About Montclair
Montclair, New Jersey is a small metropolitan center that is only a 13-mile drive from the heart of New York City. Montclair’s name is French and means clear mountain. A city that is small of size but big on personality, Montclair is often recommended as one of the coolest suburban regions in America today. Among its many attractions are incredible eateries, stunning museums, many public parks, green spaces, and a pulsating nightlife and musical center.
Established in 1868, Montclair is a relatively old city located in Essex County near the Watchung Mountains. Travel from Montclair to Manhattan can easily be done in 30 to 45 minutes by car, making it as easy as 1-2-3 to stop by The City That Never Sleeps any time a change of scenery is on your mind. With the Newark Liberty International Airport only 30 minutes away, flying to any destination your heart desires is easily doable.
With its scenic natural spaces, beautiful public parks, and quaint architecture, it is not hard to see why Montclair photo shoot venues are in high demand. Whether you are looking for a spot in the great outdoors or something inside one of the city’s most historic properties or even a function room in a boutique hotel, you’re sure to find the ideal place for a photo session in Montclair.
Photo Shoot Venue Options in Montclair
Montclair is such a picturesque place, it’s no wonder photographers like to capture it on film. Once you’ve settled on the perfect Montclair photo shoot venue, all that remains to do is to hire some local professionals to help you get the space ready for your photo session.
- Prop Rentals
No Montclair photo shoot venue is complete without some props and décor items to help provide some variety to each photo session. Montclair is home to many different prop stores and furniture rental companies offering everything you need for a productive photo shoot. From costumes, lighting, furniture, and flowers to custom-made props like hand mirrors and brushes, you’ll have no difficulty finding the unique pieces you are looking for.
- Coffee Service
Clients will appreciate a steady flow of joe on-site during their sessions at your Montclair photo shoot venue. Partner with one of the city’s top mobile catering companies for everything you need. From java-to-go in disposable urns to commercial-grade drip coffee makers and even full-service espresso bars, the right mobile coffee caterer can provide it all.
- Hair and Makeup
To provide your clients with an added perk, it’s a great idea to consider offering on-site hair and makeup services at your photo shoot venue. With such close proximity to NYC, there are lots of top-tier hairstylists and makeup artists you can hire to ensure your clients look and feel their very best for their photo session.
Photo Shoot Venue Companies in Montclair
Once you’ve found the ideal spot for your photo shoot venue in Montclair, half the work is done. Is pulling all of the details together for your first photo session feeling like a daunting task? That’s where some of Montclair’s top professionals can make a big difference for you.
- Lost and Found Props
Lost and Found Props is a prop rental business located in New York City. Considered to be one of the biggest prop houses in the state, Lost and Found Props stocks a wide inventory of items available for a short- or long-term lease for TV shows, movies, magazines, and advertisements. The professionals who work for Lost and Found Props are able to help you source any item you need while remaining within the budget for your project. Among the clients Lost and Found Props have partnered with are Saturday Night Live, The New York Times, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
- Simply Delicious Catering
In business for more than 25 years, Simply Delicious Catering is a company specializing in exquisitely prepared cuisine for film and photo shoots, celebrations, red carpet ceremonies, and corporate events. Based in Montclair, Simply Delicious Catering can design a menu to suit any theme or taste you’ve got in mind.
- Fox and Mane Co.
Fox and Mane Co. is one of the most popular salons in Montclair. Their main areas of expertise include modern cuts, colors, and hair extensions for display in film and photo shoots. Offering on-site hairstyling to their elite clients, the staff at Fox and Mane Co. ensure your clients feel confident and look refreshed.
Pros and Cons of Photo Shoot Venues in Montclair
Montclair is one city that offers the charms of small-town living coupled with the culture and ambiance of the big city. But even urban centers like Montclair have their advantages and disadvantages that should be considered prior to booking a spot for a photo shoot here.
Advantages
- Reasonable cost of living
Montclair is the ideal place to live if you love the nearness of the big city with the quieter, relaxed vibe of a smaller urban center.
- Simplicity of commuting
Traveling from Montclair to Manhattan takes only 29 minutes on the New Jersey Transit Midtown Direct Train.
- Old world charm
Montclair was formerly a popular railroad town. Its streets have an old-world nostalgic charm reminiscent of days gone by.
Disadvantages
- Extremely high taxes
Life in Montclair couldn’t be grander, but sadly, its tax rates couldn’t be higher. This urban center has the highest tax rate in the United States.
- High crime rate
Montclair’s crime rate doesn’t seem too bad in comparison to New York City’s. However, it is rather high when factored against other cities of comparable size and amenities in the United States.
- Cold, damp winters
Montclair enjoys all four seasons of the year. Its winters are quite typical of both New York and New Jersey, being both cold and wet.
Famous Locations in Montclair
- Montclair Historical Society
First opened to the public in 1965 with a core mission of saving the Israel Crane House, the Montclair Historical Society’s mission is the promotion, preservation, and appreciation of local artifacts and history. This facility consists of two historical buildings, the Israel Crane House and the Nathaniel Crane House, that are open for visitors to explore at their leisure.
- Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
The biggest non-commercial iris garden in the world, the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens consists of more than 6.5 acres of property in total. Located on Upper Mountain Avenue, this recreational area is similar to a park and pays homage to the well-respected horticulturist Frank Presby.
- Wellmont Theater
The Wellmont Theater was established in Montclair in 1922. Transformed into a movie theater in 1929, the initial singular cinema was eventually expanded to three in total. No longer a movie theater, the Wellmont is now an in-demand venue for live entertainment options including concerts, plays, and comic acts.
