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OPEN CALL  2026  WESTLAKE VILLAGE CA

UseThe Space-
Competition

 Eight Spots. One Winner.

We have the space.
We want
to see what
you do with it.

We want to see bold creative work.

We built a studio that can support almost any creative vision — different backdrops, lighting setups, open floor space. Most of the time it's used for client work. This competition is our way of opening it up to something more personal and pushing the boundaries of what gets made here.

We want to give artists real access.

Studio time costs money. This competition gives eight creatives full use of the space, documentation of their process, and a platform to share their work — all without spending a dollar. The winner walks away with six more hours to use however they want.

We want to grow our creative community.

We know there are artists and photographers in this area doing incredible work that we haven't seen yet. This is how we find them — and how they find us.

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How it works
 

01
 

Submit your application between May 6th and June 6th. Tell us your vision, share your mood board, and show us your work. We're looking for unique ideas that transform the studio and push the boundaries of what's possible here. The application window is one month — don't wait.

MAY 6 - JUNE 6

Applications open.

02
 

AFTER JUNE 6TH

Once applications close, our team reviews every submission and selects eight individuals. We're not looking for the most polished portfolio — we're looking for the most compelling vision. The eight selected will be contacted directly to schedule their session.

The Arlen team selects eight.

03
 

JUNE 10 - AUGUST 10

Shoot at the studio.

Each of the eight selected creators will shoot at The Arlen Studio within this window — sooner if schedules allow. You'll have three hours total: setup, your shoot, and cleanup. We'll be there to document the behind-the-scenes throughout your session.

04
 

AFTER ALL SHOOTS WRAP

Once all eight shoots are complete, we'll share each creator's final work and behind-the-scenes footage across our social media. All eight projects go live at the same time — then we open it up to a public vote.

We share everything.

05
 

VOTING PERIOD

The public decides.

Our audience votes for their favourite project. Voting stays open for one week, then we close the polls and count the results.

06
 

ONE WEEK LATER

The winner is announced.

The winner is announced one week after voting closes and receives six hours of full studio time at The Arlen Studio — no brief, no client, no restrictions. Yours to use however you want.

What we are looking for

THIS

Light play,  water play, bold and creative risks

Art and portrait work we haven't seen before

A specific, detailed vision you can execute

A mood board that shows your feelings

Something inspiring

NOT THIS

Family or commercial photography

White walls and plain safe backdrops

Vague ideas without a clear concept

Work that looks like everything else 

Playing it safe! we want to push your creativity!

3 Hours

all yours.

Three hours of total studio time to set up, shoot, and break down. Use every minute of it.

Full studio

access.

Lights, props, backdrops — everything in our space is available to you. Set it up however your vision requires.

Everything you need

is already here.

The Arlen Studio provides all the tools and environments necessary to bring your creative vision to life without limits.

Behind-the-scenes

captured.

We'll document your entire session — the setup, the process, and the moments in between. Content you keep.

A photographer,

if you need one.

Not a photographer? Not a problem. If your creative vision is the concept and you need someone behind the camera, we've got you covered.

Bring what

you need.

You're welcome to bring anything and everything — materials, wardrobe, props, people. If it serves the vision, bring it.

Your work,

shared.

Final images and BTS featured across The Arlen Studio's social media. Visibility for your work, regardless of the vote outcome.

Apply Now

Open to all creatives — new to The Arlen Studio or already part of our community. Eight spots. Every submission reviewed personally. Mood board required.

8 spots · Mood board required · Reviewed personally

We can't wait to see
what you create!

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