Planning

Studio vs Location: Which Shoot Is Right for You?

By Glen · August 2026 · 4 min read

When you're booking a shoot, one of the first choices is where. Studio or out on location? There's no wrong answer — it comes down to the look you want and where you feel most comfortable. Here's how to decide.

Location shoots: natural, freeing, full of character

Shooting outdoors — across the Cotswolds, around London, or somewhere that means something to you — gives your photos a real sense of place and gorgeous natural light. Location suits portrait, fashion-led and fitness sessions beautifully, and a lot of people find the open air relaxes them. If you love the idea of countryside light or a bit of city edge, this is your lane.

My home studio in Swindon also sits in this tier — private, calm and controlled, without the cost of hiring a space. It's a lovely middle ground: the comfort of a studio, the accessibility of the base rate.

Premium studio: total control, professional polish

A dedicated premium studio brings professional lighting, backdrops and props into play — and that opens up looks you simply can't get outdoors. Think dramatic, sculpted light, bold colour, clean backgrounds and full creative control whatever the weather's doing. It's ideal for striking boudoir, fitness physique work and creative concepts where you want that high-end, editorial finish. The studio hire is included in the price, so there's nothing extra to sort.

How to choose

• Want natural light and a sense of place? Go location.
• Want privacy and comfort at the base rate? The home studio's perfect.
• Want dramatic, polished, fully-controlled images? The premium studio delivers.
• Not sure? Tell me the vibe you're picturing and I'll recommend the right setting.

Whatever you choose, the rest stays the same

Every session — studio or location — comes with full posing direction, all your unedited images to keep, and finished edits within 10–14 days. And every one is guided from start to finish, so you never need to know what to do. You can see all the options side by side on the pricing section: location and home studio start at £175, with premium studio sessions from £250.