The Women of The Arlen Studio

Michele Paniz, Megan Blomqvist, and Natalia Allen.

This week I photographed the women behind The Arlen Studio, the space where I finally feel at home hosting my clients. After the shoot they turned the tables and interviewed me for their podcast, and we rounded out the day with lunch. The laughter that had been running all morning just kept going. It only deepened my connection to what they've built.

Environment is a core part of my process. In my New York studio I had complete control over every element, and my clients felt it the moment they walked through the door. There was a calm, a safety to that space that made people willing to be vulnerable in front of my camera. Moving back to LA and finding the right studio to rent took longer than I expected, and that search taught me how much the right setting is part of what I offer my clients.

There are many wonderful studios in Los Angeles, but nothing felt quite right. I even considered pivoting entirely to location work, but white walls and strobe lighting are my look, and I wasn't ready to let that go. Then I got word that a studio owner I had met during my search was joining forces with another photographer to open something new in Westlake Village. When I finally walked through the door at the open house, it was perfection.

Michele, Natalia, and Megan are all established local photographers who have each brought something distinct to what they've built, not just a beautiful studio I can call home, but a space for community and education.

"It is more important to click with
people than to click the shutter."
— Alfred Eisenstaedt

Natalia Allen

What was the moment you knew you had to build this?

Natalia: It started with a 170 square foot studio I went in on with a friend. The AC broke, there was an ant infestation, and we were done, but we both loved the feeling of having a space and working together. That was enough for me. I knew I wanted to create something bigger, something for the community. I had shot in DTLA and loved how those spaces worked, the light, the variety of looks in one place. I didn't just want a white backdrop. I wanted scenes. I wanted magic.

How did the three of you come together?

Natalia: I put out a Facebook poll asking who would be interested in a space like this, and Michele responded. I had rented her studio before and always loved her energy, so the minute she showed interest I said we are doing this. That's how our 90-day fiancé relationship started. Before we knew it, we were best friends.

Megan came in for a tour in January while Michele and I were deep in preparations for our upcoming open house. We were mid-build on a giant light wall, sweaty and looking like a mess. She walked in all cool and put-together, and we talked for an hour. We just felt it. A few weeks later we had her on the podcast, kept having her come in to edit alongside us, and before long we had adopted her into our little world.

Megan: These two and this space came into my life when I needed it most. I was looking for somewhere that could handle the scope of my commercial work, but more than that I was searching for a creative community. I was looking for my people and my new creative home. After meeting Michele and Natalia, I knew I had found both.

Michele Paniz

What was non-negotiable when designing the studio?

Michele: Luxury was number one. We wanted something that represented us and our work. Beyond that, tall ceilings, natural light, a warehouse-style layout, and a private bathroom. My previous studio had a shared facility and that did not meet the level of professionalism I aim to provide my clients. That was not happening again.

What do people notice when they first walk in?

Michele: We designed the front rooms to take full advantage of soft, diffused natural light. Our goal was a truly turnkey space where you walk in, pick up your camera, and start shooting.

Megan: Everyone who comes in comments on how gorgeous the space is and how great the energy is. Both matter enormously for the client and photographer experience.

What do you see photographers do here that you didn't design for but love anyway?

Megan: The mirror selfies. Almost everyone posts a photo of themselves in the big mirrors before or after their shoot. It has become a staple. I love seeing the people behind the lens, and it is going to become a real personality piece of this space.

What kind of photographer thrives here?

Michele: Photographers who are intentional about their craft and want an environment that reflects the same level of refinement as their work. Portrait, maternity, newborn, family, personal branding, fashion, editorial, dance, the natural light and turnkey setup serve all of it.

Megan Blomqvist

Megan: This space works for truly most types of photographers. The three of us each shoot different kinds of work, and The Arlen lends itself to all of it. Whatever your vision, we can help you bring it to life.

Is there a moment that made you feel like you built the right thing?

Natalia: We have emotional moments about this all the time. More than anything, I feel like I found my soul mates in these two women.

Megan: To be this booked up just a few months in is truly incredible. They built something really special and the community noticed.

What does The Arlen look like in three years?

Michele: Another location, we have already started planning for that. We want to keep building this community of creatives, supporting local artists, and finding new ways to spark the imagination of women in the creative field.

One thing you would tell every photographer about having a dedicated creative space?

Michele: It changes the way you show up, to your work, your clients, and yourself. You walk in prepared, confident, and fully focused. And it transforms the client experience. Welcoming people into a space that feels professional and thoughtfully designed builds trust and sets a higher standard for your brand.

Megan: A game changer in all aspects. End of story.

The Arlen Studio is Conejo Valley's only luxury creative rental space, designed for photographers, content creators, and brands who are ready to show up like the real deal. With natural light, polished interiors, and a production-ready environment, it is a space built by photographers, for photographers. Memberships and hourly rentals are available.
Visit them at thearlenstudio.com or find them on Instagram to learn more.

The Arlen Studio
31364 Via Colinas, Bldg. 16 Suite 105
Westlake Village, CA 91362