Advantages Of Using a Photo Studio

Why should you use a photo studio? The benefits of using a photography studio for certain type of work often outweigh trying to shoot outdoors, especially on a commercial shoot.

There are loads of great outdoor spaces to shoot in London but let face it, British weather isn’t always the best. Like myself, I’m sure you’ve also been moved on by an overzealous security guard when trying to photograph someone in a good location. Where do the models change / crew go to the toilet? These are just a few of the problems you might face trying to do guerrilla location photoshoots in London.

So here are 12 advantages of using a photo studio for your next photoshoot, which overcome these and a few other issues you may not have thought of.

#1 – Control The Weather

The number one reason to shoot in a studio is controlling the environment. Especially here in the UK where the weather is unpredictable and can be quite rubbish at times. Wind, rain, cold or hot temperatures can all ruin a shoot. By shooting in a studio, the weather is never an issue. Not having to deal with inclement weather will make the whole production process easier.

#2 – Ease Of Production

The bare minimum for a shoot is 2 people – photographer / model, or photographer / client for product photography. Basing yourself in a studio makes the creative process easier. You have the space to work and also access to creature comforts such as toilets, kitchen, changing areas.

People tend to not don’t realise how much space is needed to light your subject, use the best focal length and having a decent production space for getting everyone ready. Booking the right sized photo studio will give you the space to create.

Editorial Fashion Shoot — Go Dark and Moody Easily

When your shoots expands from this basic set-up to include – makeup artist, wardrobe stylists, hairdressers, videographers, set designers, lighting assistants. Not having to worry about where all these people go to the toilet is one less worry.

Also consider that photo studios can be used as a base for outdoor shoots. Here at Arch Photo we’ve been used as base for shoots in our local area of Camberwell. There are plenty of interesting locations nearby such as Burgess Park and Addington Square where you can shoot.

fashion model in red studio — Creative Lighting Is Easy in the Studio

#3 – Control Lighting & Colour Balance

The sun playing hide and seek between the clouds doesn’t happen in the studio. You want hard light – stick a reflector on your light source, need soft light, stick a soft box on. You have complete control of the light. You can tweak it until you get the right balance of light for the mood / style of image you want. Good studios will have a range of lighting modifiers and equipment which will let you have complete creative control. No having balance or kill the natural light because its causing an ugly shadows / colour casts.

#4 – Repeatability

Once you set up your lights, backdrop and create you set, all your images will all be the same, apart from what the model is doing. You can concentrate on getting the right shape for the clothes and expression from the model. This repeatability is vital for fashion, eCommerce and Product Photography. Also take some BTS shots and make a note of your settings. If you need to repeat the same set up at s later date this info will be really helpful.

green screens one of the advantages of using a photo studio — Green Screen For Post Production Creativity

#5 – Creating the Set – Backgrounds / Green Screen Options

The next most important thing is the ability to create sets. Most decent studios should have a range of coloured paper backdrops available and a range of props, such as chairs. With the addition of your own props you can style your shoot to create unique images. Using a photo studio gives you complete control over this process. Working in a studio, lets you change sets and backgrounds quickly and easily. If there is a green screen option you shoot the models and drop the background in afterwards, though make sure you match the lighting or the image will look odd.

#6 – Nom, Nom, Nom – I’m Hungry

A hungry crew is never a happy crew. As the old saying goes an army marches on its stomach, so do film shoots. Photoshoots involving a large crew including models, technical crew, make-up artists, wardrobe, and clients can become a logistical nightmare. Being able to get food delivered easily to a single address rather than Deliveroo trying to find some random location means one less thing to worry about. Medium to large studios will have a kitchen so you can prepare food and hot / cold drinks.

#7 – Privacy, Security, Safety

Shooting on closed studio set will allow you to control who is around the shoot. Locations shoots may need permissions and having to deal with the general public and the potential for people to catcall, film and disturb your photoshoot. A studio gives everyone the privacy required to concentrate on making great images.

Cameras On Tripods — We Have Lots Of Equipment

#8 – Additional Equipment and a Helping Hand

On location, you’ve only got the equipment you brought with you. Forget a cable? need a tripod, want to try using a lighting gel? Most studios will have all this equipment to hand. It also means less kit for you to carry round. Need an extra hand on set to haul something into place? Most studios have staff that can assist with simple things for no charge. For a small additional fees you can get an assistant to help for the whole shoot. Assistants from the studio will also know all equipment and how to use it. Need help, just ask. Studios know a happy customer is a repeat customer and are usually happy to help.

styling accessories on table at photoshoot — You Can Never Have To Many Sunglasses on Set

#9 – Space for Stylists MUA and Hair To Prepare

I didn’t realise when setting up Arch Photo Studio is the amount of space required for pre production. Hair, make-up and styling are usually critical to the final image. They need quite a lot of table and hanging space for all they gear and clothes. Studio spaces have these spaces for laying out all the clothing options. Tables, high chairs and makeup mirrors and for hair and make-up to work their magic.

#10 – Work When You Want To

Scheduling a shoot based on daylight hours only is another layer hassle when organising one. Clients / models may only be able to work at specific times. Using a studio means you can work at any hour. Though there is usually a cost implication for working out of normal hours. Building up a relationship with a studio by using them on a regular basis means you can usually get shoots at odd hours. Using the same studio also means you get to know their equipment. This should let you work more efficiently.

advantages of using a photo studio - shoot tethered and see results straight away — See The Results Straight Away

#11 – Start Post Production Straight Away / Tethering Client Approval

Setting up a laptop and shooting directly into it is possible on location, BUT its much easier in the studio. One major advantages of using a photo studio is you can set up your laptop, fire up Capture One and shoot straight into the computer. You can do this usually whilst hair and make up are doing their job. Seeing the images as they are shot on a computer means less mistakes. You can also get client approval as you go along which is great as you know you’ve got the shot. Which means a lot less stress in the post production period.

#12 – Combine Stills and Videography

The ongoing demand for video in social media marketing means having the ability to take still images and create videos is a must for a lot of eCommerce and fashion brands. Using a larger studio space with the ability to set up both kinds of light. Means you can kill two birds with one stone and shoot both simultaneously. Saving time and money from the marketing budget.