Capture. Create. Elevate.

Studio Eleven is a premier creative production space in the heart of Richmond’s Arts District, designed for photographers, filmmakers, podcasters, and brands who want an elevated, inspiring environment to create. With two fully equipped studios, a podcast suite, professional lighting setups, and curated sets, Studio Eleven is built by a creative — for creatives.

Studio Eleven was built to provide an inspiring, accessible, and professional environment where creatives can produce their best work. Our mission is simple:

Give creators the space, tools, and atmosphere to bring ideas to life at the highest level.

Our Purpose

Studio Eleven was created by Ryan Johnson — Photographer, Creative Director, Air Force Veteran, and Entrepreneur. With over a decade in photography, videography, brand content, and visual storytelling, Ryan crafted the studio he always wished existed.

The name Studio Eleven carries deep meaning. Ryan’s mother chose the number 11 for him in high school, a number that continued to appear throughout his life—from meaningful moments to personal milestones. After her passing on Christmas morning 2012, the number became a symbol of her continued presence.

 Studio Eleven is built in her honor — a space she would be proud of.

Our Story

Meet the Founders

A man smiling and showing a bright expression, wearing a black baseball cap with a New York Yankees logo, an orange T-shirt with the text 'TRUST IN YOUR VSN', and lifting his T-shirt to reveal the message.

Ryan Johnson is a photographer, videographer, creative director, and entrepreneur with 10+ years of experience in visual storytelling. His work includes portraits, branding, lifestyle visuals, events, production direction, and content creation for businesses, athletes, churches, and families.

 He leads the photography team at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church and has built multiple creative ventures, including Beyond Athletics and KlassikShot Photography.

 Studio Eleven is the culmination of his passion for creativity, community, and providing a home for Richmond creatives.

Derisa Joyner is a marketing and operations professional with 10+ years of experience across agency, corporate retail, and advertising environments. Her background includes leading multi-channel brand campaigns, retail media initiatives, and creative programs for partners such as Lowe’s, Family Dollar, Belk, Unilever, Coca-Cola, P&G, L’Oréal, Maybelline, and Kimberly-Clark.

She specializes in bringing structure to creative work—bridging strategy, operations, and client experience to make projects run smoothly from concept to execution.

Studio Eleven reflects her passion for organized, thoughtful storytelling and creating a space where families and brands can capture meaningful moments with ease.

Our Studio Spaces

A living room with a brown leather sofa, white pillows, a cowhide rug, a tall green plant, a wooden side table, and wall art of Africa. Part of a wooden and glass door is visible.

The Emerald Lounge

A styled creative space featuring an emerald accent wall, 86” backdrop system, professional lighting, posing props, and a full makeup station. Includes a kitchenette, steamer, and lounge seating.

 Best for: portraits, branding, lifestyle, beauty, content creators.

Photography studio setup with a white backdrop, a softbox light, a rolling cart with a laptop, and a wooden floor, illuminated by natural light from a window.

The City View Loft

A large, industrial-inspired space featuring a 12x10 cyc wall, 107” backdrop system, movable arch set, hardwood floors, and southwest-facing windows offering natural golden-hour light.

 Best for: commercial productions, fashion, music videos, e-commerce, large sets.

The Pod

A multi-set podcast suite built for 1–4 guests with professional audio gear and customizable looks.

 

Best for: podcasts, interviews, conversational video content, audio recordings, webinars, e-courses.

What Clients Can Expect

Clients can expect:

  • A clean, upscale, professional studio

  • Fully equipped tools for both photo & video

  • Beautiful natural light and carefully designed sets

  • A comfortable, welcoming atmosphere- Flexibility for small shoots and large productions

  • A space designed to inspire

Community & Vision

Our Commitment to Creatives

 Studio Eleven is more than a studio — it’s a community hub.

 We plan to offer:

  • Creative workshops

  • Networking events

  • Collaboration opportunities

  • Youth & student programs

  • Educational experiences for new and growing creatives

 

Our long-term vision is to build Richmond’s go-to creative home for photography, production, and content creation of all kinds.