When you are a newer photographer you may not have all the funds to buy all the equipment to run a freelance photography business. Or maybe you travel a lot and don’t have the space to hold all your lights, lenses and camera bodies. Sometimes you just want to try that new mirrorless camera for a weekend to see what the hype is about. That’s where renting comes in. Here in Atlanta we have 3 main places that photographers go to rent camera equipment. I’ll even add in a few bonus places for those not based here in the A.
PPR
Courtesy of PPR.
PPR is one of the first places that comes to the mind when asking a local photographer where to rent photo equipment in Atlanta. In addition to the equipment available for rent, they also have on site studio space available for rent as well. If it’s your first time renting you have to fill out a new renter application. They have to have one on file in order for you to rent with them. There also has to be a deposit placed in addition to the rental fee in the form of a local Georgia check, a credit card hold or a certificate of insurance such as equipment insurance that many photographers should have. All this information can be found in their New Renters Guide. If you are coming from out of town and don’t know where to find hair stylists, makeup artists or even assistants, PPR has compiled a list of resources here for you to use as you guide to the Atlanta photo scene.
Aperturent
Courtesy of Aperturent
This online photo rental company is based in Atlanta so you can order online or by phone and pick up at their warehouse in person. They rent camera bodies, lenses, lighting equipment and all the tripods, batteries and cables you for your successful shoot. You can most of the equipment there without having to put down a deposit or hold a blank check/place a hold on your credit card. They have plenty of holiday sales to keep you shooting throughout the year and also have an office in Dallas,Texas for photographers out there to pick up gear in person if they don’t want to go through the online option.
Showcase Photo and Video
Courtesy of Showcase
Showcase is a one-stop-shop for buying and renting photo gear. They even have in house photography classes at their “Showcase School” taught by local photographers in the industry. As far as renting equipment from them goes, a rental agreement has to be on file and a deposit in the form of a credit card, cash or certificate of insurance. They have plenty of gear to choose from which can be found on their Rental Catalog.
If you aren’t based in Atlanta and are looking for online alternatives then these two companies fit the bill:
Borrowlenses
Lumoid
P.S. If you’re looking for medium and large format gear Capture Integration rents as well here in Atlanta and nationally!
Where do you guys rent your equipment from? Are they local rental houses or online rental stores? Let me know in the comments below!