Photo Shoot Locations for Hire in Manchester

Photo Shoot Locations Hire Guide

Manchester is a diverse and inspiring place for all sorts of creative minds. Hit the local streets for an energetic photo shoot that will guarantee some amazing shots. Whether you are looking for characterful cafes, historic streets or sleek urban flats for photoshoot hire, finding the right spot is going to be a breeze. We will help you find the kind of photo shoot locations you want, and get through the booking process as fast as possible.

6 main types of photo shoot locations in Manchester

Outdoor - will be a great option for any occasion, from wedding photos, and artistic model shoots to headshots for a resume. For commercial shoots, you should be able to book a garden or a small park if you need some natural light and fresh looking greenery. 

Rooftop - elevated spaces will allow you to get a nice view of the city. Rooftop venues are pretty versatile - you can find clubs, terraces or gardens on top of some of the local buildings.

Studio - The photo studio is a classic setting for any photo shoot and there’s a good reason why. Thanks to the well-controlled in-door lighting, you will get perfectly consistent results as well as plenty of flexibility with the light placement. 

Blank canvas - Open spaces are another great choice especially if you already have your own photo equipment. Alternatively, you can hire some additional gear if you think you can get a better deal that way. The main advantage of blank canvas spaces is the flexibility. Many managers have access to different types of furniture and props which you can use in your shoot. However you will most likely want to plan your session ahead of time and bring most of the things you need with you. Some blank canvas and especially warehouse spaces could have things like garage doors or industrial elevators that will make it much easier for you to transport everything you need to your location.

Conventional setting - Depending on the type of the photoshoot you’re going for, you may have very specific creative needs. The best way to find a realistic, believable setting is simply to reach out to a local cafe or restaurant and ask to book their space for a few hours. Many of the restaurants, apartments and party venues will be able to hire the space out for you, especially during the off-peak hours. 

Business - Are doing a corporate shoot, or broadening your stock photo portfolio? In that case, a meeting room or a private office will be your best bet. From skyscraper offices to old-school classrooms, you’ll be able to find something that will suit your needs without issue.

How to find the best photo shoot location for you

• Make it an easy commute. The less time you waste on going from point A to point B, the more time you will have on actually working. A great way of moving quickly around the city is public transport, particularly the city’s high speed tram lines. If you don’t need to bring much equipment, look for a photo shoot location with easy access to a tram or bus stop. If you need to bring equipment by car, you have a couple of options. First, you can ask the venue manager if you can bring what you need a day or two in advance. If the venue has additional storage space in the building, they may agree to this. An alternative would be to simply book a venue that’s close to where you need so that you won’t get stuck in traffic.

• Create a list of potential locations and compare them. With so many venue options, you should know how to compare them against each other. Photos will obviously give you a good idea how your final results could potentially look like, but there’s so much more to a fantastic venue deal. If you’re serious about a specific location, you should take a look at the price and see how well it stacks up against the others. Usually, you book such spaces on a dry hire, either for a couple hours, or the whole day. Look out for special offers or changes in price based on the time of day (most photo studios are cheaper in morning hours).

• Check out the venue for yourself. It’s always good advice to schedule a meeting with the venue manager so that you can visit the space you’re interested in. You can’t find out how the lighting in the room works with just a photo. Let the manager show you around, make sure to ask all the relevant questions, and write down some of your observations to make the best decision later.

We hope we helped you figure out the secrets to securing the best photo shoot spots in Manchester. In case you need more specific information, check out the FAQ section below.

FAQs about Photo Shoot Locations in Manchester

How do I hire a photo shoot location in Manchester?

City permits will be needed in public areas such as city streets, parks or green spaces, council managed properties and public buildings. They will also be needed if your photoshoot will disrupt parking or take place on private property. Small groups of 5 or less are also required to receive official permission.

How much does it cost to hire a location for a photo shoot in Manchester?

When hiring a photoshoot location, you will need to factor in your permit application cost. This process will cost anywhere from £30 to £300 and include insurance fees and other extra costs. For hire fees for event location, expect costs to differ depending on the location. You may find that you will be charged a straight hire fee for areas that are not traditionally hired for photoshoots. Generally, you can expect costs for private photoshoot locations to start around £100 per hour. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Which districts in Manchester are the most photogenic?

When searching for photogenic locations in the city, start your hunt in the Northern Quarter. This quirky area has a lively vibe and many picturesque street locations - pay close attention to the eclectic architecture and get your camera ready. The oldest district in the city, Castlefield, is another exciting location for a location shoot and offers a range of looks for you to choose from. Remember to also check out the Bridgewater Canal, as well as the impressive Roman fort. Salford Quays, with its panoramic views of the city, is another local favourite. Heaton Park and the Royal Botanical Gardens are just two of the city’s lovely parks and a particular favourite for photos. For local buildings that are popular for photographers, check out the University of Manchester, the Town Hall, and the library for some striking historical photography.

When are most Manchester photo shoot locations open?

This really depends on the kind of location you’re looking for. Most creative studios and meeting spaces will be open between 8am-6pm. Restaurants and clubs for hire are usually available in the evening hours (6pm to midnight). Classic photo studios for hire tend to be open at least for as long as the meeting rooms.