About Boston
Boston is an impressive American city, located in Massachusetts and situated on the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1630 by Puritan colonists, its modern-day core is tightly knit and offers picturesque views of intricate cobblestone pathways. It's a city of culture and education, boasting some of the most renowned universities in the world such as Harvard University, MIT, and Boston College, as well as acclaimed museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Also pictured prominently around nearly every corner is Red Sox spirit, with baseball fans flocking to Fenway Park each year to watch America’s favorite pastime. Boston’s classic New England charm makes it an ideal setting for various types of productions, from period pieces to contemporary films.
Numerous television shows have been birthed in the city, including “Cheers”, “Ally McBeal” and “The Office.” For filmmakers and photographers looking for study spaces as filming or photoshoot locations, Boston provides ample choices. Whether indoors or outdoors, Boston can give any filming session the spark it needs to become memorable.
Study Space Options in Boston
- Film Equipment Rentals
Film equipment rentals offer photographers and filmmakers access to gear that would otherwise prove costly to purchase. This includes everything from lighting kits, cameras, tripods, and audio equipment to lenses and rigs.
- Props
Appropriate props can turn an ordinary room into a convincing classroom or study space. Popular props for study scenes include textbooks and notebooks, chairs, desks, chalkboards or whiteboards, plants, computers, and artwork.
- Set Design
Set design is an important part of creating an effective study space set for a film or photoshoot. It involves making strategic decisions about how to arrange furniture, decorations, artwork, and lighting within the space. Set designers also help solve practical issues like soundproofing or power supply.
Study Space Vendors in Boston
- Rule Boston Camera
Rule Boston Camera is a company that specializes in renting out production and post-production equipment for film, video, media, and content creators. They offer a wide range of products and services, including engineering and quality control, technical support, monitor calibration, and training. In addition, they provide post-production solutions such as shared storage and media asset management.
- Amy Versaggi Styling
Amy Versaggi has worked as a professional stylist for years, with experience in set design, prop styling, and interior design. Not to mention, she's dabbled in print advertising campaigns for both local and national magazines! Amy compositionally knows what looks good and loves collaborating with photographers, art directors, and designers to produce captivating content.
- Commonwealth Books
Commonwealth Books, located in Boston’s downtown district, is a shop that has been providing readers with access to used, out-of-print, and rare books since 1995. The shop carries antique prints and maps in addition to its book collection and acts as home to Black Widow Press, a publisher dedicated to forwarding the work of Dadaists, Surrealists, and other modern avant-garde poets.
Pros and Cons of Study Spaces in Boston
For photographers and filmmakers, working with a study space in Boston to bring a project to life is a sound idea. Before deciding whether or not the city is right for your project, it is important to be aware of both its benefits and drawbacks.
Advantages
- The diversity of the city offers multiple distinct and interesting study settings, from modern college campuses to classic historical libraries and buildings, there is sure to be something to suit any kind of shooting/filming needs.
- Boston’s large population and bustling atmosphere provide an easy way to get access to actors and extras for any scene.
- There are multiple ways to get around the city, making it easier for crew members or equipment rentals to reach the chosen locations in time.
Disadvantages
- Boston is not the most car-friendly city, and it is important to assess accessibility and parking availability before booking a study space.
- Some study locations might have too much noise interference coming from nearby sources (i.e., construction sites) which could interfere with audio capture during the shoot or recording session.
- It may prove difficult to find more unique types of study settings within Boston’s city limits, such as period-specific library interiors or private home offices; these might require traveling further out from the city center in order to acquire them.
Tips on How to Organize Study Spaces in Boston
It can take time to ensure the space is organized, comfortable, and well-lit for a video or photoshoot. Follow these handy tips to make sure you have all bases covered when preparing your study space!
- Clear the area: Remove any objects that could be distracting or that do not contribute to the desired look for the video or photoshoot. This includes personal belongings like books, notebooks, or other items that may spoil the look of your desired set.
- Get appropriate lighting: Natural light from windows helps reduce shadows and makes sure all parts of your scene are visible. If natural light isn’t available, use artificial lights such as desk lamps or floor lamps to fill in gaps of darkness in your scene. Choose lighting fixtures that match the desired aesthetics for your project.
- Choose accessories wisely: Use simple props like vintage books or paperweights to add character without cluttering up the area too much. Also, incorporate texture through rugs, blankets, or pillows, to soften hard surfaces in the background, and bring more depth into your shot composition.
- Consider staging: Staging refers to arranging furniture within the room so it looks balanced within the camera frame when filming begins. For example, you could move furniture around so there's enough negative (empty) space between objects in order for them to be balanced within a shot's composition, etc., as well as arrange seating options near walls or corners so there's enough room for people walking through during a scene, etc.
- Set aside a clean-up area: Finally, it’s always important to have an area where any props that were used during the shoot should be stored so that they don't get lost or misplaced before you need them again later. To avoid confusion, set up an empty table nearby with labeled boxes/bins where everything used during filming should be placed.
Famous Locations in Boston
- Freedom Trail
Exploring the Freedom Trail in Boston is a great way to get acquainted with America's revolutionary past. With 16 historic sites along the 2.5-mile path, travelers can easily find themselves immersed in iconic national landmarks and stories of those who fought for our country's freedom. Starting at Boston Common, visitors can make their way to prominent destinations like Faneuil Hall and The Granary Burying Ground before ending their journey at the USS Constitution Museum. From Paul Revere's house to George Washington's statue, it's easy to become inspired while taking in all the rich history that this trail has to offer.
- USS Constitution Ship and Museum
As the oldest ship still used by the United States Navy, the USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, holds a unique place in American history. Launched in 1797, she fought in the War of 1812, earning her famous nickname after repelling a British boarding party. Today, she serves as a living memorial to those who have served in the Navy, and visitors can take a tour of her decks and learn about her storied past. The Boston Navy Yard is also home to the USS Cassin Young, a battleship that weathered seven Pacific conflicts and two kamikaze attacks during World War II. Those who tour the Yard can step aboard both ships and receive an education on naval warfare throughout history.
- Christopher Columbus Park
Christopher Columbus Park is a hidden oasis in the city, offering all sorts of activities and amenities. It's the perfect spot for soaking up some sun while taking in the stunning views of Boston Harbor. It's also conveniently located off Atlantic Avenue and part of the Harbor Walk, linking it to the North End and Seaport. The park hosts many festivities throughout the year, making it a lively and buzzing place to be, plus a must-see for locals and visitors alike.