10 Things Your New Photography Studio Needs

What you need in your photography studio

Every photography studio is different, some are very clinical, others quirky and some are so homely. How you set yours up depends on how you shoot and who your client is – but there are certain things that I would recommend you have in one.

One piece of advice I always give is “buy cheap, buy twice” – if you scrimp in the early days, you’ll end up regretting it and having to replace things. Spend time researching what is the best for your new photography studio, and your kit will last for years.

1. A comfy sitting space for clients

Whether you are having a chat with clients when they arrive in your photography studio, changing set ups or want a space for parents to sit while you are photographing their children, a comfy seating area is so important. Something that is easy to clean when you get children with messy fingers are in the studio is what I would recommend. A small sofa or a couple of chairs is ideal and if you shoot some boudoir, a sofa bed like a click clack style is handy as it can be multi purposed.

2. A drinks station!

A kettle in your photography studio for those of us that like a warm drink (white coffee for me, please!) and always a few bottles of water for you and the clients. A coffee machine is a nice bonus, but I prefer a cafetiere as it takes up less room. De-caff options and fruit teas are very popular, especially if you shoot maternity.

Photography trainer Gary Hill in a new photography studio

3. Parking or access nearby to parking

Almost all clients unless you are based in a city centre will be travelling by car so somewhere secure and close that they can park is pretty essential. It’s a good idea to provide directions with parking info to your clients ahead of their portrait session – they are more likely to arrive on time that way!

4. Samples of your work

So, so important. Clients buy what they see, so if you want them to buy wall art or albums, make sure you have samples on your wall. BIG as you can get away with is what I would say and only items you want to sell and that compliment your work.

5. Sockets!

No matter how many you have you will need more and always have a couple of extension leads. You need to move your lights around to suit what you are shooting so make it easy for yourself and have places you can plug in.

6. Storage

It doesn’t matter whether you think you won’t use many props in your photography studio, you will accumulate lots of items and they need to go somewhere – not on the floor! Things always look better when they can be put away, so get as much storage as you can fit in without encroaching on your shooting area.

7. Stools and crates or other posing aids

These can transform your images in particular if you shoot groups or families. Find something you like and try and get different sizes, so you have one for every eventuality. My Blessence Props Crates are my most used items after backdrops.

8. Lights and modifiers

Even if you only shoot with one light, get a spare and at least one big modifier and if possible a strip box too. With those two and two lights, you can do so much. Backdrops that suit your style, if you don’t like it, don’t have it.  Items like a TriFlection from Click Props are great additions to a studio light set up.

9. Viewing area

Use of a large screen TV or a projector to show the clients their images is a fantastic addition, and a laptop or computer that can link to Youtube or iPlayer can keep young children occupied if you need to work with the adults.

10. Facilities

At some point, someone is going to need the toilet and it is ideal if it’s in the same area so you can keep the flow of the shoot going as well as possible if a toilet trip is needed, a private changing area as well or a suitable screening off portion makes clients feel very comfortable whilst changing. A baby changing mat is a useful addition if you have babies and families visit you, wipes and nappies can be useful to have to hand, too.

Gary Hill training photographers on how to set up a new studio

behind the scenes image of an outdoor photography mentoring in the UK

Why Choose 1:1 Photography Mentoring

Why Choose 1:1 Mentoring to improve your Photography

I have been training photographers and offering 1:1 photography mentoring for many years – both professionals and beginners. I am passionate about raising the quality of portrait photography for everyone. If you’re looking for photography mentoring, you’ll find an array of different options available – online workshops, in person small group photography workshops, larger group workshops and 1:1 mentoring. Hopefully I can help you to choose what’s right for you. There is some information here, and on the training page of my website, but do get in touch with me if you’d like to discuss it in person.

Gary Hill, teacher, trainer and photorgaphy mentoring coach in the UK

1. Bespoke to you.

Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned veteran photographer, you are never finished learning. A 1:1 photography mentoring session with me can be completely bespoke to your needs, what you want to work on and how you learn. Whether you are looking for a day learning about fine art photography, or a half-day in the studio and a half-day editing, or even ongoing support with regular training throughout the year, we can design your photography mentoring to be all about you.

2. In your own space, or in mine

I travel all over the UK and throughout the world to deliver photography training. Coming to you means that you can learn the very best ways to use your props, posing aids, lights and studio space. I can even help you to decide what you may need to buy to add to your studio collection if you want.

If you don’t have a suitable studio then you can come to use mine and I will train you using the very best Elinchrom lighting and modifiers from The Flash Centre, and a fantastic selection of backdrops from Click Backdrops. You can use this knowledge whether you are mobile or use another space to work from.

behind the scenes photograph of photography mentoring for a childrens photographer

3. Find or develop your own style

In a workshop, a group of people will inevitably lead to more generic training, whereas a 1:1 means we can concentrate on your own style of photography. Whether you prefer light and airy, vintage, fine art or high key, we can spend a day working carefully on your style of photography.

4. Concentrate on one genre

If there’s something in particular you want to excel in, in a 1:1 mentoring session we can concentrate on the genre you want to specialise in. If you’d like training in boudoir posing and lighting, we can concentrate on that, or if you’d like to work with younger children, then that’s OK too. You’re in charge of your training and I’ll help you with whatever you would like me to!

5. Some things are just better 1:1!

When we are working together for 1:1 photography mentoring, there are some things that we can do better than in a workshop! For example, I can demonstrate a skill, then watch as you try yourself, and make tiny adjustments to show you exactly how to get it right. We can sit together at an editing screen and I can show you the small edits that will make a huge difference to your image. It’s all about you – and how I can best help you to become a better photographer.

behind the scenes image of an outdoor photography mentoring in the UK

behind the scenes at a maternity photography workshop in the UK

Why Choose a Photography Workshop

Why Choose a Photography Workshop Over 1:1 Mentoring

I have been training professional photographers for many years – I am really enthusiastic about raising the quality of portrait photography for everyone. When you are looking to book photography training – whether it’s your first or you’re a seasoned trainee – you’ll find an array of different options available – online workshops, in person small group photography workshops, larger group workshops and 1:1 mentoring. Hopefully I can help you to choose what’s right for you. There is some information here, and on the training page of my website, but do get in touch with me if you’d like to discuss it in person.

Check out my upcoming workshops and book quickly if you see something you like – these sell out quickly!

behind the scenes at a maternity photography workshop in the UK

1. A photography workshop is affordable.

In a group photography workshop, the cost is lower as it is shared amongst the participants. It’s a great option if you are a beginner looking to learn lighting basics, studio lighting or posing. If you’ve been a photographer for a while and you are looking to improve a specific skill, such as portrait posing, working with a certain age group such as children’s photography or if you want to specialise in a gentle such as learning fine art photography.

Usually, you can book a photography training workshop with a deposit, and the balance to pay at a later date, usually a few weeks before the workshop date.

2. Meet other photographers at a similar stage to you for peer support and friendship

A photography workshop is a fantastic way to make friends! You’ll meet a small group of like-minded people, with a passion for photography who want to learn more! If you are at a studio photography workshop, you will take it in turns to be hands-on and to try out your new skills.

Many of my workshops lead to long-term friendships, and often groups will book to return for a workshop on another aspect of photography with the same group of people! It’s a great way to develop a support group group and to make new friends!

behind the scenes image of a group studio photography workshop

3. Others will ask questions that you hadn’t thought of yet!

In a photography workshop group, you will have photographers with different backgrounds and different skill-sets coming together. There may be questions that you haven’t thought of yet that others will ask, and you can share your experience with each other, as well as learning loads from the workshop.

4. You can arrange to practice with other people after the workshop is over.

You will learn so much in my workshop. Not just how to light and pose, but why what I’m teaching you works well. Understanding the reasons behind good posing and correct posing makes it easier for you to reproduce it again yourself later.

Being in a group workshop means that you can arrange to meet up with others to help each other practice! Two heads are better than one, and you’ll all excel at different things, so comparing notes and practising together is a great way to consolidate your knowledge.

5. If you’re uncertain of speaking out there’s safety in numbers!!

Some people can find a 1:1 session intimidating. I’m really not scary, and will always take any training at your pace, but if you are particularly shy then you may find a little more anonymity in a group photography workshop rather than with 1:1 mentoring.

In a group workshop, you can be as quiet as you would like, or speak up as much as you are comfortable with. You will ultimately learn more if you join in, but you can choose whatever you are happiest with.

group photo from a photography workshop with Gary Hill