Fully insulated and heated
Editing suite on-site
Frequent prop changes
Just 55 minutes from London
Perfect for photo and video shoots
High ceilings
Changing area for models
Self service kitchen
Tethered shooting
1200 ft² of character space
Colorama backdrops
Wireless studio lights
Huge range of lighting modifiers
Black out blinds
Fully insulated and heated
Private non-overlooked space
Editing suite on-site
Frequent prop changes
Just 55 minutes from London
The Loft Studio
The Loft is the largest and best-equipped photography studio in Essex. The studio occupies the roof space of a Victorian mill, complete with triple height ceiling, double glazed windows and a 12 by 10 meter floor space. There’s ample room for relaxing, editing, changing and preparing refreshments.
We’ve designed the space around the specific needs of photographers, so everything is ready for you to start shooting upon arrival. We’ve invested in studio strobes, a choice of backdrops and numerous lighting modifiers.
There’s lots of natural light along with blackout blinds on every window for when you need things to go dark. There’s also an editing suite on the mezzanine and more power sockets than you could wish for.
If you have any questions please call us on 07880 903 889 or email us here.
TillieFeather model breaks out her ballet moves at The Loft today
It's always such a pleasure to have @romanie_smith at The Loft, shooting for a music mag today <3
Halloween food special at The Loft today
The Paris Fashion Workshop team meeting at the @TheLoft_Studio yesterday for our preflight check. Everybody look busy
Massive works if art at the studio today
Building cool new sets today with @romanie_smith
Just a random drive-by hair swoosh on model SophieStar youtube.com/watch?v=eZRMQi…
Today at The Loft ...U don't even know how to describe this 🙂
Shooting with @romanie_smith
Creative Max shooting fashion at The Loft today
The production team working their collective buns off
Celebrity Fitness at The Loft today
Bowens shooting with tog Wayne Johns and model @Alize_Lilli
Bowens at The Loft today demoing their new toys
Shooting Aimee B at The Loft Today, pics to follow
Studio Layout and Facilities
The Loft has large uninterrupted floor space with two roof trusses above. The kitchen is kept deliberately small as to not intrude on the working space and, using some clever layout it also doubles up a changing room when needed.
- 12m x 10.5m of open floor space
- Floor to ceiling west facing window
- North facing window
- Kitchen
- Changing room
- Mezzanine editing suite
- Colorama backdrops
- Authentic period features
- Lounge area
- Blackout blinds
- 30 lighting modifiers
- 5 studio strobes
- Wireless triggers
Who Books The Loft?
Professionals
For professional photographers The Loft is the ideal location for portraiture, advertising, fashion or product work. The studio was built by photographer Dan Tidswell to accommodate his professional needs so it’s likely to meet your exacting requirements too.
With lots of room to manoeuvre, wireless studio lights, a plethora of lighting accessories and character on tap it’s hard to take a bad picture at The Loft!
Beginners
If you’re just starting out in studio photography The Loft has plenty to offer. There is always an assistant on hand to help your setup your equipment and ensure you’re getting great shots.
Many starters book a two hour slot at The Loft and spend the first 30 minutes with us getting acquainted with the equipment and space before their model / subject arrives. This is a great idea and we’re here to help you get setup for a great shoot.
TV production
The Loft is ideal for short TV segments. There’s lots of room and the ability to book long sessions out of business hours. NorthOne TV and The Gadget Show have completed TV production work at The Loft with fantastic results.
The studio happily supports a crew of 10 and because everything in the studio is movable you can build a set tailored to your production needs.
Videography
The loft is ideal for videographers and has been used to shoot chroma-green segments, talking heads and stop-motion animation scenes.
Clothing and fashion designers
If you have a fashion line to shoot and already have a photographer then The Loft can accommodate your needs, if you don’t have a photographer you might want to check out PhotoEngineers
The character of The Loft allows for amazing fashion photography. We have modern white and grey backdrops for classic catalogue and magazine images, room to build your own bespoke sets or a characterful studio space to work with.
We regularly shoot entire catalogues for clothing brands. We maintain the setup and style of your shoot so that future booking can produce images that fit into your existing portfolio.
To book a shoot or discuss your needs please get in touch.
Product Designers
If you have a product that you want to shoot and already have a photographer then The Loft can accommodate your needs, if you don’t have a photographer you might want to check out PhotoEngineers
The Loft is perfectly setup for product photography. If you want to visit the studio and checkout the suitability of the space please get in touch and we’ll be happy to make you a coffee.
non-commercial rates
Hourly (min 2 hours)
- Full Studio Access
- Lighting Equipment
- Wireless Triggers
- Colorama backdrops
Half day (4 hours)
- Full Studio Access
- Lighting Equipment
- Wireless Triggers
- Colorama backdrops
Full day (8 hours)
- Full Studio Access
- Lighting Equipment
- Wireless Triggers
- Colorama backdrops
commercial rates
Hourly (min 2 hours)
- Full Studio Access
- Lighting Equipment
- Wireless Triggers
- Colorama backdrops
- Editing suite
- Location release
Half day (4 hours)
- Full Studio Access
- Lighting Equipment
- Wireless Triggers
- Colorama backdrops
- Editing suite
- Location release
Full day (8 hours)
- Full Studio Access
- Lighting Equipment
- Wireless Triggers
- Colorama backdrops
- Editing suite
- Location release
Frequently Asked Questions
opening times
Our normal business hours are 9am to 5.30pm, 7 days a week.
If you need to arrange studio time outside of regular business hours please get in touch and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
deposits cancellation and refund policy
We require 50% deposit to reserve your booking, the balance is payable on the day of the shoot via cash, PayPal or bank transfer. You can cancel your booking up to 48 hours before the start time of your shoot for a full refund, after that time has expired your deposit is forfeit.
do you have continuous lighting for video shoots?
We have two continuous hot lights at The Loft but they are primarily used for photography work. Beyond that you’ll need to bring your own LED or hot lights for video work.
can I get help setting up?
Absolutely, a member of The Loft team will be available throughout your shoot to help setup.
what's the largest product I can get this into the studio?
The Loft in the the roof space of a Victorian mill. Access is via two sets of stairs that are approximately 1 meter wide. We have had products as large as sofas and industrial fans carried into to the studio. If you’re not sure then please give us a call and arrange to visit the studio to check suitability.
What people are saying about The Loft
I had the pleasure of undertaking a shoot for a client at The Loft Studio.
The studio has excellent facilities, it’s very large which gave me, my client and the model plenty of room to work and change outfits.
Dan, the studio’s owner, is extremely knowledgeable and very helpful, providing all that was required by both myself and the client.
Highly recommended.
Had my first shoot at The Loft and found it to be a very comfortable environment to work in, has great light later in the day and blacks out well when darkness is required. Lots of space to use and lots of plug sockets allow you to put lights where you need then safely.
Easy access to Colorama backgrounds as well as great character features. Dan is friendly and approachable and happy to help with anything. My new ‘go-to’ studio.
I’ve used the loft on a number of occasions now, and it’s simply a gorgeous place to shoot. Well equipped and plenty of space with the possibility of multiple different sets and lighting effects available.
The photography group I belong to uses it on a monthly basis for a group workshop and comfortably accommodates multiple photographers and two lighting setups.
It really is a quality studio.