If you’re just starting in the field of photography, you probably have had a field day capturing natural sceneries and real-life images. However, there is a certain beauty to snapping pictures in a closed-door, studio setup.
While shooting in a photography studio may seem daunting, there will always be a time when you, as a photographer, will require a controlled environment that the establishments can offer. Aside from that, there are certain benefits to shooting in a studio that can be advantageous to both experienced and new photographers.
If you haven’t had the chance to shoot in a studio, today is the perfect time to try. To make sure you don’t go about it blindfolded, this article tackles the different benefits of renting one and the five non-negotiables when choosing a photo studio for hire.
Why Hire a Photo Studio?
While the great outdoors is definitely a good place to start in the craft, many photographers have grown quite fond of snapping pictures in a Photo studio. This is because there are amenities they can offer that no single outdoor photoshoot venue can provide.
Still, there may be some new photographers who are hesitant to use a studio because of the costs of owning one. If you’re one of them, then it makes more sense to rent a place whenever the need arises. This can also help you get a feel of whether such an investment is worth it or not.
That aside, below are the top advantages of hiring a photo studio:
Controlled Environment
Probably the most significant benefit of staging your photoshoot in a studio for hire is the full control you’ll get over all aspects of the production.
When you’ve tried shooting outdoors, chances are you’ve experienced the challenges of adapting to the rain, temperature, and all other environmental variables that may arise. In this setup, you’ll also discover the unpredictability of the light source, considering that you’re relying mostly on sunlight.
In studios, you’ll get to control all those variables and more. This means you’ll get your desired output faster and easier by simply adjusting one or more aspects accordingly. You’ll also have control over the lighting and take pictures for as long as you want since you won’t have to think about whether the sun is setting.
Plus, you’ll have a variety of options when it comes to the background. You won’t be limited to what’s existing in an outdoor location, and there will be no need to travel distances just to snap a new scenery.
In short, you’ll be able to create an environment from scratch to achieve the imagery you’re after.
Access to Top-of-the-Line Equipment and Wide Variety of Props
Another major perk of shooting in a studio for hire is the availability of equipment, props, costumes, studio backdrops, and more.
When you rent a space, there will be a chance that the backdrops and other tools will be at your disposal. This will make it easier – and quicker – to finish the job, something that is ideal since some studios set their rate on a per hour basis.
Of course, you’ll have to make sure that the equipment, props, and backdrops are included in the package you paid for (more on this later).
5 Things to Look for in a Photo Studio for Hire
When you decide to go out there to look for a photo studio to hire, you’ll find that there are a lot of establishments to choose from. This might make renting a bit daunting and may cause you to only consider the rental price.
But while it is indeed a crucial factor to consider, there are several other things you should look for when selecting a studio to hire on your next photoshoot, as follows:
1. Structured Pricing
As mentioned earlier, pricing is vital in the photo studio selection process. But not just any pricing – there should be a structure to it.
For example, when you first walk into a studio, you’ll find a variety of equipment and tools that you can use for your photoshoot – from lights and softboxes to backdrops and props. However, not all photo studios include this in the rate they set for renting the space.
Be sure to check what’s included and what’s not when looking at rental prices for photography studios for hire. This will help you avoid getting unexpected additions to your bill and know upfront whether you need to pay more in order to get more from the studio.
2. Experience
Believe it or not, a photo studio’s experience in different kinds of photography – be it product shoots, portraits, and headshots – can make a lot of difference when you rent the space. This is because a studio that have tried accommodating the type of photography you want to pursue can easily provide the right equipment, not to mention sound advice, to help you take better pictures.
3. Equipment
As mentioned earlier, a photo studio for hire can offer you access to a wide range of equipment. However, it is still vital that you check if the establishment really has the tools and props you need to capture images that you’re after.
While many studios already include the rate for hiring equipment in the total bill, others may consider it as additional costs. To be sure, speak to whoever is in charge to clarify what really is included in the package.
4. Size
When considering the size of the studio for your photoshoot, always take into account the bulk of equipment you’ll be using. You should also account for the number of staff you have if any, and the photography niche you want to pursue.
As a general rule, bigger studios are ideal since they provide room for more creative options and possible changes in your niche in the future. To check if a studio is big enough for you, point your camera with the longest lens you have to the space, and see if you feel comfortable in taking a full-length shot.
5. Accessibility
The accessibility of the studio should also be a major contributing factor when you choose a space to rent. Be sure to pick one that can be found easily and not hidden in a maze of unnamed streets in the outskirts of the neighborhood.
Also, consider looking for a place with lots of parking spaces and is accessible to public transport. You, your clients, and the models you work with will have fewer headaches if you consider this in your quest to find a studio for hire.
Get Creative, Take Full Control
In photography, creativity is everything. And creativity flows better when you have full control over the environment. When seeking a studio for hire, you’ll want to consider all the factors listed in this article to make the most out of what you pay for.
AUTHOR BIO
Adam Jacobs is the owner of Windsor Photo Studios in Melbourne, Australia and Managing Director of Bubblegum Casting, the country’s longest operating modelling, talent and casting agency for babies, children and teens. Adam is a creative digital marketer focused on growing companies’ online presence and performance using both tried and true as well as cutting-edge growth marketing and growth hacking tactics.