Our Story | copperbrookpath

Our Story: From Darkroom to Digital Empire

How two photographers turned frustration into a studio built for the pros.

It started in a cramped Brooklyn apartment in 2026. Founders Elias Voss and Mira Chen were shooting a campaign for a luxury watch brand when their rented studio’s power grid failed—mid-shoot. The client was furious. The models were shivering. And the backup generator? Nowhere to be found. That night, over cold pizza and lukewarm coffee, they sketched the blueprint for copperbrookpath: a studio that wouldn’t just *have* the gear, but would *respect* the craft. No shortcuts. No excuses. Just space, light, and the tools to make magic happen. Today, that sketch is 4,000 sq ft of purpose-built space in the heart of Portland’s creative district, where brands like Nike, Adidas, and local artisans alike come to create work that stops scrolls.

2026: The Frustration Spark

Elias and Mira’s rented studio loses power during a $50K watch campaign shoot. The client storms out. The models leave. And the duo vows: "Never again." That night, they map out a studio that puts photographers first—with redundant power, climate control, and gear that actually works.

2026: The First Brick

With $120K in savings and a loan from Mira’s parents, they lease a 1,200 sq ft warehouse in Portland’s Central Eastside. The space is raw—concrete floors, exposed pipes, and a single 100-amp circuit. But it’s theirs. They install a Profoto Pro-10 pack, a single softbox, and a sign that reads: "No flakes. No divas. Just good light."

2026: The Expansion

After two years of back-to-back bookings, they outgrow the space. A local investor offers $500K to scale. They take it—and triple their footprint. The new studio features a cyclorama wall, a client lounge with a La Marzocco espresso machine, and a gear cage stocked with $250K worth of cameras, lenses, and modifiers. The first shoot? A 12-page spread for *Portland Monthly*.

2026: The Pandemic Pivot

When COVID-19 hits, bookings drop 80%. Instead of panicking, they launch "Studio in a Box"—a $99/day rental kit with a Sony A7 IV, Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8, and a Godox AD600Pro. They sell 200 kits in 30 days. The revenue keeps the lights on—and earns them a feature in *PDN*.

2026: The Pro’s Playground

They open a second location in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood. The space includes a dedicated product studio with a 12’ x 8’ infinity curve, a portrait studio with a 20’ ceiling, and a client lounge with a vintage Polaroid camera for instant prints. The first week? Booked solid by e-commerce brands and local photographers.

2026: The Future

Today, copperbrookpath is a $2.1M/year business with 12 full-time staff and a waitlist for weekend bookings. But the mission stays the same: to build a studio that feels like home—if home had a Phase One XT medium-format camera and a fridge stocked with Topo Chico. Oh, and that espresso machine? It’s still there. First shot’s on the house.

The Team Behind the Lens

Meet the photographers, technicians, and coffee enthusiasts who keep copperbrookpath running.

We’re not just a studio—we’re a team of obsessives. Photographers who’ve shot for *Vogue* and *Wired*. Technicians who can troubleshoot a Profoto Air Remote in their sleep. And yes, even a barista who’s saved more shoots with a well-timed cortado than any light modifier ever could. Every person here shares one thing: a refusal to compromise on quality. Whether it’s calibrating a monitor to within 0.1 Delta E or hand-selecting the perfect diffusion gel, we sweat the small stuff so you don’t have to.

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Co-Founder & Creative Director

Elias Voss

Co-founder, Lead Photographer. Elias cut his teeth shooting street style for *The New York Times* before pivoting to commercial work. His clients include Nike, Apple, and a particularly demanding client named "Mom." When he’s not behind the camera, he’s tinkering with vintage Hasselblads or arguing about the merits of film vs. digital (spoiler: he shoots both). His secret weapon? A pre-shoot playlist that somehow always includes Fleetwood Mac.

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Co-Founder & Operations Director

Mira Chen

Co-founder, Studio Director. Mira’s background in architecture gives her an eye for space—and a zero-tolerance policy for bad lighting. She’s the reason our cyclorama wall is perfectly seamless and our client lounge has a La Marzocco espresso machine. Her superpower? Remembering every client’s coffee order. Her weakness? A soft spot for rescue dogs (we’ve had three studio mascots thanks to her).

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Head Technician

Javier Morales

Head Technician. Javier can diagnose a flickering strobe from across the room. He’s the guy who built our custom gear cages, wired our redundant power grid, and once fixed a Phase One back with a paperclip. His toolkit includes a Leatherman, a multimeter, and a well-worn copy of *Light: Science and Magic*. If you hear a quiet humming in the studio, it’s probably Javier—he’s always tinkering.

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Client Experience Manager

Aisha Patel

Client Experience Manager. Aisha is the reason your shoot runs on time—and why you’ll leave with a USB drive that actually works. She’s a former wedding planner who knows how to wrangle models, stylists, and diva photographers with equal grace. Her secret? A spreadsheet for everything (yes, even your coffee order). Her guilty pleasure? True crime podcasts (played *very* quietly in the client lounge).

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Digital Technician

Rafael Costa

Digital Tech. Rafael is the human bridge between your camera and your hard drive. He’s color-calibrated more monitors than he can count and can pull a corrupted file from the brink of death. His desk is a shrine to hard drives, CFexpress cards, and a framed photo of his cat, Pixel. If you need a file recovered, he’s your guy. If you need fashion advice, he’s also your guy (ask about his vintage Versace collection).

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Studio Assistant

Lena Nguyen

Studio Assistant & Barista. Lena is the reason the studio smells like freshly ground coffee at 6 AM. She’s a former barista who can pull a perfect espresso shot and set up a C-stand in the same breath. Her toolkit includes a Wacom tablet, a tamper, and a secret stash of oat milk for the lactose-intolerant. If you’re lucky, she’ll teach you how to steam milk like a pro. If you’re unlucky, she’ll make you clean the espresso machine.

The Gear Wall: Tools of the Trade

We don’t just rent space—we provide the tools to make your shoot legendary.

Our gear list isn’t just a checklist—it’s a promise. A promise that when you walk into copperbrookpath, you’ll have access to the same tools the pros use. No cheap knockoffs. No outdated modifiers. Just $500K worth of cameras, lights, and accessories that have been tested, tweaked, and trusted by photographers who demand the best. Every piece of gear is inspected before and after every shoot. Every battery is charged. Every cable is coiled. Because we know: the difference between a good shot and a great shot? Often, it’s the gear.

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Phase One XT Medium Format Camera

The holy grail of digital medium format. With a 150MP sensor and a Rodenstock lens, this camera captures detail so fine you can see the individual threads in a cashmere sweater. We have two—because nothing kills a shoot faster than a dead battery. Paired with a Profoto A10 for wireless control, it’s the ultimate setup for luxury product and portrait work.

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Profoto D2 1000Ws Monolights (x6)

The workhorses of our studio. These strobes recycle in 0.9 seconds and deliver consistent color temperature shot after shot. We’ve got six of them, each paired with a 2x3’ softbox or a beauty dish. They’re the reason your product shots have that buttery, even light. And yes, they’re all synced to the same channel—because chaos is not a vibe.

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Broncolor Siros 800 L (x4)

For when you need power *and* precision. These 800Ws strobes are our go-to for large sets and high-speed sync. They’re paired with Broncolor’s RFS 2.2 triggers and a variety of modifiers, from 5’ octabanks to strip lights. The best part? They’re silent—no annoying beeps, just pure, clean light. Perfect for video hybrid shoots where audio matters.

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Sony A7R V with G Master Lenses

The mirrorless powerhouse. With 61MP and 8K video, this camera is a beast for both stills and motion. We’ve got the full G Master lineup: 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8, and the 90mm f/2.8 macro. It’s the camera we hand to clients who want to shoot behind-the-scenes content without sacrificing quality. And yes, it’s always set to silent mode—because nobody likes a shutter click in their video.

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12’ x 8’ Infinity Curve Cyclorama

Our seamless white wall isn’t just painted—it’s a work of art. Made from a single sheet of high-density fiberboard, it’s sanded to a mirror finish and painted with a custom matte white formula that absorbs light evenly. The curve is perfect for product shots, fashion editorials, and that one client who *always* wants a seamless background. We’ve got two: one in Portland, one in Seattle.

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Kupo 42” C-Stands with Boom Arms (x12)

The unsung heroes of the studio. These heavy-duty stands can hold a Profoto D2 with a 5’ octabank at full extension—without toppling over. We’ve got a dozen of them, each with a sandbag for extra stability. They’re the reason your light modifiers stay exactly where you put them, even when the model moves. Pro tip: Never skip the sandbag. Trust us.

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X-Rite i1Display Pro Calibrator

The tool that keeps our monitors—and your colors—true. We calibrate every screen in the studio weekly to ensure what you see is what you get. This little puck measures luminance, contrast, and color accuracy to within 0.1 Delta E. It’s the reason your product shots look the same on your laptop as they do on your client’s iPhone. Because nothing ruins a shoot faster than a color mismatch.

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La Marzocco Linea Mini Espresso Machine

Yes, it’s gear. No, we won’t apologize. This Italian-made machine pulls shots that fuel creativity (and save shoots). With a dual boiler and PID temperature control, it’s the same machine used in specialty coffee shops. We’ve got a grinder to match, and a barista who knows how to use both. First shot’s on the house. Second shot? You’re on your own.

Our Values: The Rules We Live By

This isn’t just a studio—it’s a philosophy.

We didn’t build copperbrookpath to be another rental space. We built it to be a sanctuary for photographers who give a damn. That means no shortcuts, no excuses, and no bullshit. Just good light, good gear, and a team that’s as invested in your shoot as you are. These are the values that guide every decision we make—from the brands we partner with to the coffee we serve.

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No Flakes. No Divas. Just Good Work.

We’re here to make great images, not feed egos. That means showing up on time, respecting the gear, and treating everyone—from the intern to the client—with the same level of professionalism. We’ve got a zero-tolerance policy for flakiness, and we expect the same from our clients. Because at the end of the day, the work is what matters.

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The Gear Should Work Harder Than You Do

We don’t believe in "good enough." Every piece of gear in our studio is inspected before and after every shoot. Every battery is charged. Every cable is coiled. Because when you’re in the zone, the last thing you should worry about is a flickering strobe or a dead battery. Our gear is here to support you—not slow you down.

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Transparency Isn’t Optional—It’s Everything

No hidden fees. No surprise charges. No bullshit. Our pricing is clear, our contracts are straightforward, and our team is always upfront about what’s possible (and what’s not). We’ll tell you if your idea is unrealistic, and we’ll work with you to find a solution that fits your budget. Because trust is the foundation of every great shoot.

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The Studio Should Feel Like Home

We want you to walk in and feel like you belong. That’s why we’ve got a client lounge with a La Marzocco espresso machine, a fridge stocked with Topo Chico, and a playlist that’s equal parts chill and inspiring. It’s why we remember your coffee order and why we’ve got a first-aid kit (because accidents happen). This is your space—make yourself at home.

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We’re Always Learning (And So Should You)

The best photographers never stop growing. That’s why we host monthly workshops, invite guest speakers, and share our favorite resources in our Journal. Whether it’s a deep dive into color grading or a tutorial on lighting for e-commerce, we’re here to help you level up. Because when you succeed, we succeed.

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Sustainability Isn’t a Buzzword—It’s a Responsibility

We’re committed to reducing our environmental impact. That means using LED lighting, recycling our batteries, and partnering with local vendors to minimize our carbon footprint. We’ve also got a bike rack out front (because Portland) and a compost bin in the kitchen. Small steps, but they add up. Because the planet is the only studio we can’t replace.

What Our Clients Say

Don’t take our word for it—take theirs.

We’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most talented photographers, brands, and creatives in the industry. From global e-commerce brands to local artisans, our clients trust us to deliver the space, gear, and support they need to create their best work. Here’s what they have to say about their experience at copperbrookpath.

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"We booked copperbrookpath for a 3-day campaign shoot for the Air Max 270. The space was immaculate, the gear was top-notch, and the team anticipated every need—from extra sandbags to a last-minute lens swap. The cyclorama wall was seamless, the lighting was perfect, and the espresso machine saved us more than once. We’ll be back."

Jamal Carter Senior Photographer, Nike

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"Our original studio fell through 48 hours before our shoot. copperbrookpath stepped in and saved the day. They had the space, the gear, and the team to make it happen—without skipping a beat. The Profoto D2s were flawless, the client lounge was a lifesaver, and the team even helped us source a last-minute prop. We couldn’t have done it without them."

Sophie Laurent Creative Director, Adidas

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"As a small business owner, I was nervous about shooting in a big studio. But copperbrookpath made me feel welcome from the moment I walked in. The team helped me set up my lighting, offered creative feedback, and even let me use their Phase One camera for a few shots. The result? Images that perfectly captured my brand. And yes, the coffee was amazing."

Priya Mehta Founder, Mehta Ceramics

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"We needed high-quality product shots for our new skincare line. copperbrookpath delivered. The lighting was even, the cyclorama wall was seamless, and the team helped us style the products to perfection. The images we got? They increased our conversion rate by 40%. We’ve booked them for every shoot since."

Daniel Park Founder, Glow Theory

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"I’ve shot in studios all over the world, and copperbrookpath is one of the best. The space is clean, the gear is top-notch, and the team is incredibly knowledgeable. They helped me troubleshoot a lighting issue mid-shoot and even let me borrow a lens I didn’t bring. The images I got? Some of my best work. I’ll be back."

Elena Vasquez Fashion Photographer

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"I had an outdoor wedding shoot rained out, and copperbrookpath saved the day. They had a last-minute opening, set up a beautiful backdrop, and even helped me style the couple. The images we got were stunning—way better than what we would’ve gotten outside. The team was professional, the space was perfect, and the coffee? Life-saving."

Mark Reynolds Wedding Photographer

In the Press: Where You’ve Seen Us

We’re not just a studio—we’re a resource for the creative community.

From features in *PDN* to interviews on photography podcasts, copperbrookpath has become a go-to resource for photographers and creatives. We’re proud to share our knowledge and our space with the industry—and we’re even prouder of the work our clients create here. Here’s where you’ve seen us (or our clients) in the press.

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PDN: "The Studio That’s Changing the Game for Photographers"

In this in-depth feature, *PDN* explores how copperbrookpath is redefining what it means to be a photography studio. From our redundant power grid to our client-first philosophy, the article highlights why we’ve become a favorite among professional photographers. "They’re not just renting space—they’re building a community," writes editor Sarah Chen.

*PDN* (Photo District News) June 2026

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Creative Boom: "How copperbrookpath Built a Studio for the Modern Photographer"

This interview with co-founders Elias Voss and Mira Chen dives into the origins of copperbrookpath and our mission to create a studio that puts photographers first. The article also features testimonials from clients like Nike and Adidas, who praise our space, gear, and team. "It’s the little things that make a big difference," says Elias.

*Creative Boom* March 2026

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The Phoblographer: "A Day in the Life at copperbrookpath"

This photo essay takes readers behind the scenes at copperbrookpath, from a sunrise product shoot to a late-night fashion editorial. The article highlights our gear, our space, and the team that makes it all possible. "It’s a studio that feels like home—if home had a Phase One XT and a La Marzocco espresso machine," writes contributor Jamie Lee.

*The Phoblographer* November 2026

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Fstoppers: "Why copperbrookpath is the Best Studio You’ve Never Heard Of"

This in-depth review praises copperbrookpath for our attention to detail, our top-notch gear, and our commitment to client service. The article also highlights our unique features, like our redundant power grid and our client lounge. "It’s the studio I wish I had in every city," writes reviewer Patrick Hall.

*Fstoppers* September 2026

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The Bokeh Podcast: "Building a Studio That Puts Photographers First"

In this episode, co-founder Mira Chen joins host Daniel Norton to discuss the origins of copperbrookpath, our mission, and our plans for the future. The conversation covers everything from our gear list to our client-first philosophy. "We’re not just renting space—we’re building a community," says Mira.

*The Bokeh Podcast* May 2026

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Portland Monthly: "The Best Photography Studios in Portland"

In this roundup of Portland’s top photography studios, copperbrookpath takes the top spot. The article praises our space, our gear, and our team, calling us "the gold standard for professional photographers." It also highlights our unique features, like our cyclorama wall and our client lounge. "It’s the studio Portland deserves," writes editor Emily Chen.

*Portland Monthly* January 2026

Where Light Meets Craft