Welcome to SPA Studio

SPA Studio is more than a physical space,. It's COMMUNITY FIRST. We are housed in a 3300 sq ft warehouse production studio north of Seattle along with the WWPAMX, our in house model organization.We are a collaborative of photographers, models, performers and industry creatives. Originally SPA started out as a small fraternal organization of friends who shared gear, resources, models and studio time to build their portfolios together. There are now over 700 photographers, models, performing artists and industry creatives registered with the organization. The studio is an affordable option for those who can not afford the overhead of a professional studio, and a place for networking and fellowship.

The community and studio is membership driven and run by a core of dedicated volunteers with common goals of sharing our unique talents towards promoting the collective ideas of advancing model photography standards and encouraging networking in the community, developing skills in model portfolio development, advance in photographic skills and encourage new members to progress through mentoring. We do not necessarily look for the best photographers to join our studio, but for those who possess a positive attitude, are respectful of peers, work well within the group and share these basic principles. The studio is the home of the Seattle Photography Associates and our model organization the West Washington Performing Artist & Model Exchange as well as a host of fashion designers and wardobe stylists, make up artists, and hair stylists.

The common goal is to collaborate together to create images that improve everyone's interest. Our focus is on encouraging new people to network and grow and more advanced members to mentor. Together we strive to build a supportive network between models, photographers and model photography support creatives while building lasting and positive relationships with full spectrum of models.We welcome all level of photographer interested in model photography to our open events. Our events and workshops are designed to be fun, safe, productive, and educational avenues of expressing our talents and growing as professionals.

The cornerstone philosophy that both organizations are founded on is that everyone has a special skill they can bring to the community and a talent that needs to be nurtured. Mentorship is highly encouraged, and "Passing It Forward" the rule of participating in the studio. SPA often participates in the community by providing probono or low cost photographic services to local charities and benefits. Some of which are being official photographers for: Kitty Valentine Burlesque Revue Benefit for the Seattle Humane Society, Seattle Diabetic Association, Seattle Busker Festival, WA Elks Therapy Program, FareStart and providing event photography for special needs and free family portraits for families of chronically and terminally ill children.

The West Washington Performing Artist & Model Exchange had already been formed and growing by the time SPA came into existance. The two organizations, which now run independantly come together to host on going model portfolio development events. The shoots became very popular and eventually were opened up to other photographers to participate. As the organization grew it became obvious that an actual physical home was needed before we could grow further. In September 07' investigation started on finding a suitable location that would allow for a flexible theatrical production studio that was adequate in size to host our regular photo shoots and projects.

September 1, 2008 SPA Studio was officially opened. It now provides a full service theatrical production studio where photographers from a wide spectrum of photographic backgrounds work. The community of SPA spans from beginners to seasoned pros. Our photographers specialize in a range of services and styles from wedding, family, baby and senior portrait, fine art, commercial and product, model and entertainer portfolios, catalog and print, live event, runway and band, architecture and real estate.

SPA Studio is managed by When Paddison, Executive Director of Seattle Photography Associates. When is a former model and studio photographer. The funding for the studio came from a small inheritance left by her grandmother, the idea and philosophy of the studio is dedicated to the mentorship and lessons of When's former art teachers Helen Cuniff and Elaine Wooden. Being that her grandmother was the first to give her a camera it seemed like a good fit that the money be spent helping people reach their dreams though the same medium. When rarely shoots but now spends her time mentoring new talent, creative directing for the studio and managing it's activities of SPA / WWPAMX and SPA Model Events.

Whether you are considering SPA Studio as a professional, a student building a book or a hobbyist who enjoys working with models and wanting to network, we are looking forward to meeting you.

SPA Studio is also available for limited rental when the studio is not booked by members. Our studio is a family, agency, and commercial friendly studio. We do not allow adult content work to be shot at our studio.

WELCOME to SPA Studio - Community, Creativity, Collaboration.

Now lets create something great together!