How to choose a photography studio in London

Picking a photo studio looks simple until you compare three listings and find three different ways of pricing, three different kit lists and three different ideas of what "a day" means. This guide walks through the choices that matter, so you can enquire about the right space first time.

Start with the look you need

Cyc or infinity cove. A curved wall that blends into the floor, so the background seems to go on forever. It is the standard choice for product shots, fashion and clean e-commerce work. Check the size of the cove against your widest shot. Soif Studios in Hackney, for example, lists an infinity-cove studio of 5.5 by 6 metres.

Paper backdrops and colour. Seamless paper rolls (or Colorama, a well-known brand of backdrop paper) let you change colour between set-ups. KITSCH Studio in Tottenham lists 10ft paper backdrops; Crack Studio 114 in Hackney includes a white cove or Colorama.

Blackout. If you are lighting everything yourself, a room you can make fully dark gives you control. Crack Studio 114 describes itself as a blackout studio, and Arch Photo Studio in Camberwell offers a blackout infinity as an extra.

Lifestyle sets. Some studios have rooms dressed to look like a home or a styled interior, which suits brand, interiors and portrait work. Soif lists a separate Lifestyle Studio alongside its other rooms.

Daylight. Natural light is lovely but changes through the day and with the weather. If daylight matters, ask which way the windows face and whether the room can be blacked out when you need it.

Dry hire or lighting included?

This is the line item that most often catches people out.

• Dry hire means you get the room and nothing else. You bring (or rent) your own lights and stands. Crack Studio 114 is listed as dry hire with no lights.
• Lighting included means the studio's own kit is part of the price. KITSCH lists lights included (Bowens/Godox), and Arch Photo Studio says its prices include lighting.

Dry hire can look cheaper on paper. Add the cost of hiring lights, and the time to collect and return them, before you compare.

Hourly, half-day or day rates

Studios price in different units, so put them on the same footing before deciding.

• Hourly suits short shoots and quick product runs. At the time of writing, Soif lists its rooms from £35 to £45 an hour, and Arch Photo Studio lists £50 an hour.
• Day rates suit longer shoots with several set-ups. KITSCH lists a weekday full day (9am to 6pm) at £120, a weekend full day at £130, and a 12-hour weekday at £140. Crack Studio 114 lists a full day (9am to 5pm) at £500.

Check exactly what "a day" covers. Is set-up and pack-down inside those hours, or do you need to arrive early and pay for it?

Minimum hours

Many studios set a minimum hire. Arch Photo Studio, for example, lists a 2-hour minimum on weekdays and 3 hours at weekends. If your shoot is short, a studio with a lower minimum may work out cheaper even at a higher hourly rate.

VAT: inside or on top?

Some studios quote prices including VAT and some quote them without. Arch Photo Studio states its prices include VAT. If a listing does not say, ask, because 20% on top changes the comparison.

Make-up, changing and comfort

If you are working with models or talent, look for a make-up area, a changing room and somewhere to steam clothes. KITSCH lists a make-up area, changing room and steamer, plus tea and coffee. Also ask about toilets, a kitchen, and where your crew can wait between set-ups.

Loading, lifts and access

Heavy kit and stairs do not mix. Ask:

• Is the studio on the ground floor, or is there a lift? Crack Studio 114, on the first floor of Netil House, lists lift access.
• Where can you unload, and is there parking nearby?
• What are the opening hours? Soif lists 9am to 7pm every day; KITSCH lists 9am to 11pm daily.

What to ask before you hire

• Which room or set is included, and what are its dimensions and ceiling height?
• Is it dry hire, or are lights and stands included? Which kit, exactly?
• What is the minimum hire, and does it differ at weekends?
• Are set-up and pack-down inside the hired hours?
• Are prices with or without VAT?
• Is there a make-up area, changing room and steamer?
• How do you load in: ground floor, lift, parking?
• How many people can be on set?
• What is the cancellation policy?

Studios on Lumen Spaces

• Soif Studios, Hackney: eight studios, including an infinity cove and a lifestyle room.
• KITSCH Studio, Tottenham: lights included, make-up and changing area.
• Arch Photo Studio, Camberwell: railway arch, lighting and VAT included.
• Crack Studio 114, Hackney: blackout, dry hire, white cove or Colorama.

Prices and details are as listed at the time of writing; always check the listing for the latest. You can also browse every studio space.

Not sure which studio fits your shoot? Tell us what you need — it's free, and we'll help you find the right space.