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Back in early 2020, I built my garden photography studio.

You can read my original blog written in 2022 here

Since then, it’s worked hard as a multi-purpose space. I’ve photographed newborns, families, personal branding sessions, workshops, and all sorts in there. It’s been practical, flexible, and well loved.

But over time, I started feeling like it no longer reflected the direction my business was moving in.

As more and more of my work became focused on Personal Branding photography, I knew I wanted to create a space that felt more intentional. Somewhere calm, stylish, versatile, and a little bit special to walk into.

So… it’s had a full renovation

This wasn’t a quick refresh.

The Vision

Creating personality without limiting creativity

One of the biggest challenges was this:

How do I create a studio with personality without making it feel too specific to one type of business?

I didn’t want a set that would date quickly.
And I definitely didn’t want a wishy-washy beige box.

Business owners all need very different things from their photos. A therapist, artist, coach, accountant, consultant, or designer all need imagery that feels aligned with them.

So I decided to design a flexible studio with a strong overall atmosphere.

The inspiration?
A boutique hotel reception with a contemporary, stylish mid century ambiance.

(images from my Pinterest Inspiration board)

Planning the Space

Designing the layout

I spent a long time thinking about how the studio would actually function during shoots.

Not just how it would photograph, but how it would feel to move around in.

Everything needed to work together visually while still allowing flexibility for different businesses, outfits, props, and styles of imagery.

I mapped everything out carefully in Canva before starting.

Choosing the Colour Palette

Three coordinated zones

The studio is now built around three core colour palettes that work together beautifully but each create a slightly different feel.

Deep blue

A richer, moodier backdrop that adds depth and contrast.

Antique cream

Soft, timeless neutrals that feel calm, effortless, and high end.

Plaster pink

A muted pale pink that adds warmth and personality without overpowering the images.

The aim was to create colours that would work with lots of different skin tones, clothing palettes, and branding styles without feeling bland.

Why This Works So Well for Brand Photography

A studio that adapts

We can shape the space around your business.

Everything in the studio can be moved around, or moved out.

I’ve collected cushions, artwork, and styling pieces in different tones so we can subtly adapt the feel of the shoot without needing an entirely different location.

You’re also welcome to bring your own props and pieces to personalise the space further.

Designed to Feel Calm

More lounge than photography studio

We’re all nervous about having their photo taken. So beyond how the studio looks, I wanted to think carefully about how it feels.

There is nothing ‘photography studio’ about this space. It’s a calm, homely space where you can just walk into without having to worry about a thing.

I’m so excited to start properly using it.

What Happens Next

Seeing the space come to life

This is really just the beginning.

Over the coming months, I’ll be photographing lots of different businesses in here, and I can’t wait to see how each person brings their own personality into the space.

I’ll keep adding more photographs as those shoots happen so you can see how adaptable it really is.

For now though, here’s the first proper look behind the scenes.

I really hope you love it as much as I do.

Supplier List

Sofa – Dusk

Cream Chair – Dusk

Teak Sideboard – 1960s from Marketplace

Walnut Desk – Furniture Box

Foot stool – Dunelm

Terracotta Cabinet – Dunelm (sold out)

Side table – Dunelm

Wallnut tray – Ikea

Rug – Ruggable

Plants – BlaineBox (beware of import fees!!)

Cushions – Habitat and Vinted

Framed Prints (various) – from Good Mood Prints , Inka Arthouse, and Fab Art