The photography studio is a light, bright, non-intimidating space designed for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or you’ve never picked up a camera, the space and support are tailored to meet your needs. The photography studio is located on the ground floor of The Createry, and is designed to be as plug-and-play as possible, without compromising on flexibility, i.e. minimal setup required so you can spend more time shooting.
Use your phone, bring your camera, or borrow our equipment (subject to availability). SD cards are also available for purchase.
The studio is ideal for: product photography, headshots, brand shoots, flatlays, teaching small workshops and classes, small photography club events, client shoots, and more. You can also take photo walks around the local area and come back to The Createry to edit (Nottingham Castle, the marina, and the canal are all within walking distance and make great shooting locations). You’re welcome to do shoots in other parts of The Createry as long as you have a studio booking or are a member.
Please note that due to the height of the ceiling (2.4m), you may have difficulty photographing large group shoots/tall people standing.
Quick features summary:
- White walls, ceiling, and floor
- Portable and wall backdrops
- Wide range of accessories and props
- Suitable for newbies and professionals
- Fitted with aircon, heating, and fire alarm
- Includes access to kitchen and bathroom
Equipment & accessories
Backdrops
The studio has a range of backdrops, including large paper rolls (white and grey – other colours may be available on request) portable and wall backdrop stands, plus vintage wooden doors. For flatlay and product photography, there’s hand painted wood, floorboards, vinyl, reflective and non-reflective acrylic display boards, and card in a range of designs (including grey marble hexagons and industrial dark blues and browns).
Table & chairs
A white extendable table (from 120 to 180cm) plus six stackable chairs can be found at the back of the room. These can be used for students and clients, or retracted, stacked and pushed back for more space.
Accessories
Accessories include a light stand and light, softbox, reflectors, T stand, overhead phone mount with ring light, third hand tool, mini tripod, standard size tripod and smartphone ring light. A clothes steamer is also available.
Props
The Createry has a range of furniture you’re welcome to move into the studio as long as it’s not required by someone elsewhere in the space. This includes armchairs, meeting chairs, office chairs, stools, wooden chairs, wooden desks, side tables, laptop stands, and coffee tables.
Soft furnishings and accessories such as rugs, cushions, napkins, blankets and throws are provided within the studio.
The shelving in the photography studio is filled with all kinds of small props you’re welcome to use within The Createry building. Niches covered include food, finance, lifestyle, kids, vintage, organisation, business, stationery, arts and crafts, Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and many more. Examples of props include realistic artificial flowers, desk signs, piggy banks, wooden serving trays, styled paperclips and more. Please note that not all props are vegan (e.g. feathers).
We add more props and backdrops on a regular basis, and you’re welcome to bring your own and use them in the space too.
Photography equipment for hire
Cameras and lenses are available to borrow for use within the Createry building, including Canon and Nikon entry level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
For a full equipment list, or if you have questions about specific items, please contact us.
Other facilities & accessibility
The studio can be temperature-controlled to your preferences using the aircon/heating dial just inside the door. The room has white roller blinds for the exterior facing windows and venetian blinds to the internal corridor so you can adjust for privacy or light according to your needs. Power sockets can be found around the edges of the room and via the floor in the middle of the space. USB plugs and cables are available if needed.
Booking the photography studio gives you access to the small kitchen and bathroom located opposite. The kitchen is available to make hot drinks for yourself or clients, with a fridge and kettle available for use. There are also additional food and drink photography props in the cupboards.
The bathroom is a large room with a sink and toilet. It’s large enough to get changed in for photo shoots. While it doesn’t (yet) have specific disability-friendly features, there is enough space for a walker.
The photo studio, kitchen and bathroom are all located on the ground floor of The Createry. Please note that there are one or two heavy-closing fire doors within the space. A parking space just outside the building can be booked specifically for disability-friendly convenience, with a dropped curb offering access to the building. Please contact us for more details if you or your clients have accessibility requirements, and we’ll do our best to help.
Outside the studio
Around the back of the building there’s some free space to take tree/canal shoots, plus the coworking floor of The Createry has opportunities for lifestyle and less formal brand shoots.
Getting started
Book a tour (free) – If you’re a confident photographer and just want to see if the space is suitable for your needs, please book a free visit. This will take about 10-15 minutes and also includes a look round the rest of The Createry.
Book an induction session (£10, or free for members) – If you’ve never picked up a camera or used a studio before, this one-to-one session will give you all the confidence you need to give it a go. Includes a summary cheatsheet for easy remembering after!
Book the photography studio – You’re welcome to split the cost with a friend; however, the booking itself will need to be made by one person. Please ensure you add on enough time to set up and pack down.
If you’re a Createry member, a wealth of guides on making the most of the space, equipment, props, editing and more can be downloaded from your members’ area.