Opulen Studios

This is a nice little studio with everything you need, and Christiana is always helpful and willing to answer any questions. I’m a hairstylist and make up artist and have worked at Opulen Studio for a couple shoots. I like that they have a very well lit room to set up with plug ins and make up chairs. It’s easy to park across the street and carry my gear over without dealing with stairs or elevators.

They do sound very welcoming over the phone, but that was the only positive experience I had.
I called Opulen 6 weeks in advance to reserve my birthday party and followed up 5 straight weeks in a row to make sure everything ran smoothly.
First week I called to see if my Saturday date was free, it was.
Second week I scheduled a viewing.
Third week I reserved my date and provided my credit card information.
Forth week I called to ask about security and booked security.
Fifth week I called back to cancel security and asked if they had a projector.
Every time I called they would look at the calendar to see who they were speaking to and reaffirm my Saturday date!
The week before my event I receive an email, not even a phone call, stating there was a mix up and my Saturday date was booked all day for a «pop up shop» and they could no longer host my birthday party.
It’s obvious they removed my 5 hour slot in order to book a higher paying gig. Therefore what is the point of a RESERVATION.
I had to scramble and find a last minute venue and a company more reliable and professional.

Tried to use this space for a workshop. Worst experience ever. Very dirty — cockroaches galore, etc. We ultimately left and scrambled to find a new venue in time. Couldn’t get full refund of deposit either. Perhaps if you use it for photography the magic of photoshop will save you. Highly do not recommend for in person events where you want to impress your guests/​clients.

I contacted Opulen after seeing an ad on Craigslist and visiting their website to see that they’d «worked» with LAFS, a school I attended. I’d been working on an independent project and was looking for event space on a tight budget. Opulen advertised a special online offering a full day (10 hours) at $ 300. I called and arranged a time to see the space with the owner, but when I arrived I was greeted by the owners cousin, who was very friendly, but didn’t know many details about the space or what the rates were.
I left and emailed the owner (Christiana) to clarify the special day rate offered online. She confirmed $ 300 for a full day and asked I send a deposit of $ 150 through Paypal to hold the date. I should have known when I received a receipt from «Lucratif Street» that I wasn’t really dealing with a professional business.
A few weeks after having sent the down payment I called Opulen to confirm the time I’d be able to use the space as I hadn’t had a response to emails. Communication was encouraged to happen through text with either of the two contact phone numbers. It took Christiana a moment to confirm my 10-​hour block was okay and that others weren’t using the space after, even though I had booked the space under the advertised «day rate.»
The day before the event I asked to get eyes again on the space since it had been some weeks since booking it. Again, it was the cousin and not Christiana. It was hours later in the day when I received a text message from Christiana saying that there had been a misunderstanding and that the space was actually more expensive for an «event.» The $ 300 special had been for photo shoots ONLY. Obviously, I panicked, it was less than 24 hours away from when I was supposed to occupy the space, but I waited to here from her what the difference was. Several HOURS later I received a text message that the space was actually $ 650 for an event, but because of the miscommunication it would just be a difference of $ 200 from what I’d already paid.
Relieved that I would only be paying, what seemed, an additional $ 50 I was both relieved and thrilled to be within budget. HOWEVER, the next afternoon I arrived, met Christiana for the first time, and noticed that after handing over the $ 200 in «preferred cash» the projector that I’d seen both times before was no longer in the space. Having asked about it, she said she’d bring it out, but once back in the studios living quarters I received a TEXT MESSAGE that I had been confused by her TEXT the day before and in fact STILL OWED $ 150 and that the projector rental, which was once «included,» was really another $ 50, but I could «use it for $ 25.» Add ALL OF THIS to a list of WORST NIGHTMARES on the day of an event. She informed me that there was an ATM next door, or I could use a credit card. I paid begrudgingly and felt the same SCAMMY-​like wave hit me, the same as it had when I read the receipt from «Lucratif Street» the previous month.
In overview– the studio was filthy. The floors hadn’t seen a broom in some time. My caterer was so disgusted by the state of the tables, she refused to set up appetizers until I was able to have someone bring cleaning supplies. The furniture was used, some worn worse than others, but gave you an overall sense that they’d been collected by driving around neighborhoods and «shopping» on garbage days. There was a red chair so disgusting my coordinator described it as having been used in a «violent homeless gang rape.»
I WISH that this was the space as described by others, and the one seen in all these photos… but it IS NOT. I would have loved to been back to this space for the next gallery event, but I’ll be booking much further in advance with a real event company. Count this as LESSON LEARNED.
I encourage any one considering this space to get ALL details in WRITING. After having consulted with both industry mentors and my own lawyer after receiving her day-​before text messages about «misunderstanding the rate» I had cause and enough in writing to fight for the $ 300 as advertised day-​rate, but WHO would want to start a fight the night before an event when invitations had been mailed, arrangements made, etc.
There were a lot of arrows pointing to early trouble, and I should have listened to my gut, but wanted so badly for it to just work out. The Opulen website didn’t list the prices or how they based rate on what the space was being used for, I was continuously being told to pay «in cash,» there were weeks of spotty, or non-​existent communication, the shear number of HOURS I waited to hear back about what my «event rate» actually was and finally the morning of… when in the same building, all the final nickel and dime financial details were STILL BEING DISCUSSED OVER TEXT.
I found it all very unprofessional and hope you’ll tread lightly when dealing with the Opulen «staff.» The layout is great, if only it were a real professional space.

I was extremely pleased with their service !!! They were so professional and so~~~ friendly~. It is just a great place. Price? well. it is hard to determine the price on ART.
I just loved their work and willing to pay more. lol
Thank you again for taking good pictures for our business, LA Iphone Repair…

Chris from Opulen Studios is a AMAZING photographer! I recently did a pregnancy shoot there and all of the pictures came out beautiful!
Definitely contact Chris for your next photo shoot I certainly will.
I really loved the convenience of the location and the different rooms they had 1 for make up and hair and another for my makeup artist to hang out in.
The location was perfect for the privacy we wanted for our shoot, this is an awesome location for any photographers that need a studio to work at as well.
Thank you again for making our experience and shoot so AWESOME!

Great space, wonderful staff and extremely affordable rates! I was looking for a space to work for low budget film and after checking out a number of locations, Opulen not only stood out, but made working with them such a pleasure that I’ll definitely point others in their direction. Easy parking and loading and unloading only added to the excellent value of the space.

I’ve attended 5 meetings at Opulen Studios. The space is a very pleasant and comfortable. The owners are very helpful.
I will dedinitely use this space again.

I am extremely pleased with the professionalism and friendliness of the staff at Opulen Studios. I have used the space for several meetings as downtown LA is Central to everyone on the committee. It’s conveniently located to a subway stop which is helpful for those that don’t want to drive. I highly recommend using Opulen. It’s a multi-​use venue and the pricing is unbeatable for what you get. I will definitely book with them again but this time for a fundraiser event.

I only have good things to say about this place and Christiana, the owner.
I had been scouring the internet forever looking for the perfect place to plan my Halloween party. Everywhere was either too small or way too expensive and then I came across Opulen. Rental fees were so reasonable and it included clean up and a security guard for the night. It was big enough to hold 150 people, its in a great location downtown (right by the convention center), and there’s a ton of parking.
Christiana, the girl who owns the place, couldn’t have been more awesome. This was the first time I ever threw a large party and she was so helpful and communicative throughout the entire process. She was so flexible and easy to work with. My party was supposed to end at 2am and people were still having a good time and she allowed us to let it go on for another hour.
The entire night people were amazed by the space and everybody loved it. I know she uses this space for photoshoots as well, so if you’re looking for a photoshoot space or somewhere to throw a party this is definitely the spot to do it! I will definitely be back again to use it, that’s for sure.

I’m a Los Angeles based photographer and its hard to find affordable studio space.
Oplulen studio is a Great space laid back environment …
The studio managers are always nice and helpful.
I will definitely use this space again!

I’m a freelance photographer and I covered events there and did a couple of shoots at this studio. I can’t say anything bad about this place. Friendly and courteous staff, attractive studio space– convrniently located and very reasonable rate. I definitely recommend this place for anyone! :)

We were looking for a venue with white walls to project a visual for a screening event we had. We immediately fell in loved with the space. The studio is big, it has clean white walls for our screening and lots of other movable furniture. Also, it has a great make up and wardrobe room and a lounge to receive your clients or have the crew chill. I’ve used this studio for photo shoots and special events 3 times since we discovered it! We even needed a photo assistant at one point and they recommended a very professional assistant who did a wonderful job.
Even though it’s downtown, parking is not difficult, there are 3 parking lots right in front of the studio across the street for $ 5. You can also park for free on the street if it’s after 6PM!
Fantastic studio! If you are looking for a studio for a photo or video shoot, you have to call this place and check it out.

We had our first group art exhibition at Opulen, and it couldn’t have gone better! We expected about 30 people to show up… but as more people trickled in, we realized it could easily handle 50−60+! Awesome! Christiana was very welcoming and answered our questions. Don’t think… just go and book!

Opulen Studios is located at the corner of Flower Street and W Pico Boulevard, a stone’s throw from the Nokia Theater and the rest of the LA Live Complex. There’s $ 5.00 parking across which makes it extremely convenient. The beauty of the space is that it affords easy accommodation in a rapidly growing section of downtown LA.
I initially became acquainted with Opulen Studios during a trip to LA when I was seeking out art events in the city. It was then that I came across a gallery opening they were hosting and before I walked in, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Immediately, though, I fell in love with it because I was impressed by its spaciousness and the friendly staff, all of whom were friendly and accommodating.
I would highly recommend utilizing the space for shoots, filming, and the other services they market, but I would also encourage speaking with them about producing private events since the space’s versatility lends itself to multiple uses. The blank walls are natural exhibit spaces for artwork and the room layout permits easy transition between sections, all of which can be beautifully morphed by employing adequate décor.
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me at
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Opulen Studios is a great spot for small shoots or photoshoots! The staff is super accommodating and the location is convienient & right off the street… easy access for loading & unloading! Most of all their pricing is really fair and can probably fit into any budget! Will definitely shoot there again.

I’ve shot at Opulen for both personal projects and have been hired on to shoot there for various reasons. The people who run the place are awesome, efficient and helpful. Also I love that there is $ 5 parking right across the street! All day parking for $ 5 can’t beat it!

Amazing place, Great Location, Great People! If you need a place for a photoshoot or a film shoot, do it! You will love it!