WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?
Our address is 2814 2nd Ave. N. downtown
Please read through carefully for directions:
We are at the BACK/SOUTH side of the outside of the building
If you are outside Cricket Clothing, or Montana Dress Co. please walk down the alley, and then turn right at the parking lot until you see a purple door.
You can see where we are on the map below in relation to other businesses.
You can park at the parking near our entrance. It is 24 hour paid only.
The paid parking lot is located on the corner of 1st Ave N. and N 29th St.
THE FULL STORY
The idea for Billings Open Studio (BOS for short) started in 2014, by Ted Kim, as a place where artists, photographers and performers could learn, collaborate and display their work. Located in the heart of historic downtown Billings, BOS serves as a convenient hub where people can work together to further their craft, no matter their discipline.
The original space was open to the full 7,000 square foot third floor. Eventually, private art studios were added on, and the publicly rentable studio space became the northern end of the 3rd floor.
In May of 2025, Eileen Bobinski became the owner, continuing to grow the space, and community that Ted left behind before retirement.
The studio must be seen to be fully appreciated. Featuring a 2,000 sq ft space with 12 ft. ceilings, maple wood floors, unique black painted brick, white brick, and massive northern facing windows for perfect natural light. BOS offers a flexible shooting venue for every type of photography.
In addition to the gorgeous natural light. The studio offers optional Aputure brand LED Continuous Lights, and Elinchrom & Flashpoint/Godox brand Strobe Flash Lights.
MEET EILEEN
Hello! I'm so honored and excited to be here continuing to connect and grow the amazing community that has become Billings Open Studio. I've been a part of the BOS crew since 2020, and have very easily come to call the studio home.
I'm here as your studio manager and guide. You can see me floating around the third floor tidying, getting a cup of coffee, editing photos, or making sure the studio is clean and ready to serve you. I set up and tear down the backgrounds, set up the lights to your specifications, host educational workshops, and continue growing the connections of phenomenal creatives that reside in Billings.
Outside of the studio, I run a commercial photography business. I primarily photograph eCom for clothing companies, and build portfolios for modeling agencies nationwide, but you can see me doing a wide variety of commercial portrait work, along with creative, very colorful photoshoots with complex lighting setups. You can check out my work HERE
In my spare time, you can find me hanging with my dogs, Maisy & Mama, learning how to garden, cooking new recipes, nerding out to sci-fi shows, and enjoying quiet, quality time in my backyard.
Photo by Niah Rose Photo
FAQs
HOW MUCH IS IT TO RENT?
The rates for the studio are:
$60/hour - natural light only in studio
$12 per flash strobe
$10 per continuous LED
$15 per additional backdrop
white paper, and the black/white brick is included in the rental
STUDIO LOCATION
We are located in the historic Kress building at 2814 2nd Ave N. downtown. The entrance is on the back/south side of the building with a purple door that says BOS on it.
The best way to access the studio is near the Diamond Parking Lot on the corner of 1st Ave. N and N 29th St.
OR by going down the alley way next to Babcock Theater, then turning right when you get to the parking lot.
LIGHTING
The studio receives plenty of diffused, natural light all day long. If renting during a cloudy day, or when it is dark out, we recommend renting lights.
For evenings in the winter season, we include one free LED light for your use.
(October 15th - March 15th)
CANCELLATION
& RESCHEDULING
Billings Open Studio does not offer refunds of any kind. If you cancel your session, you forfeit your payment.
We can reschedule any sessions at no additional cost. Preferred dates for rescheduled sessions are dependent on how busy the studio is.
STUDIO ACCESSIBILITY
Along with a stairwell, we have elevator access for those who need it. We are wheelchair accessible
PROPS, BACKDROPS & STAGING
Furniture:
You are allowed to move the furniture for your photoshoot. Please do not drag the furniture, and please put it back when you are finished.
Props:
Any of the visible props are also allowed to be used, such as pillows, blankets, decorative items. These must also be put back where they are found once finished.
Personal Items:
You can bring your own props as long as they are removed at the end of your rental. You may also use the two stands and backdrop pole provided in the studio for your own personal paper or backdrops. You cannot use the mounted backdrop station for your personal paper colors.
UNDER 18 RESTRICTIONS | NUDITY & PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
You must be 18 or older to rent the studio. Subjects under 18 being photographed in the studio must have parent or legal guardian approval and be accompanied by an adult at all times on the Kress property.
The renter is solely responsible for verifying that all client's subjects are of legal age or accompanied by an adult. Billings Open Studio, and it's provider, has no responsibility to determine or verify the age of participants in the Renter activities, but reserves the right to demand proof of parental consent.
Billings Open Studio is not liable for any invalid ID or other form of age verification.
Nudity is allowed. The renter is solely responsible for verifying that all subjects are of legal age. Billings Open Studio has no responsibility to determine or verify the age of participants in the Renter's activities, but reserves the right to demand proof of age.
Absolutely NO sexual intercourse and/or acts allowed under any circumstances. If Billings Open Studio becomes aware of dangerous, illegal, or negligent practices or activities, the studio manager reserves the right to stop the shoot and may require the Renter and party to leave immediately. The authorities will be alerted to any illegal activities witnessed by the rental party, studio manager, or any Billings Open Studio art tenants.
In such cases, refunds will not be given for any used time.
CAKE SMASH | FOOD & LIQUIDS POLICY
Food is okay, but please do not use liquids or food that will stain fabrics and furniture. We put plexiglass down to protect from cake smashes, etc., but please have the client and cake positioned ON the plexiglass, and not towards the back of it to ensure food doesn't seep on paper.
NO bathtub shoots, or large containers of liquid of any kind. No mud fights. Liquids and Mud can seep through the wood floors and cause damage to the studio, as well as to the clothing stores below. Excessive liquid damage to any part of the property due to negligence will result in the Renter being charged with the cleaning & repair fee.
SECURITY CAMERAS
We value your privacy and security. There are no security cameras in the studio. However, there are security cameras at all points of entrances/exits.
We respect your space and utilize surveillance responsibly.
Cameras will be checked if studio equipment has been found damaged or stolen.