THE COLOR FACTORY: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO | MONDAY MEMOS | DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

THE COLOR FACTORY: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO | MONDAY MEMOS | DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Over the weekend, Jess Albins Events and I traveled to New York. We spent a day in NYC and soaked up as much of the city as we could in less than 24 hours. A few months ago, we heard that The Color Factory would be closing and we knew we could not miss an opportunity to tour the pop-up inspired museum. We found the only day we had in February, marked it off our calendars, and snagged tickets.

Jess and I quickly decided to make a full day of it. We left early to add in a few other spots that would make the day an experience. This meant grabbing brunch at the “pink as fuck” Pietro Nolita, stopping by a few murals for photos, our visit to The Color Factory, evening tea at Cha Cha Matcha, and an impromptu side trip to Philly for Geno’s Steaks on the way home. It was an exhilarating day from start to finish. I wouldn’t trade a minute of it!

FIVE FUN TIPS

Back to The Color Factory! I know that many of you are here for the photos and tips. So, let’s get to it! Without further ado, here are a few tips that Jess and I think will help when you visit!

ONE | GET YOUR TICKETS ONLINE

We purchased our tickets a few weeks out, online. Between demand and availability-this one is super important. You cannot purchase tickets at The Color Factory. Tickets are also purchased by time-slot to ensure that guests are staggered within the museum. Jess and I suggest getting your tickets a few weeks in advance. The Color Factory has decided to stay open a few months longer, so you can experience this greatness until mid-May.

TWO | WEAR SOLIDS

One of the hardest parts of preparing for this adventure was figuring out what to wear! It was a battle between neutrals and colors for me as I wanted to stand out, but also wanted to be comfortable. Many people advised me to wear neutrals, all black, or just to rock the sequined studded color like I normally would. I ultimately went with an all black outfit and a metallic rose gold jacket. My advice having been through it? Wear whatever you want-as long as it’s solid! I saw some beautiful all red or all yellow jumpers mixed in with guests who wore all white. Next time I go, I’m going to go head-to-toe pink… just you wait!

THREE | GO SMALL + TAKE YOUR TIME

Of course when taking part in something like this, you will want to share that with a friend. I highly recommend going with one, maybe two, people. The rooms in the exhibit are small and you don’t go through alone. There are around 10-15 people in your group and they are all equally excited about getting their photos. Mix a group of children into the bunch and things can get a little overwhelming as you try to get those IG drool-worthy snaps.

Going in smaller groups can make it easier for you to move through, as well as not backing up the rooms for those coming in. Try to stay behind the kiddos if they are in large groups and consume the space. You aren’t being forced through and can spend as much time in the room, with respect, as you would like. It IS really small, it’s easy to get excited, and it can be hard to utilize the photo booth provided with guests running in front of you.

FOUR | BE OUR OWN PHOTOGRAPHER

Perhaps one of the only disappointing parts of the museum was the photo booth option. When you arrive, you receive a card to scan during your tour. This allows you to use the photo booth in select rooms to take your picture. Jess and I were excited about this one, as we went alone and it would enable us to have a few photos of us together. While we were both snapping away on our phones, we still utilized the booth option like crazy. In one room in particular, you even get the opportunity to spin on a wheel of color to make a Boomerang.

Upon receiving our photos, we were bummed. Hardly any were in focus. Some rooms tell you where to stand, where others do not. The photo booth areas are also not regulated, so you end up with a lot of people walking in front of you. We also did not receive many of the photos toward the end of our day, but another guest’s photos instead. All this to say–do NOT rely on the cameras inside. Grab a charging bank for your phone and go to town. Your photos will be way better!

FIVE | MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT

As you are about to finish up your 16 room escape with The Color Factory, you are given tools to start all over again. Colors within the exhibit are based on colors taken from NYC as inspiration. You’re given a guide toward the end of the tour that highlights places around the city you can continue your experience. This includes special manicures you can request, things to see, places to eat, and of course-LOTS MORE COLOR. If you are heading to New York City for a weekend, this is the perfect way to fill it.

AND NOW… PHOTOS!

(To see the full day, head over to @ashtonkelleyphotography and check out my IG story highlights!)

JACKET | ROBINHILL BRAND