Whether you’re a photographer, content creator, filmmaker, or production company, hiring a photography studio offers a level of control, flexibility, and professionalism that’s hard to beat. But, that doesn’t mean finding and picking the right one for you is always a breeze.
There are quite a few logistics to manage, account for, and more which can make it seem like a bit of a nightmare. It doesn’t need to be with a location agency designed to meet your needs. Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
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Why a Studio Hire Can Be Better Than Shooting On-Location
If you are deciding whether to shoot in a studio or on location, it can be beneficial to think about your requirements. We have broken down some considerations below -
Controlled Environment & Consistent Lighting
As beautiful as outdoor environments can be, they’re also unpredictable. Weather, shifting daylight, and ambient noise can throw off your entire shoot. A studio, on the other hand, gives you total control over every variable, including lighting, background, sound, and overall ambience.
You can rely on a range of lights to create perfect, consistent lighting, making it a much better approach for the likes of headshots, fashion, product, and commercial work.
Privacy, Comfort, & Professionalism
A studio offers a private, distraction-free environment. You wouldn’t need to worry about curious bystanders, street noise, or unexpected noises. You, your crew, and talent can focus on putting your creative vision together.
For clients, talent, collaborators, and models, that privacy communicates professionalism, which can then help to build confidence and trust in your services. It’s also a much more comfortable option to take, as studios will have quality seating and similar areas to enjoy during a shoot.
Efficiency, Gear, & Logistics Made Simple
Professional studio hire often includes access to high-end gear, like lighting rigs, backdrops, props, and grip equipment. You don’t need to worry about transporting everything yourself, saving you a lot of time and hassle, especially if you don’t have access to a vehicle large enough to transport everything.
A studio can also combine multiple functions in one space, including makeup and prep, shooting, wardrobe, rest areas, and even basic facilities like a kitchen and wi-fi access. You can streamline your workflow without needing to add to your overheads.
Versatility & Creative Range
Whether you’re shooting a simple portrait, a fashion editorial, a product catalogue, or a film sequence, studios are adaptable and versatile. Many offer:
- Infinity coves/sync walls for seamless backgrounds;
- Green-screen/background options for composite work or creative effects;
- Blackout or controlled-light rooms for dramatic or moody shoots, and;
- Modular set-building space for larger productions, group shoots, or photo and video combinations.
This versatility lets photographers, and even videographers, turn their ideas into reality. There should be more than enough room to play around and create something spectacular, no matter what your vision is.
What to Look for When Hiring a Photography Studio
As great as photography studios can be, it doesn’t mean all of them will be as beneficial to your creative project as others. You’ll need to pick the right studio for your needs. While this varies from project to project, focusing on the right factors when making your decision should make this a breeze.
1. Size, Space & Layout
Larger projects involving multiple models or talent will inherently need more space than simpler projects involving just one person, like taking headshots. Have a rough idea of how much space you’ll need, and add a little bit extra so you’ve a bit of breathing room to play around with.
For more complicated shoots, you could also need to keep the layout in mind. It’s one thing knowing a space has a few thousand square feet to use, but it’s another issue entirely if the layout breaks it all up into smaller, awkward spaces. With simpler shoots, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
2. Lighting & Background Options
Ideally, a studio should offer various lighting setups so you can create the perfect atmosphere for your shoot. Softboxes, strobes, continuous reflectors, modifiers, and more can all be a part of this. There should also be enough power, rigging points, and ceiling clearance to mount any lighting equipment you need.
Backdrop flexibility should also be a part of this. While the need for these varies depending on the creative project, you should at least have access to neutral, seamless backgrounds, colored backdrops, textured walls, infinity walls, green screens, and painted walls to provide a little versatility.
If your shoot benefits from natural light, check for large windows, skylights, or daytime-friendly spaces. But, make sure they can be controlled with the likes of drapes and blackout curtains to avoid inconsistent lighting.
3. Amenities & Comfort
Long shoots can always benefit from having more than just a ‘shooting room.’ You and your crew will need a few amenities throughout the shoot so you can get through it comfortably. When you’re comparing options, look for what kind of amenities are on offer.
Some of the more notable ones to focus on include:
- Changing Rooms and Makeup/Styling Areas
- Restrooms/Washrooms
- Lounge or Seating Areas for Crew and Talent
- Parking or Loading Access
- Reliable Air Conditioning and Power
Some studios might go out of their way to offer more unique amenities and comforts, but it’s worth making sure you've got the basics out of the way first. It makes sure you, your crew, and talent are as comfortable as possible during the shoot.
4. Accessibility & Logistics
The logistics of a shoot can often be irritating, which is why you’re always worth focusing on how accessible a photography studio is for you and your crew. You could need to pay attention to various factors with this, like:
- Proximity to transport links.
- Parking availability for cars, vans, or equipment trucks.
- Loading and unloading access for any equipment you bring.
- Nearby amenities for crew breaks.
Then there could be any unique logistical issues your specific project could have. Focus on this and then branch outward so you can make sure you’ve the most accessible location possible for your project’s needs.
5. Noise Control & Privacy
If you’re shooting video, noise will be a major factor to focus on. Studios with sound-proofing and acoustic treatments are always worth focusing on, but options in quieter locations where there isn’t a lot of noise can always be considered, too. This helps to make sure there aren’t any external noises in your footage.
Privacy can also be a significant factor in this, especially if you’re working on any brand-specific work and celebrity work. This also gives clients a more comfortable, distraction-free environment.
6. Booking Flexibility
Your project might only take a few hours, but there’s always the possibility that it’ll span multiple days. Go for photography studios that offer booking flexibility so you only need to pay for the time you actually need the studio. This makes the shoot a lot more cost-effective, avoiding the need to pay for time you don’t need.
Then there’s last-minute shoots, where this kind of flexibility can always be an advantage. Not many options offer flexibility with this without a significant fee, so look for ones that do.
How to Work With a Location Agency (& Why It Helps)
That's where a location agency comes in. Options like Locations Direct help you in more than a few ways, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t benefit from working with them. They offer:
- Access to a Wide Database - Location agencies have hundreds of vetted locations you can filter through to find the perfect fit for your needs.
- Save Time and Admin - Instead of spending hours having back and forths with different photography studios, you can sort it quickly through the platform.
- Hybrid Support - Location agencies provide support when issues come up. You mightn’t need these, but they’re great for when you do.
- Saving You Money - You can compare similar options on the platform based on price, helping you save money on studios that are practically identical.
This makes the logistical side of sorting out most of your creative projects noticeably easier and less time-consuming moving forward.
Pro Tips for Your Next Photography Studio Hire
Once you’ve gone through the process of hiring a photography studio, you’ll want to make sure you get as much out of it as possible. Using a few tips and tricks helps with this, and there’s no reason why the shoot shouldn’t go well. These include:
- Book well in advance to make sure you get the studio you want.
- Try to check the noise level (if also recording video) and privacy ahead of time.
- Plan out the logistics and amenities properly, especially for longer shoots.
- Have a backup plan in case anything goes wrong.
- Keep documentation on-hand for when you need it, if you need it.
By booking the right photography studio and keeping these tips in mind, there’s no reason why your shoot shouldn’t go well.
Use Locations Direct Today
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to find, book, and use your next photography studio, choose Locations Direct today. With a wide selection of photography studios to pick from, hybrid customer support, and flexible booking options, we’re here to work with you on all of your booking needs. Get in touch today.