Renting a pro studio is an investment in your creativity—and like any good investment, the return depends on how well you prep. If you’re a seasoned pro or a confident amateur with a vision and a camera, being well prepared can turn a normal session into a masterpiece.
Here’s your no-bullshit checklist to make the most of your studio hire.
Know what you’re shooting (before you start)
Before booking the studio, know your shoot’s aims. Are you shooting a fashion campaign, headshots, interviews, or product photography? Where will the shots go and how do they fit with the client’s corporate ID?
Knowing your goal shapes your equipment needs, lighting choices, and time allocation. Come with a shot list, mood board, or storyboard so everyone’s in on the vision. Each setup needs different lighting, backdrops and know-how.
Tip: Pre-visualise your shots using software like ShotDeck or Milanote. It saves time and miscommunication during setup. You can show-and-tell!
Bring Only What You Need—but Don’t Forget the Essentials
Pack smart. Don’t clutter your bag, but bring essentials like charged batteries, lens cloths, empty memory cards and snacks for the workers! If you’re shooting video, remember your audio gear and accessories.
Compile a gear checklist for each type of job you do – it’ll save time and pain!
Tip: Our studio has tons of gear, so check what we have online – you don’t need your 20kg C-stand (we have 4 spare).
Know the Studio Layout and Features (not just ours!)
Do you need natural light? What backdrops are already hung? Where’s the power (ours hang out of the way from the ceiling – you don’t trip on cords)? Knowing these things before shoot day makes life a lot easier.
Go online to see what we have—and our hire price includes it all.
Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to set up. It won’t eat into your hire time.
Talk With Your Team in Advance
From talent to assistants to HMUAs, everyone should know the shoot’s start time, parking details, and studio rules.
If you’re heading a team, consider using a shared calendar or group chat to stay synced on times and creative direction.
Respect Time—Yours and Others’
Studios often have bookings back-to-back and pack-down takes time — build it into your booking.
Leave the space better than you found it and reset any gear you used. The studio karma gods will reward you, and so will we (& please, please switch the channels back on the monoblocs!)
Rule of Thumb: If you wouldn’t leave it like that at your Mum’s, don’t leave it like that at the studio.
Finally…
A successful shoot isn’t just about talent and gear—it’s about prep.
By planning ahead, streamlining your kit, and coordinating your team, you’ll turn your studio rental into a smooth, productive, and enjoyable experience.
Sources
- https://petapixel.com/2022/06/06/8-tips-for-better-studio-photography/
- https://fstoppers.com/education/planning-and-executing-successful-studio-photo-shoot-546071
- https://shotdeck.com/
- https://www.milanote.com/
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