About Kingston
Kingston is the county seat of Ustler County fronting the confluence of the Hudson River and the Rondout Creek. According to the 2020 census, the population is recorded at 24,069 over its 8.7 square miles. Kingston served as the first capital of New York for a short time in 1777. The government seat moved 60 miles upriver to Albany after having received a warning of an imminent attack by the British.
Kingston is known for its historic churches. The city’s history of its settlement and its early founders are shown by the church denominations—Dutch Reform, Lutheran, Episcopal, and Catholic. These structures remain in use today within Kingston’s historic districts. There are three historic districts comprising the city’s uptown, midtown and downtown areas, all of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Rondout Creek is a major tributary of the Hudson River and Kingston is located on this delta. From its early settlement, Kingston played an important role in shipping starting with furs and agriculture, then moving to cement when natural deposits were discovered. Quarrying then became Kingston’s predominant industry. Today, the major industries of Kingston remain trade and transportation.
Photo Shoot Venue Options in Kingston
There are many photo ops as well as photo shoot venues in Kingston to choose from. The buildings are historic structures with the feel of the early colonial and 19th century. The residential locations are stone mansions and farmhouses. The commercial spaces are meeting rooms, studio spaces, and areas within historic buildings.
- Photographer
A photographer local to the Kingston area will not only bring area knowledge to the shoot but will also know the best time of day for lighting. The photographer should also be able to advise on the resolution for the final images for framing or uploading. The photographer needs the skill set to produce the deliverables to the client to meet the expectations, budget, and use.
- Furniture Rental
Whether a photo shoot venue is indoors or out, the set will need to be furnished as will the areas for the behind-the-scenes work. The talent team will need to be comfortable, warm/cool, and be provided with the proper workspace to perform. The furnishing of a photo shoot is about the subject and those supporting the shoot.
- Permitting
The city of Kingston requires a permit for all commercial photography to access any city service and to obtain approval for the venue if any street, right-of-way, or city property is impacted. There may be other permits necessary for the shoot. The city recommends planning for a 30-day review period. The completed application will need to include the location, the schedule, the safety plan, and a list of local businesses hired for the shoot.
Photo Shoot Venue Companies in Kingston
The local service providers mentioned below correlate to the services in the preceding section. This guide does not give any endorsement to any vendor. These vendors were chosen through internal research to locate companies to consider for your Kingston photo shoot venue.
- Peter Demuth Photography
Peter Demuth established his studio in his hometown of Kingston. The studio’s specialties are commercial photography and the capture of family events. Peter’s approach to assignments is a blend of photographer and photojournalist. As a photographer, he will make decisions based on lighting and posing. As a photojournalist, he attempts to document events as they unfold for authenticity. The result is a visual record of the shoot under the best of circumstances.
- Sav-on Party Central
Located in Kingston, this family-owned business has grown to three locations. The Sav-on inventory has the scalability to provide furnishings to any event type. From tents and canopies, portable heating units, furniture, and tableware, the photo shoot venue, and the necessary work areas will be set up as needed. The terms of delivery service are very exact in pricing and times.
- Hudson Valley Drones
If your photo shoot will require drone photography, then know the team at Hudson Valley Drones performs services for both photography and video. The talent team continues to innovate and improve its techniques and methods to deliver an optimum product to its clients. Hudson Valley Drones has a proven record of success, compliance, and repeat customers.
Pros and Cons of Photo Shoot Venues in Kingston
This guide provides suggested considerations of the advantage and disadvantage side. The items within these categories are not meant to be complete and only extend to the city of Kingston. Consider the ups and downs of the area before booking your photo shoot venue in Kingston.
Advantages
- Culture
The city of Kingston has embraced its history through its investment in historic preservation. Although some modernization has occurred by necessity, the Victorian architecture in the uptown area remains, as do the 17th-century stone buildings and mansions.
- Livability
The cost of living and working in Kingston is better than in most cities in New York. You will pay less for studio rentals, photo equipment, props, and other things you may need for your photo shoot.
- Small town vibe
Kingston has been described as a “quaint, small town in the Hudson Valley.” The scenic views of lush trees and the distant rolling mountains set in a historic artist community make this area of the valley a popular weekend respite. The historic districts of downtown are known for their restaurants, small shops, and local entertainment.
Disadvantages
- Transportation
Kingston is located on the west side of the Hudson River where there is no commuter rail system to New York City. This transportation mode is on the east side of the Hudson. To get to Kingston from New York City is by either car or bus. This 90-mile drive can be over two hours by car.
- Economy
The low cost of living in Kingston is commensurate with the living wage scale of the service industry. Kingston suffered a major economic setback in the 1990s with the closing and relocation of an IBM facility.
- Messy winters
Kingston has a lot of snow and ice all winter long and sometimes into early spring. And the low temperatures typically are below freezing. Pack your long johns and snow boots.
Famous Locations
- Hudson River Maritime Museum
This museum is both history and specialty. The historic lighthouse and sites along the Rondout and the Hudson are viewed from a solar-powered tour boat. The museum also offers classes in wooden boat building and sailing.
- Uptown Historic District
There are walking tours through this district focusing on history, urban renewal, and the district’s revitalization through advocacy and education. The walking tours are held from July 2nd to October 30th and usually take up to two hours.
- Old Dutch Church
The Old Dutch Church remains on its original site despite its partial destruction many times during its history. The church was originally built in 1660 as part of the city’s fortification. The building was mostly destroyed in 1663 by the Esopus Indians. Rebuilt and enlarged many times from the Revolutionary War through World War I, the church brings the history of Kingston to life at this one site.
