From Lockdown to Launch: How Our Studio Came to Life
The idea of having your own photography and videography studio is not a thought process for a lot of people including me. ..so in the midst of lockdown boredom, sitting at home, restless with distaction, it was then that the seed was planted.
And then one afternoon, my father-in-law looked out at the unused space at the back of the property and said, “Why don’t we build a studio? I’ll build it and you run it?” At first, I thought he was joking. But he wasn’t—and soon, neither was I.
Hasten to add, this was towards the end of the covid pandemic where most if not all restrictions had been lifted…so building could legally commence :)
It All Started with an Empty Patch of Ground
What followed was one of the most unexpectedly rewarding projects I’ve ever taken on…and what felt like a mini degree in house (photography studio) building.
With time on our hands and nowhere to be, we got stuck into the build. By law, the studio footprint could only be a certain size so i got to work researching how best to maximise our space, watching alot of YouTube studio walkthrougfhs, drafting rough sketches, and sourcing most appropriate materials. We treated it like our own Grand Designs project, minus the budget and with a bit more swearing.
We thought it would be beneficial to document the process. We’ve got a full archive of photos that show everything: digging out the foundation, framing the walls, putting up insulation, adding lights, painting the inside, and finally seeing it all come together. Looking back now, those pictures tell their own story. A story of turning quiet days into creative action.
From Blank Canvas to Creative Hub
Fast forward to today, and the studio is now a fully equipped space for both photography and video production. What started as a passion project during lockdown has grown into a vital part of my business.
The studio is now used for:
Portrait photography – from headshots to more creative editorial-style sessions.
Talking heads – clean, consistent interviews for brands and businesses.
Commercials – product shoots and branded content for online campaigns.
Podcasts – and speaking of which, I’ve just launched a new podcast filmed and recorded right here in the studio. More on that soon.
The versatility of the space is what makes it so useful. It’s private, sound-treated, and adaptable—I can shift from a photography setup to a video shoot in under 10 minutes. Whether I’m lighting a cinematic talking head interview or capturing clean product content, having this level of control over the space is a massive creative advantage.
It’s Not Just About the Gear
Of course, the studio is kitted out with lots of equipment—lights, backdrops, audio gear, cameras—but more important than all that is the atmosphere. I wanted it to feel like a place where people could be themselves. No pressure, no distractions, just a calm, professional space where ideas flow easily and good work gets done.
Whether it's a nervous business owner stepping in front of the lens for the first time, or a seasoned guest sitting down for a podcast chat, my aim is always the same: to make people feel comfortable and confident.
Built with Intention, Growing with Purpose
This studio has allowed me to take on more ambitious work, grow creatively, and offer a better experience to the people I collaborate with. It’s opened the door to projects I wouldn’t have been able to handle before. It’s also become a bit of a creative playground—somewhere I can test lighting setups, try new gear, or record ideas as they come.
And it all started with a conversation during lockdown.
Come See It for Yourself
If you're local and curious, you’re always welcome to drop by. Whether you're looking to collaborate, record something, shoot a portrait, or just get inspired by the space, the door’s open.
And if you’re thinking about building your own creative space—even something small—don’t wait for the perfect moment. Just start. You never know what that patch of unused ground might turn into.
The podcast you say? It’s coming soon. Watch this space.
