Set in a characterful and atmospheric repurpose lace factory, our studio is suitable for many types of photographic and video shoots.
It provides a wide range of versatile, creative options for the photographer/videographer especially if you’re looking for something a bit more original and exciting.
Parking is on-street around the studio and free, and we are short walk from Nottingham city centre.
So whatever your photo or video requirements our studio can provide the facilities and inspiration to help you create amazing projects.
The studio offers the standard 9ft paper roll backdrops common to most studios, but we also have the original 19th century solid wood floors, bare brick walls, good natural light (when the sun comes out to play), and amazing outdoor areas to utilise. This is all complimented with some carefully selected props such as the Chesterfield sofas, black and chrome chaise longue, 50’s style red bar stool etc. and an ever evolving list of backdrops.
We have approximately 1000 sqft of studio space (far bigger if you factor in the outdoor areas) and are equipped with excellent Bowens, Godox and Neewer lighting equipment. It also has the benefit of a kitchen station with tea/coffee making facilities, microwave and fridge. There is a comfortable chill out area for you, your team and clients and plenty of wall sockets to power your devices and equipment. There is also free wi-fi.
We have a great range of backdrops to inspire your creativity. Of course we have the standard 9ft paper background rolls in various colours, but we also have some super-colourful polyfoam boards, beautiful textured fabric backdrops and even a rose gold wall. The background list evolves all the time as we bring in new items, so please contact us to check our current stock.
If you think that the inside of the studio will give you lots of creative options, well the outside will blow your mind! We have our own private graffiti wall, an industrial waste ground area, and even a little summer garden. So whether you want to shoot a scene from the zombie apocalypse, cool urban style portraits or shabby chic fashion, we have something to inspire you.
It’s really atmospheric, private and if you want to play with smoke bombs, water or have your own mini holi festival then it’s ideal for that. We also have portable studio flash and LED lights at your disposal to use within the grounds.
The studio uses a mixture of Bowens, Godox studio flashes including a ringflash. We also have Neewer (LED panels) for continuous and video lighting. Modifiers include large soft boxes, a very large deep parabolic soft box, a beauty dish.
We have standard 9ft paper roll backgrounds in a variety of colours (we always stock black and white rolls), a wide range of fabric backdrops in various sizes, colour poly foam boards, and some custom made backdrops eg our current one is the rose gold boards. We also have reflectors, gels, a boom, and stands, a smoke machine and fan.
Furniture props include two oxblood Chesterfield sofas (a 3 seater and a single seater), a modern chrome and black chaise longue, a fifties style bar stool, an antique solid wood chair. We also have a full size punch bag complete with boxing gloves, and many smaller items for use.
The studio facilities include a kitchen area compete with fridge, microwave, tea/coffee making facilities, a unit for makeup and hair, a clothes rail, iron and ironing board, lots of wall sockets for devices, free wifi, free on-street parking.
1) Do I need to bring my own lighting?
No, our full studio flash set up is included in the hire cost. However if you’d prefer to bring in your own lighting, that’s ok too.
2) When I book a slot, can I shoot right until the end of the session? For example if my slot is 2pm-4pm can I shoot until 4pm before I pack up?
Unfortunately, no. But there’s a good reason for this. We’re quite a busy studio and it’s important that time slots are kept to. After all, if you turned up for a shoot with models, make-up artists etc who you’re paying and are all on the clock, and you were all kept waiting, you probably wouldn’t be too happy about it.
So we would suggest that you factor in set up and break down time into your shoot time. That’s the biggest reason why we don’t offer one hour slots – it just doesn’t give you enough actual shoot time.
3) How long should I book for?
Well that really depends on your shoot – i.e. How many set/background changes you want, outfit changes, makeup / hair changes etc. All need to be factored in. You also need to consider set up and break down times – as a guide it can easily take half an hour to get set up, and 15-30 minutes to break down your shoot, pack away and tidy up. And of course you need plenty of time for the shoot itself. After all creativity should never be rushed.
2 hours may sound a lot but you’ll be amazed at how fast it goes. Our advice would always be to book 3 or more hours to maximise your creative shoot time and to get optimum results.
4) I don’t know how to use studio flash, can I still hire the studio?
The short answer is yes, but you obviously won’t be able to use the studio flash. Flash lighting is not rocket science but if you don’t know how to use it then it’s not something you can easily just learn as you go. We have some led panels and if the weather’s good the natural light can be beautiful so you can still make great use of the studio.
By the way, if learning how to use studio flash is something you’d like to do, we do 1-2-1 training, so drop us a line at info@michaellau.co.uk and we can get you lighting like a pro in no time flat!
5) Do I have to book in advance?
Yes. We’re a busy studio so it’s always best to book as far in advance as you can to avoid disappointment.
6) Can I share my slot with other photographers?
Yes you can. There is a surcharge for additional photographers of £10 per photographer per hour.
7) What If I have to cancel?
Our cancellation policy is laid out in our terms & conditions. Please read before booking.
8) If I book regularly can I get a discount?
We offer what we feel is a great studio at a fair rate, so no, we can’t offer discounts as such.
However sign up to our newsletter for special offers, rewards and events.
If you are a studio photography addict we would recommend that you look into our Studio Residency . as this could save you a lot of money.
Want your own photography/video studio? But think it’s too expensive? This might be for you! This is a great opportunity for photographers who want a studio they can have regular access to, and not only that but a base of operations.
Our Studio Residency gives you access to a great professional photography studio at a fraction of the cost it would take to run yourself.
One monthly flat fee, guaranteed hours. No extra overheads such as energy bills, business rates or maintenance costs.
This includes full access to the studio space, lighting, props and the outdoor areas.
Who Is This For?
Established professional photographers wanting to keep their overheads low.
New professionals starting their photography careers and wanting a low cost, ready made studio.
Keen amateur/hobbyist photographers who are serious about photography and want their own regular studio space to shoot in without long term commitments.
Models who want a comfortable, creative safe environment to hold studio days, group, and 1-2-1 shoots.
YouTubers and content creators who want a great studio to shoot regular YouTube Videos, Tik Toks and podcasts.
How Does It Work?
It’s really rather simple.
Decide how many studio hours a month you would like.
Choose your contract length – 6 months, 12 months, 18 months etc.
Book your sessions.
And shoot!
If this sounds like this might suit you then please drop us a line to find out more info@michaellau.co.uk