Levi’s Photo Workshop NYC, in Soho

Interior of Levi's Photo Workshop a group of students gather around computer monitors while another group sets up equipment in the background

The Levi's Photo Workshop could be the least-hyped coolest thing going on in the New York City right now. Located on Wooster Street in the–instant nostalgia alert!–former Deitch gallery space, the Levi's Photo Workshop has so much photography-related, totally-free goodness that it's almost a bit overwhelming. We went once just to take it all in, and have since returned (and will return again) to try and take full advantage of everything going on here. The exhibitions and events change almost daily–check out the calender here–but even the everyday features, and all that freely available equipment, are pretty awesome. 

Inside the Levi's Photo Workshop an open studio with lights and backdrop set-up for photographing

For example, the Levi's Photo Workshop in Soho has state-of-the-art printers that you can use at any time to print out whatever you want. And not just regular 8.5 x 11 printers either (though there are at least five of those). There is also an incredible Zazzle large-format printer (like, two-feet across huge) AND an incredibly sharp apparel printer, also by Zazzle. Both are completely free and, the few times we've been there, the waiting time has been remarkably short. And there's a table full of brand-new iMacs ready for you to upload. 

Levi's Photo Workshop students gather around work stations, a background of photos on wall

Also really cool? The Levi's Photo Workshop has an on-site, ready-to-use, totally free studio space complete with a giant Profoto reflector, a windup 12 x 20 silk backdrop, a make-up table AND you can borrow one of their high-end digital Leica S2's to use for your shoot. Just stop by the Workshop to reserve a time, and show up ready to be dazzling. The Levi's Photo Workshop will also let you borrow one of 30 vintage film cameras (complete with film), or one of their Leica digitals, and just go wander the streets of Soho (and beyond) for up to 24 hours, shooting to your heart's content. Again: this is free; just be prepared to give a $100 deposit. 

The camera borrowing station at the Levi's Photo Workshop a table and shelves filled with various cameras

There are plenty of staffers on hand at the Levi's Photo Workshop to help you with all of the above; just don't be cowed by their good looks, large beards, and achingly hip clothing. And even if you don't feel like dealing with a big photography project right now, you should still stop by and hang out and watch a photoshoot and see all of the pictures everyone's left behind and pose three dozen times in front of the best-quality "photobooth" (yup, it's free) we've ever seen. 

A wall full of various photographs including photo booth images at the Levi's Photo Workshop

Levi's Photo Workshop NYC Details 

The Levi's Photo Workshop is located on Wooster Street between Grand and Canal Streets, and is open friom now until December 18 on Tuesdays from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m., and Wednesdays to Fridays from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Closed Mondays. Also closed Thanksgiving weekend, from Thursday November 25 through Monday Novemer 29. For loys more information, please see the Levi's Photo Workshop website. 

A photographer sets up a model, another seated on the couch and two at a Mac station at the Levi's Photo Workshop

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