Welcome to a space between dream and reality, mind and matter.
For one weekend only at Spook Empire, Studio Shay transforms into The Velvet Room.
About our Booth
Step inside The Velvet Room: a limited-run portrait experience created exclusively for Spooky Empire. Inspired by Victorian parlors, gothic elegance, and the theatrical world of dark fantasy, this booth transforms your convention look into a character worthy of the Monster Compendium. An interactive filed guide for the event weekend.
This installation also supports a cause close to our hearts. For every session fee, and every print order, Studio Shay donates $1 to the Trevor Project, helping fund life-saving resources for LGBTQ+ youth. In the Velvet Room, your portrait becomes part of something bigger than the shadows.
The parlor room
A Victorian Gothic chamber suspended somewhere between decadence and déjà vu. Shadows curl around carved wood and velvet drapery, as if the room itself is listening. At its center sits the gold velvet porter chair-regal, imposing, and just a little too eager to know your secrets. Step inside, take your seat, and let the parlor decide what version of you emerges.
The grove
A haunted forest where the moon never quite sits still. Branches twist like they're whispering names, and the fog rolls in with intentions of its own. This is a refuge for creatures who thrive after dusk: feral, elegant, or somewhere in between. Wander deeper if you dare; The Grove remembers every visitor, even the ones who try to leave quietly.
How it works
Step 1
Sign the Contract. Step across the threshold with a $25 session fee to open the door to your chosen set. Seekers of deeper insight may claim dual set access, granting passage to both The Parlor Room and The Grove.
Dual Set Access
$50
Step 2
Assemble Your Party. Choose your path: The Parlor Room or The Grove. Sessions accommodate groups up to four.
Your fate must be
decided at booking
Step 3
Manifest Your Rewards. Your session includes 1 high-resolution digital download of your choice per set, viewable through your personal gallery. Love them all? You can easily upgrade to our full digital gallery, order Tear & Share prints, or obtain the Monster Compendium to keep record of your journey.
More details
coming soon
Manifested Upgrades
Turn your portraits into mementos! More prints, complete archives, eternal memories.
The Monster Compendium
The Monster Compendium is a bound archive awaiting your discoveries. The interactive booklet invites you to collect, trade, and inscribe your portraits as you shape your Velvet Room legend.
$15
The Physical Manifestation
Physical Manifestations are fragments of your tale made tangible. These Tear & Share prints are designed for trading, and collecting, allowing your story to pass from one seeker to another.
$5 each or 5 for $20
The Portrait Compendium
Receive the complete set of digital files from your session. Perfect for sharing across the digital realm. Your gallery will stay live for 14 days for easy downloading and safekeeping.
$30
The velvet room queue system
01.Claim Your Arcana
Visit the Studio Shay booth early to lock in your session. Our team will hand you a physical Tarot Card lanyard sealed with a designated return time sticker. No endless lines, no wasted con time.
the contract has been signed
02.Explore the Realm
Once you have your card, you are free. Go wander Spooky Empire, check out the horror vendors, hit your favorite panels, or fix your cosplay. Your portrait spot is strictly guaranteed and completely safe with us.
time is ticking
03.Heed the Calling
Check the precise hour stamped on the back of your Tarot sleeve. When your designated time arrives, make your way back to the Studio Shay booth. Please note: To respect everyone's con time, your guaranteed "skip-the-line" window expires at the end of your hour. Keep a close eye on the clock, travelers!
tarot cards are limited
04.Enter the Velvet Room
Hand your lanyard over to our Velvet Room attendant at the front desk to initiate your session. If you arrive within your designated hour, you'll be fast-tracked right into the room. If you happen to miss your window, do not panic-your contract is still valid! However, you will be placed into our Standby Queue, and we will slide you into the booth at the next available opening between on-time guests.
A note on Delayed Destiny
We know the convention floor is chaotic and time loops happen. If you miss your priority hour, your session fee is non-refundable, but your portrait is still guaranteed. You won't lose your money; you'll just lose your priority spot and will need to wait in our Standby line until a vacancy opens up.
Sign the Contract.
The Velvet Room is waiting.
FAQ
How long does a session take?
Most sessions take just a few minutes. You'll get access to your digital gallery as soon as it's uploaded, typically within 24 hours.
I visited the Velvet Room yesterday. Do I need to pay again?
Yes. Each Velvet Room session is its own experience, and the session fee applies to that individual visit. Galleries are created separately for each session.
What is included with my session?
Base sessions include:
- Your photo experience at our booth. Choose between The Parlor Room set or the The Grove set. You're welcome to use both if your tier includes dual set access.
- Access to your online gallery for 14 days. Download your images anytime during the active gallery window.
- One digital image download.
Upgrades are available at the sales counter and standard prints can be purchased through your gallery store front.
Can I bring friends?
Yes! But keep in mind that our experience is structured for singles, duos or groups up to 4 per session fee. If you'd like larger group pictures, you may inquire for after-hours pricing.
Do you offer prints on the spot?
Check back for updates
Can I get the full gallery?
Yes. The All Inclusive option gives you every image plus the full printed set (10 prints).
What if I'm in cosplay?
Perfect! This booth is designed for cosplayers, and creators who want clean, flattering portraits.
How do I receive my digital photos?
Your gallery is delivered instantly by email. It will be up for 30 days from the final day of the event.
What kind of payments do you accept?
We accept tap, swipe, chip, and cash. Fast and simple.
Are refunds available?
All sales are final. If you miss your time, your session is still guaranteed through the standby queue
