If you’re a creative professional without a dedicated studio space, you know the struggle all too well: You’ve got an amazing idea for a shoot or a time-sensitive client request but nowhere to execute your vision. Or, maybe you’re just feeling inspired and want to experiment with new creative approaches. In either case, a makeshift set won’t do.

The Creative team at Wray Ward had long dreamed of such a faithful space. When there seemed to be few options in the area that could withstand our out-of-the-box production goals, we landed on the decision to integrate a full-sized studio into the new office built for Wray Ward in 2020. Finally, that September, we unveiled a collaborative new building that brought our own studio services and office spaces under one roof for the first time.

Now, we want to extend that resource to other local photographers, producers, content creators and community members who need a space. That’s why we’re opening the three giant garage doors of The Studio at Wray Ward to the creative community, offering the 2,500-square-foot space as a blank canvas for exceptional photography and video production.

Interested? We thought so. Here are four reasons to book one of Charlotte’s best resources:

1. It’s large and functional.

Wray Ward’s studio features 2,500 square feet of shooting space with high ceilings, load-in garage doors, ample natural light with blackout capabilities and six 20-amp outlets on dedicated circuit breakers.

As for behind-the-scenes goodies, a green room offers private space for makeup, hair and wardrobe, and the in-studio lounge area and adjacent outdoor patio are ideal for production meetings, observation and catering. The Studio also features restrooms inside and a separate entry from the rest of the agency building, allowing shoots and events to be closed off for privacy.

2. It’s adaptable.

The Studio at Wray Ward isn’t just large — it’s a blank canvas. Here, you can get straight to the creative execution of a concept instead of stressing about how to work around natural barriers of a space. In fact, we designed our studio to be as barrier-free as possible, taking into account the many physical requirements that go into a production.

For example, The Studio includes three 14-foot, industrial-sized garage doors — all fully operational for the provision of additional natural light. One of the doors also includes drive-in access straight from our dedicated parking lot for easy equipment and prop load-in. VELUX skylights located throughout The Studio also provide flexibility by either adding natural light or, with the skylights’ remote-controlled blackout shades, completely darkening the space.

3. It’s a space for exploring possibilities.

Not only does The Studio provide a flexible canvas for storytelling, but the overall increased efficiency of a dedicated space means more time and opportunity to push creative boundaries. Take it from those who get the most use out of this creative playpen: Here are several examples of how the Wray Ward Motion team has strategically employed The Studio for recent shoots.