Planning A Junkyard Photoshoot: 10 Unique Venues & Ideas

Planning a junkyard photoshoot and need some fresh venues and ideas? Then you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’ll be showcasing a variety of ideas for making your shoot stand out. We also share some venue options courtesy of Peerspace, the world’s largest peer-to-peer marketplace for hourly venue rentals of all kinds. Let’s get to it.

1. Junkyard in the desert

Our first stop is in Joshua Tree and a classic junkyard out in the desert. This dynamic location features over 2 acres of scenic vistas, vintage cars, recreational vehicles, and a wide array of miscellaneous parts and junk. It’s perfect for someone planning a “Breaking Bad” inspired photoshoot or production. When you need to cool off between shots, there is a home on the property that can serve as a base of operations.

Booking with a short turnaround time? This Peerspace listing offers instant booking, so all you need to do is pick an open day on the schedule! Next thing you know, you’ll be communicating directly with the host and planning out your ultimate junkyard photoshoot.

2. Use contrast to make your subject stand out

One of the main reasons for planning a photoshoot in a junkyard is the ability to use the backdrop as a powerful contrasting image to your photo subject. Keeping your subject as clean, beautiful, and put together as possible while they’re contrasted with the run-down, rusty junk surrounding them will create lasting images. Use bright or loud colors to contrast with the earthy tones that you’ll find in a lot of the old cars and metal strewn about for even more effective contrasting.

3. Eastside yards in Nashville

You don’t have to be out near Hollywood to find a quality junkyard for production. Peerspace has options all over the United States and beyond. Take for example this former auto shop and junkyard in Nashville. This fantastic, affordable location has so much to work with including a body shop, trailers, rundown cars, and much more. To get an idea of all these features, take a look through some of the high-quality photos uploaded by the host, something you’ll find on all listings!

Conveniently located in East Nashville, it’s no wonder this spot is so popular among Peerspace community members in the area. While you’re checking this place out, be sure to read a few of the glowing reviews from creative professionals in the area who have tried out this dynamic spot!

Can you rent a warehouse for a day? You bet! Here’s how and where to do so!

4. Go black and white for a vintage look

One of the easiest ways to give your junkyard photos a true vintage look is by shooting in black and white. Old cars and other pieces of rusted metal will look even more classic and the limitation in colors will help you frame your photos more creatively.

5. Post-apocalyptic warzone vibes

If you’ve ever watched a zombie movie or a post-apocalyptic thriller, you’ve probably seen characters battling or hiding in a junkyard. Planning to have a bit of that angle for your junkyard photoshoot? You might want to check out a location like this post-apocalyptic trailer park warzone in Sun Valley, California! The massive, open-air space is great for acoustics, easy to access, and full of props from the nearby La Tuna Canyon fires of 2017. All of this comes together to create an atmosphere that really feels out of this world.

6. Pay homage to your favorite piece of post-apocalyptic fiction

Shooting in a post-apocalyptic warzone is the perfect opportunity to show off your cosplay or a tribute to a famous show or movie! You could also add another fun aspect by hiring someone to dress up in zombie makeup or as a post-apocalyptic raider.

7. Vintage home with a tropical junkyard vibe

Planning a junkyard photoshoot but would prefer the comforts of civilization? Then this unique private home in Eagle Rock with a tropical junkyard vibe might be more your speed. The entire property is filled to the brim with little knick-knacks and pieces of junk. It has a ton of character, as well as provide a multitude of unique shooting opportunities. Check this place out and come see for yourself why Peerspace community members in the area have made it one of the most popular shooting locations!

In the LA area? Then you need to see these abandoned houses you can rent in LA for more run-down fun!

8. Turn trash into treasure with a boho-chic aesthetic

You’ve probably heard that famous saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” a million times. But that doesn’t make it ring any less true! While for some cases, simply leaving everything put and getting moody junkyard pics is perfectly fine, you may be surprised by what you can find and create when you put your mind to it. Be on the lookout for the most colorful, eclectic items you can find, then try to arrange them in a way that creates a cohesive space for shooting. Or, bring paint and add a little dash of color yourself!

9. String up lights for a dazzling nighttime shoot

Shooting at a junkyard doesn’t necessarily mean you should limit yourself to daylight hours. While it’s much easier to get properly lit shots during the day, a junkyard at night provides a whole new layer of opportunities to work with. If you’re able, find places where you can put up string or fairy lights, this will create another chance for cool contrasting features during your photoshoot!

10. Estate on the edge of the world

Last, but not least, we have a secluded slice of land in Landers, California that will make you feel like you’re on the very edge of the world. The 15-acre property sits on the edge of Bureau of Land Management land, meaning you’ll have plenty of uninterrupted, untouched views to work with. Not only that, there’s also a converted junkyard, an old-school trailer, and much more for you to work with. This otherworldly property is all yours for only $100 an hour, book it today and see all your ideas for a junkyard shoot come to life!

Find unique photoshoot ideas on Peerspace