STUDIO POLICIES

Please review our studio policies before booking. By booking The Nook Studio, the renter agrees to the policies below and is responsible for ensuring that everyone attending their session follows them.

STUDIO ACCESS

The Nook is an independent-access studio. There is no staff member on-site to check you in.

Your access code and complete entry instructions will be provided in your booking confirmation and again in your booking reminder.

Please review these instructions before arriving and share them with anyone involved in your booking who may require access.

STUDIO TIME

Your studio access begins and ends at your booked time. Please do not enter the studio early without prior permission.

Your booking time includes:

  • Entry and setup

  • Shooting

  • Changing

  • Cleanup

  • Resetting furniture, props and decor

Please plan to stop shooting early enough to completely reset the studio before your booking ends.

Bookings may be scheduled back-to-back, so the studio must be ready for the next renter when your time ends.

Entry and exit are monitored by security camera. Early entry or staying beyond your booked time will result in additional studio time charges.

Overtime is charged in 30-minute increments.

RESETTING THE STUDIO — MOVE IT → PUT IT BACK

The Nook is intentionally styled and set up a specific way.

You are welcome to move furniture, props and decor during your session, but everything must be returned to its original location and setup before you leave.

We strongly recommend taking a quick photo before moving anything so you have a reference when resetting the studio. Photos on our website and Instagram may also be used as a guide.

Please lift all furniture and equipment — never drag anything across the floors.

The studio should look the same when you leave as it did when you arrived.

A minimum $50 + HST cleaning/reset fee applies if the studio is not left clean or furniture, props and decor are not returned to their original locations and setup. Additional charges may apply if excessive cleaning, resetting, repair or replacement is required.

CLEANING

Basic cleaning supplies, including paper towels, dustpan, brush and vacuum, are available in the studio.

Renters are responsible for cleaning any mess created during their booking and leaving the studio ready for the next renter.

A minimum $50 + HST cleaning/reset fee applies if additional cleaning or resetting is required.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Before your booking ends, please make sure:

  • Furniture, props and decor are returned to their original locations

  • Any mess created during your session is cleaned

  • Garbage and recycling are removed

  • Seamless paper is rolled up neatly

  • All lights are turned off

  • The studio door is securely locked

Failure to leave the studio clean and fully reset will result in a minimum $50 + HST cleaning/reset fee.

FLOOR CARE — EPOXY FLOORS

Our epoxy floors must be treated with care.

  • No outdoor footwear

  • Furniture, props and equipment must be lifted, never dragged

  • All stands, tripods, ladders and equipment must have rubber feet or appropriate floor protection

  • No tape on the floors under any circumstances

  • Spills must be cleaned and reported immediately

  • Avoid anything that may scratch, stain or damage the surface

Damage caused by scratching, dragging, staining or improper use may result in cleaning, repair or replacement fees.

FURNITURE CARE — WHITE CASHMERE COUCH

Our white cashmere couch requires extra care to maintain its condition.

  • No denim, especially dark or unwashed denim

  • No shoes on the couch

  • No spray tan, body makeup, oils or similar products

  • No food or drinks near the couch

  • If clothing may transfer colour, a protective blanket or throw must be used (provided in the studio)

Failure to follow these guidelines may result in additional cleaning, repair or replacement fees.

FOOTWEAR

Outdoor footwear must be removed upon entering the studio and placed on the mat provided.

Disposable shoe covers are available in the basket by the front door.

Shoes are not permitted on furniture.

FOOD + DRINK

Food is not permitted inside the studio.

If food is brought into the studio, a minimum $50 + HST cleaning fee will apply.

Eating areas are available in the hallway and lounge across from the studio. Food may not be placed on furniture or props.

PETS

Pets are welcome but must be supervised at all times.

  • Pets are not permitted in the common areas of the ActivityPlex

  • Pets are not permitted on furniture or props

  • A $50 + HST pet cleaning fee applies to pet photography sessions

Please select the pet fee add-on when booking.

CAKE SMASH SESSIONS

A $50 + HST cleaning fee applies to cake smash sessions to cover the additional cleaning required for cake residue and allergens.

Food may not be placed on furniture or props.

Please select the cake smash fee add-on when booking.

GARBAGE + RECYCLING

All garbage and recycling must be removed when you leave.

Bins are located in the west parking lot.

Garbage left behind will result in a minimum $50 + HST cleaning fee.

PROPS + FURNITURE

Furniture and props may be moved during your session but must be returned to their original locations and setup before your booking ends.

Always lift furniture and props — never drag them across the floors.

Damage to furniture, props or studio wardrobe may result in cleaning, repair or replacement fees.

LADDER + SWING

The vintage ladder is a decorative prop only and must not be climbed.

The swing may be used at the renter's own risk. The Nook Studio is not responsible for injuries resulting from improper use of studio props.

SEAMLESS WALL PULLEY SYSTEM

The studio features a single seamless wall pulley system. Additional seamless paper colours are available; however, only one seamless may be mounted at a time.

COLOUR CHANGES

  • Seamless colour changes are a two-person job

  • Renters are responsible for changing seamless paper safely

  • Assistance from The Nook Studio team must be arranged in advance

  • A $50 + HST assistance fee applies

USING THE PULLEY

  • Raise and lower the seamless slowly and evenly using the chain

  • Guide the paper straight down to prevent creasing or telescoping

  • Ensure the chain is fully engaged before releasing

  • Never pull, drop or force the seamless

SAFETY

  • Do not stand directly underneath the roll while raising or lowering it

  • Do not climb, hang or apply body weight to the seamless or pulley system

  • Keep children and clients clear while the system is being operated

  • Use proper step stools or ladders only — never furniture

FLOOR PROTECTION

  • Never use tape on the floors

  • Use the provided weights when securing seamless paper or props

SEAMLESS CARE

  • Do not tear, cut, mark, tape or write on the seamless paper

  • Do not allow shoes, furniture or props to rest against the paper

  • Seamless must be left rolled up neatly at the end of your session

  • Excessively dirty, torn or damaged paper may result in replacement fees

Damage caused by misuse or improper handling may result in repair or replacement charges.

SMOKING + VAPING

Smoking, vaping and recreational drug use are strictly prohibited on the premises.

CANDLES + OPEN FLAMES

Candles, open flames, dry ice, sparklers and smoke machines are not permitted.

NOISE

The studio is not soundproof.

Please be considerate of neighbouring tenants and keep music and noise at a reasonable level. Please also respect all common areas, washrooms and the parents' lounge.

LIGHTING

The Nook is primarily a natural-light studio, and lighting conditions vary throughout the day.

Renters are welcome to bring their own lighting equipment.

WASHROOMS

Washrooms are not located inside The Nook Studio.

They are located down the hall in the shared common area of the ActivityPlex.

Please be respectful of all common spaces and other tenants.

CHANGING AREA

There are no designated change rooms inside The Nook Studio.

Clients may change:

  • In the washrooms located down the hall, or

  • In “The Nook” area of the studio when privacy allows

Changing must take place within your booked studio time, so please plan accordingly.

CANCELLATION + CREDIT POLICY

All bookings are non-refundable.

More than 24 hours before your booking:
A 20% cancellation fee applies. The remaining balance will be issued as a one-time studio credit.

Within 24 hours of your booking:
Cancellations are not permitted. The full booking value will be charged and no studio credit will be issued.

Studio credits:
Credits must be used within 90 days of issuance.

Unused booking time:
No credit is provided for unused time on the day of your booking.

RESCHEDULING

More than 24 hours before your booking:
Bookings may be rescheduled subject to a 20% rescheduling fee.

Within 24 hours:
Changes cannot be made and the full value of the reservation remains payable.

To make a change, please email hello@thenookstudio.ca.

SECURITY + LIABILITY

A security camera monitors studio entry and exit.

Early entry or staying beyond your booked time will result in additional studio time charges.

Renters are responsible for ensuring they have appropriate insurance coverage.

The Nook Studio is not responsible for injury, loss, damage or theft involving persons or property in the studio or common areas.