A new Pride photo pop up wants to put you inside the art

A new immersive art experience is arriving at Somerville’s Bow Market this June. Starting June 5, photographer Amanda Macchia will launch Saturated, a Pride-inspired pop-up photo studio designed to transform the traditional photo strip into a Technicolor event.

An Immersive Editorial Experience

Located on the second floor of Bow Market between Amantolli and Nook cocktail bar, the 9-by-18-foot space is designed to mimic a professional film or photo studio. Macchia describes the concept as a hybrid between an art gallery visit and a photo booth session.

The studio features a vibrant, color-drenched mural created by artist Lindsey Parker. This backdrop is complemented by a fiber arts piece from Somerville artist Quintin Marcus, known on social media as Yarnqueer, to create an effect Macchia likens to “walking into a rainbow.”

Did You Know? The Saturated studio is a precisely designed 9-by-18-foot space intended to feel like a professional film set, utilizing a mix of custom murals and fiber arts to create its immersive environment.

Accessibility and Offerings

While centered on a Pride theme, the studio is open to all visitors, including individuals, couples, families, and pets. Macchia intends for the space to serve as a “love letter to Pride” where professional photography is made accessible to a wider audience.

Pre-booked 30-minute sessions are available for $50, which includes a Polaroid and five professionally edited digital images. Walk-in sessions are priced at $65 for 15 minutes, while those wishing to explore the exhibit as spectators may enter for $15 to take their own selfies.

For industry professionals, the location transitions its purpose during the week. From Monday through Thursday, the studio is available for private rentals by content creators and other photographers.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that by blending a spectator-friendly gallery with tiered professional pricing, Saturated lowers the barrier to entry for high-end editorial photography. This model shifts the professional shoot from an exclusive luxury to a community-centric experience.

Celebrating Community Partnerships

In a collaborative effort to celebrate Pride, Saturated is partnering with Dearly Studio, a micro-wedding chapel located within Bow Market. On June 18, the two entities will provide free photo sessions and ceremonies to three LGBTQIA2S+ couples.

I Opened a Photo Studio and Here's What Nobody Tells You

Interested couples can enter for this giveaway through the Dearly Studio website at dearly.studio. Macchia emphasizes that the project is focused on creating joyful moments rather than financial gain.

Future Outlook

Given the focus on creative direction and joy, the pop-up may serve as a blueprint for future immersive collaborations between local artists in Somerville. The success of the private rental model during the week could potentially lead to more dedicated spaces for content creators in the area.

the partnership with Dearly Studio may suggest a possible next step toward more integrated celebratory events that combine legal or ceremonial milestones with professional art installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Saturated open to the public?
The studio is open Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 7 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., running through June.

How can I book a session or find more information?
Information and pre-bookings are available at studiobyamp.com/saturated.

What is included in the $50 pre-booked session?
The package includes a 30-minute session with a photographer, five professionally edited digital images, and a Polaroid to take home.

How do you feel immersive art experiences change the way we capture personal memories?