BY: MOHAMMAD AFSHARFAR

Stockton’s creative community has a local space to bring ideas to life. Alto Studios, founded by Javier Aranda in 2025, is a content production studio offering photography, videography, website creation, and other creative services for businesses, influencers, artists, and community members. For Javier, opening Alto Studios was the result of nearly a decade of experience and a passion for photography and videography.

From a Family Business to a Creative Studio.

Javier’s entrepreneurial journey began long before Alto Studios. Growing up around his family’s tortilla business helped him develop the skills and mindset that eventually inspired him to build something of his own. That experience showed him just how much creative talent exists in the area.

“I really love videography and photography,” Javier said. The skills that I learned from my family business really instilled in me the desire to create something for myself. I understood that there are a lot more people than just me who do the same thing, he said.

His connection to Stockton’s creative community became even stronger while working from an office at Huddle, where he met local photographers, videographers, models, and other creatives. After operating a smaller photography studio, Javier saw an opportunity to create a larger professional space that could serve not only his own business but the broader creative community.

Keeping Creative Resources Local.

One of Javier’s main goals with Alto Studios is to give Stockton creators and businesses access to professional production resources without having to travel outside the region. My objective is just to give the local community a real production studio that they’re able to utilize where they don’t have to travel to the Bay Area or LA,” Javier explained. They can stay at home and have the same resources and access as everyone else does. Alto Studios officially opened under its current name in July 2025, although Javier previously operated the space under the name VXJ. Altogether, he has been involved in photography, videography, and creative production for nearly 10 years.

Herder is passionate about his business: I feel like our shop is very welcoming when you come in; you want to just sit down, hang out, look around, and chat with us…We’re really big on conversating with our clients and making them feel like they’re family versus just a dollar sign.

More Than a Photography Studio.

Alto Studios offers a wide range of creative and marketing services. Businesses can work with the studio on website design and creation, monthly content packages, reels, photography, video production, and other marketing needs. The studio also offers professional headshots, birthday photo shoots, creative shoots, and brand photography. Services can be provided inside the studio or on location, depending on the client’s needs.

Javier also makes the studio available to other photographers, videographers, models, businesses, and creators who need a professional space for their own projects.

Making Professional Studio Space Accessible.

For creators who simply need access to the space, Alto Studio offers hourly studio rentals.

Standard studio rental is $100 per hour. Alto Studios also offers a $59 Creator Pass, which includes one hour of studio time and membership benefits, including 50% off future studio bookings.

For Javier, the idea is about more than operating a production company. It is about building a creative resource that supports the people already creating and growing businesses in Stockton. By providing professional production resources locally, Alto Studios is helping Stockton’s businesses and creators turn their ideas into content—right here in their own community.

A Must Visit During Your Next Downtown Stroll 

  The Golden Rose Barbershop is easily one of the coolest, most vintage barbershops here in Downtown Stockton, where you can get elsewhere. From the jazzy, cool walk-in experience to exiting the shop sharp & clean, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a new barbershop. Check out the historic spot & book your appointment today!

📸 Book Here 📸

Information

📍Address: 526 E Main St, Stockton, CA 95202

📅Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 1:00PM – 8:00PM

📲Phone Number: 209-689-8443

📸Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/altostudiios@thegoldenrosebarbershop