Inside Pasaro Studios, a creative space and branding hub for entrepreneurs

“An option for everyone” — that’s a tagline you’ll find on Pasaro Studios‘ website before exploring a selection of its offerings.

Then, step inside the 1,204-square-foot production space at The Broom Factory in Baltimore’s Canton neighborhood and you’ll find a hub for editorial-style photography shoots catering to entrepreneurs, businesses and brands. Pasaro houses two studio rooms equipped with pro lighting equipment, backdrops, large windows and generous space for taking headshots and portraits.

(Courtesy Pasaro Studios)

Pasaro’s founder, Javon Roye, and studio partner, Anthony McCray, are both photography and videography wonks who aspire to provide opportunities for creatives. They seem to take pride in being able to provide a space for artists and learners to express themselves.

McCray, a 2023 RealLIST Connectors honoree, said becoming a partner in the studio initiative was a decision centered in community and growth: “With Javon’s initial idea when he brought it to me, when we were talking about it, I thought it was a great learning opportunity,” he told Technical.ly.

Centering a “hands-on” ethos, Pasaro offers a program called The Learning Booth through which the studio is open twice a month for several hours, allowing artists to access all studio resources — for free — and get tips from professional photographers.

“When I had the idea of it, it was kind of like taking a photography studio and a library and putting them together,” Roye said. “When I first started photography, I didn’t have enough resources to always rent a studio out. And that’s the truth for a lot of different photographers that are coming up, you know?

“It’s not always easy to make money in the arts.”

Javon Roye shoots inside of Pasaro Studios. (Courtesy Pasaro Studios)

Pasaro was inspired by a friend who once provided space for Roye to hone his skills. Now, the studio’s founder now uses his own Sony a7R5 camera and advanced Godox lighting within the space. Catering to entrepreneurs with additional tools like McCray’s Canon R6 paired with a 24mm lens, the duo also execute editorial-style photography shoots — like with Susan Clayton, the founder of WhitePaws RunMitts, as well as other local brands and business owners, including B-360’s Ride for Change campaign, shot outside of the studio:

The duo’s dedication to being “community-driven,” as emphasized by another pair of words on their website, is reflected in their studio pricing, starting at an accessible $35 per hour. Look for offerings such as headshots for entrepreneurs, too.