Portrait shoot in a rented photo studio

A small studio is often enough

For a portrait or a series of business headshots you do not need a large hall. A compact room with enough depth for background, subject and camera often works well. The directory includes, for example, Beijvon Daglichtstudio at 22 m² and Not My Studio 2 at 20 m². If you also shoot full length or groups, you need more length; see what size studio you need.

Daylight or flash

Daylight gives a soft, natural look, but changes with the weather and the time of day. Beijvon has daylight through a skylight, Not My Studio 2 has south-east daylight with net curtains and blinds to control it. If you want exactly the same light across a whole series, for example for team photos on a website, flash or continuous light in a blackout room is more predictable. Ask whether lights come with the hire: at Ania Liesting Portraits lighting is included. Filter for daylight or lighting included, and read daylight or blackout and lighting setups.

Background, makeup and hire time

Ask which backgrounds are available (paper rolls, colours, a white wall) and whether using paper costs extra. A mirror, makeup spot or dressing room makes a shoot with several people much calmer. For business portraits, a fixed time per person with a waiting spot outside the set works well.

Many smaller studios rent by the hour. Indicative hourly rates in the directory: Beijvon €29, Edoland €35 and Studio Lun €75 per hour; Not My Studio 2 charges €150 per half day. Always check whether VAT is added and whether there is a minimum hire; see what a studio costs.