Working in a professional photography studio can hugely improve the quality of your photographs and your clients satisfaction. It provides a safe environment in which to work, with all of the equipment necessary to capture your images.
Photography studios, such as Silo Studios in Warwickshire, also have amenities which make photo shoots more comfortable. This includes changing areas, bathroom facilities, kitchen, viewing gallery and sitting areas. These amenities make the shoot more enjoyable for the photographer, models, assistants, and your client.
To help you choose the right photography studio, we will guide you through several tips on studio hire.
Location
When it comes to photography studio hire, location is one of the most important considerations. Ideally, the location can be easily accessible from your place of business, and your clients.
Ideally, the studio should be near major roads, and public transport routes. If your clients often fly in, it should also be within a short drive of local airports. Silo Studios is just off the M40 and only a short 15 minute car journey to Birmingham Airport. Warwick Parkway train station means London is only just over an hour away.
It’s also important to check that the studio has private parking, which is particularly important if you are brining in a lot of photographic equipment and/or items/props.
The studio should also be close to accommodation or hotels, so models and clients have a comfortable location to stay before-and-after the shoot. The ideal photography studio hire option will also be near some excellent restaurants, bars and cafes - there is plenty of access to this in nearby Warwick, Leamington Spa, Stratford upon Avon, or even Coventry and Birmingham.
Amenities
The quality of the amenities offered by businesses providing photo studio hire in can vary greatly. High end studios may offer free parking, kitchen facilities, relaxation areas, showers, toilets, air conditioning, makeup chairs, and open plan designs.
Consider the kinds of amenities that your clients and models may need to enjoy the photo shoot. Remember that the more comfortable they are during the shoot, the more likely it is that they will become repeat customers.
Equipment
Most photo studios in the Midlands will offer photographers some equipment for their shoot. However, the types of equipment available can vary. Professional studios may offer:
Photographic lights (backlights, split lights, broad lights, flat lights)
Lighting gels
Additional lighting stands and rigging
Lamps
Several pieces of furniture
Multiple wall surfaces (bricks, cement, painted, wood)
Paper roll backdrops (coloured and wallpaper)
Outfits
Hair/Makeup stations
Blackout blinds for windows
Service
Photographers tend to focus on technical aspects when choosing a photographic studio. However, a studio’s customer service is an important factor to consider.
Is the business friendly and accommodating to your needs? What happens if a lighting rig fails or the power goes out — are they easy to reach and able to address any problems? Is the studio willing to offer advice on using the studio’s equipment or product selection?
A simple way to determine the quality of a studios customer service is by reading their online reviews on Facebook and Google My Business, for example. Reputable studios will also be more than happy to answer any pre-booking questions that you may have.
Size
If you are planning a large photo shoot with many models in frame simultaneously or a large number of supporting team members, you may need a larger space. Professional photo studios will be able to tell you the exact size of each studio and how many people they can safely accommodate.
Price
The price of photo studio hire in London ranges greatly. You must determine if the value that the studio provides is worth the investment. An alternative is to look outside London, and a reputable studio based in the Midlands (with accessibly links to London) may well be the answer.
Contact us at Silo Studios for a no obligation free quote today!