Our Story
The Genesis of ShutterSpace
ShutterSpace was born from a simple observation: finding the perfect photo studio in Brooklyn shouldn't be a creative block in itself. In 2018, founders Anya Petrova and Ben Carter, both seasoned photographers in the vibrant Brooklyn scene, grew increasingly frustrated with the fragmented and inefficient process of sourcing studios. From scouring multiple websites to making countless phone calls, the time and energy spent on logistics detracted from their actual creative work.
Anya, specializing in portraiture, envisioned a platform where photographers could easily discover studios based on their specific needs – lighting, equipment, location, and budget. Ben, a product photographer, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a centralized hub showcasing the diverse range of studios Brooklyn had to offer.
Building the Platform
Driven by this shared frustration and a passion for the photography community, Anya and Ben embarked on creating ShutterSpace. They spent months meticulously researching the Brooklyn photo studio landscape, identifying key pain points for both photographers and studio owners. They consulted with fellow creatives, gathering feedback and refining their vision. The initial iteration of ShutterSpace launched in early 2020, just before the world changed. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the platform quickly gained traction as photographers sought safe and reliable ways to book studio spaces.
ShutterSpace adapted to the evolving needs of the industry, incorporating features like virtual tours, enhanced safety protocols, and flexible cancellation policies. Today, ShutterSpace stands as Brooklyn's premier photo studio booking platform, empowering photographers to focus on their craft while providing studio owners with a seamless way to manage bookings and reach a wider audience.
Meet the Team

Anya Petrova
Co-founder & CEO
Anya brings over 10 years of experience as a professional portrait photographer in Brooklyn. Her deep understanding of the industry fuels her passion for empowering fellow creatives through ShutterSpace.

Ben Carter
Co-founder & CTO
Ben's expertise in product photography and technology has been instrumental in building and scaling the ShutterSpace platform. He's dedicated to creating a user-friendly and innovative experience.

Maria Rodriguez
Head of Customer Support
Maria is committed to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that every ShutterSpace user has a positive experience. She's the go-to person for any questions or concerns.

David Lee
Marketing Manager
David leads the marketing efforts at ShutterSpace, connecting photographers and studio owners across Brooklyn. He's passionate about promoting the vibrant photography community.
Our Mission & Values
Our Mission
To empower photographers in Brooklyn by providing a seamless and comprehensive platform for discovering, booking, and managing photo studios. We strive to simplify the creative process, enabling artists to focus on their vision and bring their ideas to life.
Our Values
- Community: We foster a supportive and collaborative environment for photographers and studio owners.
- Innovation: We continuously seek new and innovative ways to improve our platform and enhance the user experience.
- Integrity: We operate with honesty, transparency, and ethical practices in all our interactions.
- Accessibility: We are committed to making our platform accessible to all photographers, regardless of their background or experience.
- Quality: We are dedicated to providing a high-quality service that meets the needs of our users.