Photo Studios for Hire in London

What does London photo studio hire include?

Photo studio hire usually covers the space itself, but lighting, backdrops and production facilities vary by studio. Some include lighting and backdrops in the hourly rate, while others charge separately for equipment or backdrop use.

Check whether your rate includes:

•   Lighting – flash or continuous lights, stands, modifiers and triggers
•   Backdrops – available colours and any charges for floor use
•   Cyclorama or infinity cove – including repainting or preparation fees
•   Hair, makeup and changing facilities
•   Equipment hire – what is included and what costs extra
•   Parking and loading access
•   Setup and pack-down time – whether this is included in your booked hours
•   Wi-Fi, heating, air conditioning and refreshments

For example, GEL STUDIO includes lighting and paper backdrops in its hire rate, while Soif Studios includes lighting but charges for additional backdrop use. Other studios provide the space and daylight but require you to bring or hire lighting separately.

Check the listing and confirm any paid add-ons before booking, as these can change the total cost of your shoot.

Types of photo studio you can hire

Choose a studio based on what you are shooting and how much control you need over light, sound, backgrounds and sets. Compare the facilities you need before choosing on price alone.

What equipment comes with a London photo studio?

Equipment varies by studio. Some include lighting, stands, modifiers and backdrops in the hire fee, while others provide the space only or charge separately for additional kit.

Before booking, check:

•   Lighting – whether flash, continuous lighting or both are included, and how many lights you get.
•   Stands and modifiers – check for softboxes, octaboxes, reflectors, polyboards, C-stands and other grip equipment you need.
•   Triggers – confirm they are included and compatible with your camera.
•   Backdrops – check the available colours and whether floor use is charged separately.
•   Additional equipment – some studios offer extra lighting and production kit for an additional fee.
•   Camera and lens hire – available at some studios if you need additional equipment for the shoot.

If you are bringing your own lighting or production equipment, check the studio’s power provision and available circuits before booking.

How much studio space do you need for your crew and kit?

Count everyone who will be on set, not just the people being photographed. Your crew size should include photographers and assistants, hair and makeup, stylists, clients and production staff.

You also need enough usable space for:

•   Lighting stands, modifiers and other equipment
•   Sets, props and furniture
•   Clothing rails and changing areas
•   Hair and makeup away from the shooting area
•   Moving lights and repositioning between shots

Check the usable shooting area as well as the studio’s maximum capacity. A studio may have additional kitchen, styling or preparation space included in its total floor area.

Which London areas are best for photo studio hire?

Choose an area based on how your crew and equipment will reach the studio, as well as the type of space and your budget. East London has a wide choice of studios near Overground stations, while South London has several options with parking and loading access. Central London can work well for crews travelling by public transport.

East London – choice and Overground access

Photo studios in East London average £60 per hour, with most listings between £40 and £80. Hackney averages £50 per hour, with studios in Hackney Wick, Dalston, London Fields and Leyton offering daylight spaces, warehouse interiors, cycloramas and multi-set studios.

Many are close to Overground stations. For example, Soif Studios is 0.1 miles from London Fields station, while Mons Studio is 0.1 miles from Hackney Wick.

South London – parking and equipment access

South London photo studios average £55 per hour, with most listings between £40 and £99. Several current venues offer on-site parking, ground-level access or cargo lifts, making this area worth considering when transporting lighting, sets or products.

Unit 4 Studios in New Cross lists eight free on-site parking spaces and a cargo lift, while Studio6ix in Peckham lists four free spaces, ground-level access and a cargo lift.

North London – specialist studios

North London photo studios average £70 per hour, with most spots between £45 and £100. Options include lower-cost studios around Kentish Town as well as specialist infinity cove and green screen studios further north.

Current examples range from pixel studios in Kentish Town, from £18 per hour, to the pre-lit infinity cove at Finchley Studios London, from £99 per hour.

Central London – public transport access

Central London photo studios average £55 per hour, with most spaces between £35 and £110. It can be a practical choice when crew and talent are travelling by public transport and you do not need extensive parking or loading facilities.

Options include Photoion near Waterloo, West Central Studio near Holborn and larger warehouse-style locations around Clerkenwell and Shoreditch.

West London – green screen and cove options

West London photo studios average £70 per hour, with most listings between £45 and £114. You’ll find green screen, infinity cove and daylight options around areas including Willesden, Dollis Hill, Acton and Wandsworth.

Can you park and load equipment at a London photo studio?

Yes, some London photo studios offer on-site parking, ground-level access or cargo lifts, but facilities vary. Check access separately for your crew and your equipment, especially if you are bringing lighting, large props or sets.

For your crew, check:

•   Distance from the nearest station
•   Step-free access
•   Passenger lift
•   Accessible WC

For equipment, check:

•   On-site or nearby parking
•   Ground-level loading access
•   Passenger or cargo lift
•   Door and lift dimensions for large equipment
•   Whether you can stop close to the entrance to unload

For example, Unit 4 Studios in New Cross and Studio6ix in Peckham both list on-site parking, ground-level access and cargo lifts.

If you are driving to the studio, check current Congestion Charge and ULEZ requirements before your shoot.

London photo studios by shoot type

Not sure which studio to choose? These London options cover common shoot requirements, from low-cost portrait sessions to daylight, infinity cove and larger productions.

What should you check before booking a London photo studio?

Before booking, check:

•   Space and capacity – make sure the usable shooting area has enough room for your full crew, lighting, sets and equipment.
•   Lighting – check whether the studio has daylight, blackout and/or artificial lighting, and what equipment is included.
•   Backdrops and coves – confirm available colours, dimensions and any charges for backdrop use, repainting or preparation.
•   Equipment and power – check included kit, paid add-ons, trigger compatibility and whether the power supply meets your requirements.
•   Sound – if recording audio, check soundproofing, background noise and whether HVAC or air conditioning can be switched off.
•   Booking time – confirm the minimum hire period, access time, whether setup and pack-down are included, and overtime charges.
•   Access and parking – check stairs, lifts or cargo lifts, loading access, parking and whether large equipment will fit through doors and lifts.
•   Facilities and accessibility – check for hair and makeup space, changing facilities, Wi-Fi, step-free access and accessible toilets where required.
•   Booking terms – check the cancellation policy, deposit, insurance requirements and any restrictions on how the studio can be used.

For larger or technically complex shoots, consider arranging a viewing or asking for current photos, dimensions and detailed access information before booking.