FAQ’s

Let’s talk details.

The studio is an appointment-only facility.

Where are you located?

916 SPRINGDALE RD. BLDG 4 #107 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78702

How can we be contacted?

The easiest way to contact us is through Email, Phone, Text, in that order depending on needs.

Email: Podcast@thephotographydepartment.com

Call or text: 512-658-3903

How do I book a recording session?

You can visit our products page to select a package and book a session.

Once we receive your booking request, we’ll email or call you to discuss dates and package options.

We’ll have the studio room set up for you before you arrive to record. All you have to do is arrive 15 mins before your record time and get comfortable. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Will an engineer be at the location?

Absolutely! An engineer will set you up before recording and monitor the session to make sure everything runs smoothly for your recording session.

The engineer will have everything ready before each recording session. When it is time to record all you have to focus on is delivering your message.

At the conclusion of your recording session you will have the option of providing a personal hard drive of proper size to transfer the raw content if this is part of your project. Depending on your package the fully edited HD or 4k file will be delivered at the end of the business day via a google drive download link that will be sent to you.

How does the studio record my audio?

We record in multitrack with digital audio software and pro mixers/audio interfaces. This means every microphone being recorded has its own audio channel or track, and every channel/track results in an individual studio quality, 24 bit WAV audio file. So, for example, if your party of three records in our studio, you will receive three separate, synched studio-quality WAV audio files.

How does the studio record my video?

We capture isolated video files for every Sony mirrorless camera in use in studio. After your session, our engineer will deliver a beautiful HD or 4k video file with camera views automatically switched to feature who is speaking, We can also deliver all of the raw, isolated camera files if this service was added to your package.

We can also edit your personal intro and outro audio clips, custom graphics (including your logo) if this service is added to the package.

What happens to my audio/video after a recording session?

Following your session, we will transfer your files to a private backup where we keep those files for up to 30 days after the recording. Past the 30 days the backups will be deleted.

How many people can I bring to my recording session?

Our studio recording rooms are set up to record between 2-4 people at a time. 

If you have a guests that will not be on mic or camera, they are free to sit with you in the studio room as space allows or monitor the session shown on a visual display as long as they do not interrupt our session engineer.

Can you edit and/or publish my podcast or project after recording?

Absolutely, any changes can be made to the delivered file. Additional edits are billed at $100 per hour.

Can I change the way the studio looks or is arranged?

Customization is available depending on your package. Our basic package covers a turn key solution which allows a color change to the RGB lighting. Additional changes will need to be communicated with some of our advanced packages.

Do you have free wifi for guests and clients?

Yes. We’ll set you up when you come in.

Can I bring food or drinks?

You can bring your own food, but we ask you to keep in mind that our studios are a shared space for a range of clients. Drinks are fine in both the lobby and studio rooms. Our lobby fridge is typically stocked with water, and other beverages.

What is the cancelation policy?

If you need to reschedule or cancel a session, please do so at least 24 hours before your session. You can do this by call, text, or email. Other shoot dates can be discussed based on availability. If you do not cancel at least 24 hours before your session a 50% cancelation fee will apply.

What happens if I don’t show up to my session?

If you schedule a recording session but don’t show up and don’t contact us to cancel the session, you will be not be refunded for the prepaid amount of the booked session.

How early can I arrive to my session?

We ask that you arrive no sooner than 15 minutes before your session is scheduled to begin.

What happens if I’m late to my session?

If you know you’re going to be late to your session, please give us a heads up by contacting us right away. We will do our very best to accommodate you based on the studio’s schedule for that day. It’s possible we might need to reschedule your session for another day.

If you are more than 20 minutes late, and you didn’t contact us to give us a heads up, we will cancel your session and you will not offered a refund of the session fee.

When does my session end? Can I go over my scheduled time?

This depends on the studios bookings for the day. If we do not have an appointment following your session we can add a 30 min recording block for $100.

What’s the parking situation?

You can park in any open parking space in the parking lot. There should be plenty of available parking.

What gear and software do we use?

Here’s a list of the studio’s current industry standard gear and software:

  • Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphones

  • Rodecaster Pro 2 Mixers/Audio Interfaces

  • Black Magic ATEM Pro Iso

  • Sony 4K Mirrorless Cine Cameras

  • Apple Computers

  • Audio Technica Studio Monitor Headphone

  • Adobe Premiere Pro

  • Bi-Color professional studio lighting

  • RGB full color mood lighting

Do you have other guidelines I should be aware of?

Yes, here are our General Guidelines:

Please let us know beforehand whether you have any special requests (including the need for wheelchair accessible entrance, etc.) or further questions before you arrive. We’re here to help you have a great recording session. We’ll confirm the functionality and inventory of our equipment before you begin recording.

Our studio guidelines, implemented to ensure a great session for all parties, are listed below:

  • Damage to the space, property, equipment or software facilitated by the renter-client becomes the financial responsibility of the renter-client.

  • All accompanying minors must be supervised by an adult at all times.

  • While in our lobby space we ask that you keep your voices to a whisper (like in a library) during recording sessions.

  • We ask that you don’t smoke inside the premises or enter with any illegal drugs.

  • We choose to prohibit guns from the premises, so please don’t bring any firearms.

  • We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone