Everything you need to know when hiring a photography studio

Are you looking for a space where you can benefit from professional lighting equipment and have a blank canvas to get creative with? Whether you’re a beginner looking for a space to build your portrait portfolio or a professional in need of a venue for a specific shoot, our state-of-the-art photography studio is the ideal location. 

Nestled in the House of Photography in Covent Garden, our studio is a versatile space equipped with everything you need to get the best results. 

If you’re thinking about hiring a photo studio for the first time, here are some tips to get you started. We’ll also go through essential information so you can enjoy a smooth booking process and enjoy your time at the House of Photography studio to the max.

What do you need to take with you when hiring a photography studio?

There’s not really a one-size-fits-all answer to this — it really depends on the project you’re working on. 

Before you go ahead and book a session in a photography studio, it’s worth thinking about what you need for your shoot. From there, you can work out what the studio will already have and what you’ll need to bring.

When you hire our photography studio at the Fujifilm House of Photography, we generally recommend that you bring:

1. Your camera, lenses, and other accessories

You might feel most comfortable and confident using your trusted camera that you know like the back of your hand!

However, you can also hire selected models from our GFX and X Series ranges with our try-before-you-buy system. Don’t forget to bring spare batteries and memory cards for backup.

Learn more about our 48-hour try-before-you-buy camera loan system. 

2. Styling and set materials 

We recommend bringing along any costumes, props, or other decorative elements to create the aesthetic and atmosphere you’re after. 

We also have a range of creative backdrops you can use. Our Click Props Backdrops Motorised Roller systems offer 39 different backgrounds to suit an array of concepts. They are easy to use, so you can switch up the studio’s look with minimal hassle.

3. Planning and reference materials

It might be tempting to let the creativity flow and see what happens once you’re in the studio, but one of our biggest studio photography tips is to have a bit of a plan in place ahead of time. These might include:

• Brand guidelines, if you’re photographing for a client
• Notes on the shots or poses you’d like
• A moodboard for inspiration
• A full storyboard

Having this ready to go can help you maximise your studio hire time for a more enjoyable experience and successful results.

4. Snacks

It’s a good idea to bring lunch or snacks so you can take a break. At the House of Photography, we’re lucky to be located close to plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants if you want to pop out. 

Our studio also has a dedicated refreshment area, where you’ll have access to water and a coffee machine to keep you comfortable

5. Models, stylists, and team members

Make sure you have everyone you need for a smooth shoot. This might include models for portraits, a stylist to carry out hair and makeup, or an assistant to help with changing the setup between shots. 

We also recommend briefing any models or team members ahead of the session so everyone knows what to expect and you can get the ball rolling with the shoot as soon as possible.

What to expect when you hire the House of Photography Studio

If you’re thinking about booking some time at our studio, here are some key details so you can start planning your shoot.

How long can you hire the House of Photography studio for?

We generally offer half-day (4 hours) and full-day (8 hours) slots. However, if you need longer, we’re happy to have a chat and arrange extended hours. Feel free to take a look at our availability or get in touch to discuss your requirements.  

How big is the studio space?

You’ll be able to enjoy a generous 10m x 5m (544 square feet) of studio space, which is ample for many projects. As well as a dedicated refreshment area, the space includes a styling area. This is ideal for models getting ready, providing comfort and privacy with no disruption to your photography staging area.

What lighting is available? 

The studio is equipped with professional lighting setups so you can get the perfect conditions for your shoot. These include:

• Elinchrom One: Ideal for portraits and product photography.
  
  
• Elinchrom Three: Offers a little more power, making it a good choice for headshots, portraits, and product shoots where you want more control over the lighting.
  
  
• Elinchrom Five: When you need maximum flash power, this lighting is your best bet — it’s a great choice for fashion photography.

Take a look at our guide to mastering photography studio lighting for more advice.

Is the studio soundproofed?

The studio is tucked away in the basement of the FUJIFILM House of Photography, so you can enjoy peace and quiet. There’s also the option to completely soundproof the space and create a blackout space so you can have ultimate control over your lighting conditions.

If this is something you’d like, please speak with a member of our team, and we’ll be happy to help you get the setup you need.

How much does it cost to hire a photography studio?

We charge £350 for half-day studio hire and £600 for a full 8-hour slot.

Hire the FUJIFILM House of Photography studio

If you’re looking for a photography studio in London that has a full professional setup, please don’t hesitate to book a session at the FUJIFILM House of Photography. Our dedicated studio is a peaceful, well-equipped space that has everything you need to create high-quality images. 

Take a look at our availability to book your slot, and feel free to explore our blog for more studio photography tips and inspiration.