About Boston
Boston is an iconic city steeped in history and culture, with a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Located on the eastern seaboard, the city of Boston is known for its quaint brick buildings, lively neighborhoods, world-famous universities, and award-winning restaurants.
As the capital of Massachusetts, it is home to a number of significant landmarks such as the USS Constitution, Old North Church, Harvard University, and Fenway Park. It is also a port and university town bustling with business ventures, young professionals, sports teams, and cultural institutions.
Action photographers will particularly relish working in this cinematic setting, given the selections of bike spaces in Boston. These venues are also perfect locations for sports-centric launch events, product stagings, and bike-related conventions and competitions.
Bike Space Options in Boston
- Equipment Rentals
Cameras and audio equipment are essential gear needed to record quality footage while working on a photo or video soot at a bike space. Film equipment rental companies in Boston carry selectins of rentals ranging from high-definition cameras and microphones to lavalier microphones and lighting.
- Props
Props are crucial when it comes to creating an authentic and believable backdrop in a bike space. This includes items like helmets, running shoes, water bottles, or even bikes, depending on the project.
- Production Assistant
A production assistant is an instrumental figure when working on a film or photo shoot, because of their ability to manage the set. They can help set up props and equipment before filming begins as well as assist actors with running lines or lend a hand when any technical issue arises during production.
Bike Photo Shoot Vendors
- BorrowLenses
BorrowLenses is a company that rents out photography and videography gear. Their team of experts inspects and tests all gear before it's sent out so you're never caught unawares They have a huge inventory of production gear, and the team of expert photographers and videographers is always ready to help with personalized advice.
- Papa Wheelies Back Bay
Papa Wheelies is a top-tier bike shop that has been open for 25 years and counting. With locations in Back Bay Boston, Wellesley, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the shop offers an array of services such as bike rentals, custom builds, pro wheel builds, hydraulic brake repair/overhauls, and complete bicycle tune-ups. They also have a fully stocked inventory with accessories such as helmets, pumps, bags, and more.
- Airbrush Boston
Their team of experienced body art designers at Airbrush Boston provides an array of event services. That includes airbrush tattoos, graphic design, tee shirt printing, and professional face painting.
Pros and Cons of Bike Spaces in Boston
There are pros and cons to consider when working on a film or photoshoot project in one of Boston’s bike spaces. As an informed decision-maker, take this list of considerations into account before deciding whether bike space fits your needs.
Advantages
- Most bike spaces feature unique graffiti art and other interesting elements that provide an interesting background for video/photo shoots, without having to spend extra money on props and backdrops.
- The majority of bike spaces are generally situated close to the major transportation routes, meaning that the production team can easily reach the location from any area in town.
- There are different types of bike spaces in Boston to explore, including locations at warehouses, abandoned buildings, parks, and alleyways, allowing you to capture a range of different looks from one location.
Disadvantages
- A number of bike spaces attract criminals due to their lack of police patrol; therefore, filmmakers should take extra precautions when working at such locations.
- Bike spaces usually attract huge groups of people, and unless there’s crowd control, it becomes more difficult for crews to get what they need and also creates more hazards that must be considered when planning a shoot in this type of environment.
- Since most bike spaces are located outdoors they are subject to all kinds of environmental conditions such as mud/dirt/debris; this increases both risk of injury (for crew members) as well as the risk of damaged equipment (due to slips/falls).
Tips on How to Organize Photoshoots at Bike Spaces in Boston
To get the most out of filming sessions at a bike space in Boston, choose a location that is safe, efficient, and well-organized. Here are several key tips when working on a photo or video shoot in these unique spaces.
- Analyze the Space: Assess the filming space and consider how you can make the most of it. This includes figuring out whether the available square footage can accommodate your team, and also looking into the wall types, windows, doorways, and other obstacles that may be present.
- Clean and Organize the Space: Once you have determined how much space you have to work with, think about what needs to be cleared out before filming begins. This includes removing clutter and cleaning the space.
- Choose Appropriate Props: Work with props that can enhance the film or photo shoot. Use banners or posters as backdrops or display sample bikes, depending on your desired aesthetic. Make sure all props are placed in coordinated spots ahead of time so that there isn’t any last-minute scrambling during production!
- Set Up the Camera Equipment: Next, set up all camera equipment needed for shooting such as tripods, lenses, and lights, if applicable, making sure everything is securely locked into place prior to rolling the cameras!
- Invest in Safety Products: Whenever there’s live-action involved, with a team of professional athletes or amateurs, safety must always come first. Ensure that helmets are readily available as well as other protective gear like elbow pads and kneepads.
- Test the Audio Equipment: Double-check that the audio equipment has been tested properly before anyone starts speaking on set. It ensures that you’ll record crystal-clear sound quality.
Famous Locations in Boston
- Make Way for Ducklings Statue
The Make Way for Ducklings statue was erected in the Boston Public Garden as a homage to Robert McCloskey’s 1941 children’s book by the same name. Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings are captured in the bronze sculpture, which thousands of people visit annually to take photos and appreciate its loveliness. What's more, depending on the holiday, the Mallard family is celebrated with wreaths, hats, and other decorations. The sculpture serves as a reminder of Boston's resilience and kindness, qualities that have earned it its nickname "The City on a Hill."
- Fenway Park
Step back in time and explore the home of one of America’s favorite pastimes at Fenway Park. Constructed in 1912, it is the oldest continuously used major league stadium and offers fans a glimpse into the long-standing history of the beloved Red Sox. While tickets are available to catch a game during the regular season (typically running from late March to early October), non-fans can still take part in the Fenway Park Living Museum experience, learning all there is to know about this treasured venue. Fans can also appreciate the unique design elements, like the expansive 37-foot “Green Monster” wall in left field that serves as a reminder of why Fenway Park remains one of baseball's most celebrated sites.
- Lawn on D
The Lawn on D is a 2018-opened outdoor space in Boston's Seaport District that has since become popular for its food, drinks, lawn games, and general ambiance - not to mention being one of the most photographed places in the city. The Lawn on D is open seasonally from April to November and guests can enjoy games like bocce, ping pong, cornhole, and giant Jenga, or take a spin on Swing Time, a set of swings equipped with solar-powered LED lights.