Photo Studios for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Photo Studios in London

London boasts a dynamic array of photography studios, reflecting the city’s rich cultural tapestry and storied history. Renowned photographers like Mario Testino, Tim Walker, and Jason Bell have left an indelible mark on the UK’s largest metropolis, contributing to its reputation as a global hub for photography. It’s no surprise that one of the most popular movies about photography, Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blow-Up, a story of a fashion photographer, is set in London.

Amidst London's thriving cultural landscape and eclectic neighbourhoods adorned with galleries, street art, and creative spaces, the demand for photo studios flourishes. Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking the ideal backdrop for your next project or an aspiring photographer eager to explore studio photography, London's professional spaces cater to every need. As one of the world’s most innovative cities, the UK’s capital offers a plethora of inspiring photography studios ready to ignite your imagination and elevate your craft.

Discover the cultural heartbeat of London along the South Bank, embrace the bohemian allure of Shoreditch, or immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Camden. Wherever your interests lie within the capital, Tagvenue simplifies the process of booking your ideal portrait studio in London with just a few clicks. Browse our curated listings or utilise our search engine and intuitive filters to pinpoint the perfect space for your vision. And for invaluable tips on organising your photoshoot and selecting the right venue, delve into our comprehensive guide below.

Are you planning a creative project of your own? Or do you need to shoot a campaign for a big company? 

Whether you're organising a corporate photo shoot or pursuing a personal passion project, our shortlist of London's most in-demand photo studios for hire is sure to come in handy. What kind of shoot are you planning and when do you want to make it happen? No matter your requirements, from cheap spaces to exclusive creative locations, we're sure to have something special to catch your eye and meet your expectations.

If it’s your first time hiring one of a photography studio in London, you’re probably wondering what’s involved and if there’s anything special that you should pay attention to. Check out our quick introduction to studio photography in London and find out!

What equipment should a photo studio have? 

When booking your studio in London, first and foremost make sure that it has all the equipment you are going to need to make your session a success. Here’s a basic checklist to keep in mind:

• Background – One of the most important things is the right backdrop that will make your subject pop. These come in all shapes and sizes, and the materials they’re made of include paper, muslin and vinyl, among others. Using black velvet fabric as a background is a good tip, as it absorbs light and creates a nice, dark tone. Remember about stable background support poles, too. Some portrait studios in London even have their own cycloramas. This type of backdrop gives you a lot of artistic freedom, as it’s often full angle. Some venues may even offer a green screen cyclorama, which is perfect for special effects and means the space also works well as a film studio.
• Reflectors – Bounce flash technique is getting more and more recognition, as it allows you to modify the lighting in many ways. You can either use traditional standing umbrellas or highly portable, collapsible circular reflectors with a bigger surface. These are able to soften the light, as well as modify its warmth. You can make the light cooler or warmer, using either golden or silver reflectors.
• Softboxes – Also known as light diffusers, softboxes are commonly used in portrait photography. Smooth, subtle light helps to reduce imperfections. Remember that the larger the softbox, the softer the light. The size is particularly relevant when you’re shooting wider angles, as you need to cover your entire subject or the model. For product photography, a smaller one can be enough. So when you’re choosing the right softbox, think about the effect you want to achieve.
• Tripods - Camera stands are high on the list of must-have photo equipment. You’ll need them to keep your camera steady during the shoot. A functional aluminium tripod should be a good fit for all purposes. While a tripod is meant to keep your camera from moving, it should also be easy to manoeuvre. You’ll be moving around a lot to find the perfect angle, so make sure the camera stand can be set up and secured quickly.
• Ladders – This may sound peculiar, but ladders come in handy quite a lot. It often turns out that the model is much taller than the photographer, and you don’t want to photograph them from a bad angle – trust us, the Bohemian Rhapsody effect is not always in demand. Even when you’re rather tall, a ladder may be useful for changing the perspective to something more creative.

What To Know When Hiring a Photo Studio In London

With basic photo studio equipment out of the way, here are some other things you should consider when choosing the perfect space for your creative project:

• The studio floor space you’ll need – Are you shooting a large group of people, such as a football team or a club? Keep in mind that you’ll need a lot of square metres – the more, the better - so look for large studios! You have to be able to move freely to experiment with different shooting angles to find the best one. Remember that space is needed not only for shooting but also for preparation. Don’t forget such things as a kitchen, a dedicated changing area or hair and make-up facilities. Make sure the studio has a large mirror with good lighting. The make-up artist, stylist and hairdresser will thank you later.
• Your budget for the photo shoot – Settle your budget in the early stages of planning your photo shoot. This will help you establish whether you’re looking for a very basic affordable studio space or if you have some extra money to splurge on something a little fancier. No matter your budget for the shoot, we can help you find professional photo studios in London that are just perfect for your needs. At Tagvenue, we offer multiple art studios for hire in different districts of the city. Just use our smart filters to set your price range and browse our listings!
• Extra facilities you might require – Fancy projects come with fancy requirements. If you’re doing a glamourous lookbook, think about whether you might like a fashion photo shoot venue with a theatrical fog machine or a table fan for special effects. Another inspiring idea is to use UV lighting for a special, futuristic effect. There’s no limit to your imagination! Just plan ahead and look for a portrait studio with the right facilities that will make your creative vision come to life.
• Any photography equipment you might need to hire – Do you need a studio that offers gear for hire? You can often choose from top Canon and Nikon DSLR bodies, razor sharp lenses with different focal lengths and different types of lighting equipment. All these are available for a fee, usually on a per day basis. Discuss the possibility of renting them with the studio manager to see if it’s something you can take advantage of.
• Overtime fees – Every shoot is different. There’s no way of knowing how long the photo session will take. That’s why it’s very important to discuss the possibility of running late with the studio manager. See if they’re able to offer extra hours for a lower price, or check if the full hourly rate applies when you exceed the agreed time.
• Good transport links and accessibility – Studios in London are scattered all over the city, and some of them are hidden in unexpected places. Before you decide on a studio, check if it’s easy to get to. You’ll probably have a lot of heavy equipment with you, so choose a place that’s near a tube station or has a car park nearby. And if the place you hire is located in a quirky space, such as a loft, a warehouse or a basement, check if they offer elevator access, or if the venue is wheelchair-friendly.
• Viewing the photo studio before you book – Seeing the space before you book it is crucial for planning a successful shoot, especially when considering portrait studios in London. A place might look great in the pictures, but it’s always a good idea to go there and see it for yourself. This way, you’ll have a chance to meet the studio manager and discuss any requirements you might have. It will also give you a chance to check the lighting, the atmosphere and the layout of the studio, so you’ll be able to visualise your project much better. Get to know the space and see how it can benefit your shoot.

The best photo studios in London

• Indra Studios in Hackney Downs – A spacious photo studio with minimalist white walls that you can transform according to your creative vision. It’s suitable for various types of photo shoots, such as fashion, product or portrait photography. The studio offers a green screen and good lighting equipment, as well as comfortable make-up and changing areas.
• Motel Studios in Shoreditch – This is a Victorian railway arch transformed into a photography space. It’s one of the best professional studios in London, with its own cyclorama, great lighting options and spacious make-up and changing facilities. This is a perfect venue for more demanding projects, as it’s able to accommodate larger groups of people, such as teams or models.
• Mavro Worldwide Studios in Rotherhithe – If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art photo studio for hire, this might be the place for you. They offer a team of professional photographers, hair stylists and make-up artists that are able to assist you during the shoot. There’s a cyclorama, top-notch lighting equipment and a large space to make your project come to life.
• Springfield House Lofts in Dalston – If you’re more of a DIY person and you want to work in a smaller, more intimate space, this might be the place for you. It offers a cosy atmosphere and good equipment for simple projects. The white brick walls and the wooden floor give it a warm, rustic feel, which might be a good background for lifestyle or fashion shoots.
• Sizona in Clerkenwell - A spacious warehouse apartment studio with a minimalist design, high ceilings and original features, such as exposed bricks and wooden beams. Spread over two floors, this creative photoshoot space combines modern interiors with retro elements.

Hiring studios for photography shoots in London present a fantastic opportunity for photographers and creatives alike. From modern spaces with state-of-the-art equipment to charming studios with unique backdrops, London offers a diverse range of settings to inspire creativity and capture stunning images. Whether you're a professional photographer looking to expand your portfolio or an amateur enthusiast wanting to explore your craft, renting a photo studio in London provides the perfect environment to bring your vision to life and create lasting memories.

FAQs about Photo Studios in London

How much does it cost to hire a photo studio in London?

Most photo studios in London charge hourly hire fees. Those typically fall anywhere between £10 and £300 per hour. Such a big discrepancy is caused by a huge range of photo shoot locations available for hire, from cheap photo studios to more elaborate venues. If you need to hire a photography studio for an entire day, expect to pay from around £216 up to even £12000+ per day. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Which areas of London have the best photo studios for hire?

You can find amazing photography studios scattered all over London. But why not start your search from the capital’s known cultural hubs? There are some great studios in London located in artsy Shoreditch, as well as in eclectic South Bank. Camden maintains its reputation as one of London’s most hip neighbourhoods, drawing a creative crowd with its lovely art studios. Other artsy areas include Notting Hill, Hackney and Clerkenwell.

What is typically included in the price of London photo studio hire?

Most Studios in London will include basic photo equipment in the hire fee, such as poly boards, Coloramas, reflectors, softboxes, and camera stands. Depending on the size and standard of the studio, you can expect some storage space, a kitchen, changing rooms, hair and make-up stations, and editing facilities. Remember to always ask the studio manager about what’s included in the price and whether you should expect any extra fees for equipment hire.

How much does it cost to hire a professional photographer or assistant?

Some London-based photo studios offer the option of hiring various professionals to help you run your shoot. Such services usually require an extra fee. Hiring a photographer costs around £100 per hour. The services of a professional make-up artist can cost you around £80 per hour. And if you’re looking to hire an assistant for your photo shoot, expect to pay around £25 per hour. (All data from Tagvenue.)