At a Glance
- Good Friend Studio opened in 2023 after photographers Cass Klepac and Rick Cortez left their home studio.
- The space is a former schoolroom with north-facing windows, blackboards, and a wooden floor.
- It now hosts shoots, workshops, and community events for both professionals and amateurs.
Good Friend Studio began as a solution for two Austin photographers who had outgrown their home space. In 2022, Cass Klepac and Rick Cortez sought a larger rental but found no options that matched their vision of an open, inspiring environment. “We were looking for something a little more open,” Cortez said. “We wanted something that inspired us,” added Klepac.
They eventually found the Baker Center, a former schoolroom that offered natural light through gigantic north-facing windows and retained its original blackboards. Rather than a conventional realtor, they met Karrie League, who approached them in gardening gloves and simply said, “Well, this is the place.” The duo felt it instantly.
The Birth of Good Friend Studio
Klepac described the studio as “the kind of space we wish that we had when we were first starting. … A photo studio where people don’t feel intimidated to come into, a safe space for creative photography and for the photo community to come together.” The first year the studio served only the couple’s own shoots, but open houses quickly attracted interest.
Key milestones:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Klepac & Cortez search for larger space |
| 2023 | Good Friend Studio opens in Baker Center |
| 2024 | First community workshop held |
The studio’s name reflects its mission: to be a friendly, welcoming place for photographers.
Inside the Studio
The space blends vintage charm with modern functionality. Natural light floods the room, and the blackboards remain as a nod to its past. The wooden floor adds warmth, and the north-facing windows provide consistent, diffused illumination-ideal for portrait and product photography.
Photographers can rent the space for individual sessions or join a membership program that offers discounted rates, priority booking, and access to exclusive events. The studio also hosts workshops on lighting, composition, and studio setup, with plans to add more in the future.
Growing Community
Since opening, Good Friend Studio has hosted a variety of shoots that have raised the profiles of both Klepac and Cortez. Notable projects include:
- Texas Monthly interviews filmed on site.
- A Whataburger shoot featuring Santa and a workshop.
- An underwear commercial.
- Tribeza cover shot by Klepac.
- A portrait of Woody Harrelson for Austin Monthly photographed by Cortez.
These projects have helped the duo’s own work improve and expanded their visibility within Austin’s creative scene.
Behind the Scenes
The founders bring lessons from other studios to Good Friend Studio. Cortez emphasized that they wanted the space to feel “good,” and Klepac noted that they aimed to make it welcoming for both professionals and amateurs. Their goal is to create a studio that feels less intimidating than typical commercial spaces.
The studio’s membership program is designed to foster a sense of community. Members receive not only discounted rates but also invitations to networking events, equipment swap sessions, and early access to new workshops.
Future Plans
Cortez said, “It’s a lot, but we have big ideas for this space.” He hinted at upcoming expansions, including more specialized equipment, a dedicated darkroom, and additional event spaces. “Coming soon,” he added with a grin.
The studio’s founders are also exploring partnerships with local businesses and art schools to broaden the studio’s reach and impact.
Key Takeaways
- Good Friend Studio offers a unique blend of vintage charm and modern functionality.
- It serves as a community hub for photographers of all skill levels.
- The studio’s success has elevated the profiles of its founders and attracted high-profile shoots.
- Future plans include expanded equipment, a darkroom, and new community events.
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The News Of Austin‘s first Culture Desk editor, Brianna Q. Lockwood has reported on Austin’s growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he’s currently at work on two books and a play.
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