and sweeping staircases, will set the perfect scene. With so much decoration already in these spaces, your camera barely needs to work to find a compelling composition.
Antique Shops and Curio Stores – Quirky and Character-Rich. If you just want something a little more quirky, an antique shop or curio store would be a fantastic place to shoot. Your model will be surrounded by vintage typewriters, old globes, stacked leather suitcases, and dusty books. You'll have lots of possibilities for cute concepts and poses.
Historic Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts – Romantic and Refined. Another stylish location to use for a vintage photoshoot is a historic hotel. Steeped in history, these hotels have preserved or restored their original architecture and are recognized for their age or cultural significance. These venues are especially popular for bridal editorial shoots and romantic portraits.
Overgrown Gardens – Ethereal and Dreamlike. There's a melancholic beauty to be found in a garden with weathered stone fountains, climbing roses, and wrought iron benches. For a shoot with an ethereal, romantic, or even gothic vintage feel, these outdoor locations are simply unbeatable—especially during the sunrise or in golden-hour light.
Essentials for a Vintage Photoshoot
With lots of remarkable venue options to be found here at Giggster, you can get carried away with the idea of booking the first pretty location you see. However, it's important to figure out if your desired location offers the features and amenities that you need for this specific shoot. This will ensure your shoot runs smoothly because everything is already in place.
How is the natural light? You'll see a lot of vintage-inspired photos using warm, soft, natural light, which is why it's recommended to rent an outdoor location or an indoor one that gets plenty of natural light. The window placement, orientation, and curtains available matter a lot in this case. It's better if your chosen location has already been used for photoshoots; the host will likely know the best time of day for shooting.
Does the location have original period details? Features such as original tile floors, vintage wallpaper, and period furniture will do much of the decorating for you and save you time and money by avoiding the cost of renting them separately. As you browse through Giggster, review the listing photos carefully and look for interesting spaces with unique props that can give your images that "vintage" look.
Is there enough space for your crew and equipment? Even a lone photographer or a small crew needs room to move around. Also, you'll need enough space to set up the camera, reflectors, and lighting stands. Make sure there's a private room where your models can change wardrobe, too. If you're shooting with a larger team or multiple looks, then look for properties with bigger rooms.
How to Plan a Vintage Photoshoot
The most visually stunning photos are the products of creative minds and a solid plan. Planning the photoshoot will save you a lot of time (and money) since all you have to do is follow the script or the agenda on the day. If you need help, here's how to plan a smooth and productive vintage photoshoot.
Which Era Are You Channeling? – "Vintage" spans a century of style, so be specific with your theme first. Are you going for 1920s flapper glamour, 1950s retro domestic scenes, or 1970s bohemian? Finalizing your desired era for this shoot helps you choose the right venue, wardrobe, props, and editing style. This way, your visual language will look cohesive—not confused or all over the place.
Set Your Budget Early – Before you fall in love with a location, you have to know whether you can afford it, which is why it's important to set a clear budget from the outset. Factor in venue rental, prop rentals, hair and makeup if needed, and some allowance for unexpected costs. Having a clear budget from the start lets you allocate your resources wisely.
Create a Detailed Shot List – Walk through your concept and write down every setup, pose, and mood you want to capture. A shot list keeps you focused during the shoot and makes sure you don't forget key images in the excitement of the moment. Share it with your team and models ahead of time so everyone can prepare.
Communicate With Your Host – Once you book your location through Giggster, ask your host what time you can set up at the location, whether there's easy parking on the premises, and whether there are any restrictions on equipment allowed inside. A quick conversation can save you from stress on the day itself.
Vintage Photoshoot Hidden Costs
Even when you think you've accounted for everything, surprise expenses have a way of showing up in shoots. Add some wiggle room to your budget for unexpected costs so you don't suddenly end up short on cash.
Don't forget prop and wardrobe rentals.
Getting period-accurate props and outfits is one of the exciting parts of vintage photoshoots. However, they can add up really quickly. Whether you're renting from a costume house or buying them online, you need to include these costs in your budget early on. Specialty items like antique furniture, vintage cameras, or retro vehicles can be especially expensive.
Account for overtime if your shoot runs long.
Photoshoots have a way of getting past schedule: a wardrobe change takes longer than expected, you discover a perfect new angle, or the golden light at the end of the day is too good to leave. If you can, add a few hours to your original booking to make room for flexibility.
Consider post-production and editing costs.
Of course, much of the work placed into making the photos look vintage lies in the location and subject itself. However, editing also plays a huge role in the final images. Achieving that perfect texture, warm palette, or faded-color treatment takes time. If you're hiring a skilled retoucher or purchasing editing presets on an app, you'll need to add these to your budget, too.
Get the Perfect Vintage Photoshoot Location with Giggster
From theaters in North Hollywood to vintage offices in Downtown Los Angeles, you can book thousands of locations on Giggster for taking creative photos. Explore and find vintage photoshoot locations at affordable rates today, and get ready to share your images with the world.
