Whether you need to update your headshots for a swanky new website, or want to have a professional group photo taken with your team, there are plenty of reasons why you might need to hire a photo studio. If you're not sure where to start and need some help finding the perfect venue, keep on scrolling. We've got answers to all your burning questions, plus the most important things to consider before going ahead and booking a studio for a photoshoot.
Hiring a photo studio offers you a professional setting that you won't find elsewhere, complete with everything you need to capture slick, high-quality shots. You'll also gain access to the expertise of professional photographers, who will tell you how to sit, pose, and help you feel natural in front of the camera. Of course, you could hire a professional photographer to shoot your pics outdoors, or in public, but when you take yourselves out of the controlled environment of a photo studio, you don’t have the guaranteed consistency that you would in a dedicated space.
More than just a room filled with cameras, photo studios come in all different shapes and sizes. You might want something modern and stream-lined, with bright white walls and stools fit for candid headshots, or prefer something luxe against the backdrop of a grand building. London is filled with unique locations if you're interested in a backdrop bursting with character.
The best part is that you’ll have control over the set up, and get to have your say when it comes to the props, lighting and much more. While photo studios do come at a cost, you might find that booking one is a lot more cost effective than organising a shoot on location, for example. Either way, you can guarantee some stellar shots at the end of it all, providing photos that will hopefully last you years to come.
If we’ve managed to successfully convince you that hiring a photo studio is the right fit for you, then keep reading our guide to ensure success.
What to consider when hiring a photo studio
There’s a lot to consider when hiring a photo studio, so you’ll need to do a bit of research before booking, in order to compare each one. First and foremost, it’s important to think about your travel, and how you intend on getting there. If you’re going to be dragging around a lot of luggage with various outfits and props, then you'll probably want to find a venue near where you’re based.
Check what's included in the hire price before you book. Does it include any equipment in the hire fee, or will you have to rent extra bits and pieces before you turn up? Typically, photography studio hire will include a basic set of props, such as stools to sit on and a change of backdrops, but this can vary at each venue. While there are some photo studios that allow you to bring in your own photographer, most include the expertise of a professional photographer, who will be on hand throughout your session.
Often, your booking will include a set amount of prints or digital files, and may even include a set amount of time for your session – so it’s worth clarifying these before your visit.
You’ll want to consider accessibility, too – if you’re armed with lots of equipment, have guests with accessibility requirements or little ones in tow, you may want to go for a photo studio that has easy access. If you’ve got a lot of shots to get through, or could use a helping hand, you may also be able to add on additional crew to help with your session.
How to book a photo studio for a shoot
Check out these key considerations before hiring a photo studio to ensure you pick the right one. From choosing the venue itself, to briefing team members ahead of the big day, these top tips are worth knowing to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Create a plan for your session
Without getting too far ahead of yourself with planning outfits, booking a photo studio and ordering props, you'll want to get to grips with what it is you're trying to achieve. By creating a rough plan for your session, you'll understand your needs better, and find a photo studio that is perfect for you. This plan will also be a huge help on the big day, allowing you to flow through your schedule more efficiently.
By taking a look online at inspiration havens such as Pinterest and Instagram, and making a moodboard of the kind of photos you’re trying to achieve, you’ll have something to refer to when it comes to your booking. We’d recommend doing this step ahead of finding the perfect venue (unless you’ve fallen totally in love with somewhere, and are basing your shoot around the setting), so that you know exactly what you want and need.
Find the dream photo studio
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A grand backdrop: 10-11 Carlton House Terrace offers a stunning canvas for photographic location hire
There are many different kinds of photo studios out there, so you just need to narrow down what is most important to you. If accessibility is a big deal, then look for somewhere near to home, or with great transport links, but if you’d rather a space that stands out amongst the crowd, rule out the typical modern studios, and head for somewhere a bit more special. You’ll want to consider your budget, the dates you want to shoot on, and the size of your crew – all of these things will help you narrow down your choices.
Ensure you have the right equipment
Upon discussing your needs with your photographer, and having the chance to use your moodboard as reference, you’ll have a better understanding of what equipment you need to get your hands on. Talk in as much depth as possible with your photographer and any crew, so that you can decide on the right cameras, lighting equipment and backdrops, and make a list of the props that you need to bring along. It’s a good idea to ensure as much of this is done in advance as possible, as you don’t want to be running around on the morning of your session.
Brief your models and team
![Model at photoshoot]()
Your models may simply be your friends and family, and going for a more relaxed, this-is-how-we-live-every-day feel. But, if you’re looking to stick to a more rigid brief, with your whole team of colleagues, or create a beautiful lookbook for a new product range, then you’ll want to discuss your vision with your models and team ahead of time.
Start off by giving them a run through of the day, with details on timings, breaks, and how you expect them to be dressed and prepared by certain points. This will ensure that your day runs smoothly, and you’re not left waiting for anyone when the time comes to get going.
Enjoy your session
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The London Transport Museum boasts tons of buses and carriages that can be hired for filming and photography
Once the big day arrives, hopefully you’ve crossed the t's and dotted the i's, and can just enjoy the experience. You may have to carve out a few moments for any last minute changes, but with clever planning ensured, you’ll have most things under control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to hire a photo studio?
The cost of photo studios really varies, and this is down to a number of factors. If you’re choosing a high tech, all singing, all dancing photo studio in the heart of London, then you’ll be paying a premium. If you’re working on a budget, then you may be wise to look closer to home, and at smaller set ups. Many photo studios charge by the hour, and this can range anywhere from £10 per hour, to £300. Whether or not you want to include equipment, a photographer, packages and helping staff will significantly alter the cost of your booking, so be mindful as to what’s included.
Will I get better photos in a photo studio?
It totally depends on your taste, needs, and budget, as to whether you’ll get better photographs in a photo studio, versus outdoors or at home. Photo studios are set up to harmoniously pair natural lighting with high tech equipment, and have been set up in a fashion that ensures top notch snaps. While at home you’ll feel comfortable, and outdoors get the presence of natural sunlight, you won’t get to control the elements, or the environment around you, in the way that you can in a photo studio.
Why not expand your creative horizons and take your photoshoot outside? Take a look at these amazing venues you didn't know you could hire for some photographic inspiration.