The Best Photography Studios in Leeds Where You’re Free to Get Creative
After slogging through ads for yonks, I’ve become a dab hand at sniffing out a good photo studio. Part of my job was picking a location that wouldn’t make my last company’s brand look out-of-focus or low-res.
Safe to say I can tell which studios churn out pixel soup for posh prices.
So for this list, I focused on the cream of the crop. We’re talking about quality studios often hired by retailers, creatives, professional photographers, marketing agencies, and fashion brands.
How much do photography studios charge in Leeds?
Photography studios in Leeds typically charge £50 to £90 per hour. If you’re booking for a longer session, expect to shell out about £250 for half-day shoots (4 hours) and £450 for full-day ones (8 hours).
1. Aire Street Studio & Headshots
Address: L C V S Enterprises Ltd, Unit 22b, 30, 34 Aire St
Contact Details: 0113 440 0102
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 9 am to 5 pm
- Tue to Sun – 9 am to 6 pm
Most of us said ‘This is posh!’ when we walked into Aire Street Studio. You see, their premium gear includes Elinchrom and Godox lighting systems, along with a 12-ft (3.6m) colourama backdrop.
Space-wise, they exceeded our required specs with a 450 sq ft (42 m²) dimension. The ceiling height is also at 10 ft (3 m), giving us loads of room to shoot and some optional natural light to play with.
Shockingly, it didn’t hit our wallets hard. A basic 1-hour shoot was just £50.
It’s also a doddle to reach, as the studio is a mere 3-minute walk from Leeds Station. Another convenient thing was the availability of hireable gear, such as cameras and video screens.
They even have freelancers who can help rookie clients.
Parking can be limited, though, so best to give them a shout to secure your space. Be quick about booking as well; the studio attracts many brands and creatives.
Nice Space
‘Wow. I just want to say Mark is one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met. He could have just given us his studio, but instead he also helped us set up lights , backgrounds and gave us quality advice! Additionally, he took his time to record a fantastic behind the scenes video for us!! After we posted it on Instagram reels , it has become one of our most popular videos! I wholeheartedly recommend this studio for all your photography/ videography needs! Cool and relaxed vibe. Nice space for girls to do makeup and easy ways to play your own music too.’
– Salome Tirado, Google Review
Personalized Service
‘I am extremely happy with the professional photos I received! Mark, the photographer was not only highly skilled but also patient, accessible, and made us feel comfortable throughout the entire session. They took the time to discuss each shot with me, ensuring I was completely satisfied with the results.
I highly recommend their services for anyone looking for quality and a personalized experience’
– Lilianne Gomez Lopez, Google Review
2. Arts Photography
Address: 1 Shaftesbury Ave, Roundhay
Contact Details: 0113 827 2020
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 5 pm
If you’re a school admin seeking a location for school pictures, like graduation or prom shoots, Arts is an ideal pick. Having two decades in that niche bolsters their case.
For us, though, flexibility is their greatest advantage. You don’t need to trek to their Roundhay headquarters; they can stage professional-grade setups in most locations, preferably school halls.
Previous clients also love that they can set up to 6 studios and handle 500 to 2,000 students. Staff members get complimentary portraits, too, so that’s worth nothing.
Additionally, marketing or commercial shoots are part of their expertise. Arts even has more refreshing offerings beyond classic promotional snaps, including 360 virtual tours and video stills.
Unfortunately, they’re the only studio on this list that doesn’t operate on weekends.
You also might want to look elsewhere if you’re after a place specialising in smaller, intimate shoots.
Print Quality Was Good
‘The photos were good quality and both children said the experience at school was fun especially my youngest who often struggles with photo day was made to feel at ease and aloud to keep his ear defenders on to keep comfortable. The poses were nice and there was a couple of options given to purchase. The print quality was good too and it was delivered to the house promptly’
– Jade Baker, Google Review
Superb Quality
‘Working with Charles and the Arts Photography team was an absolute pleasure. I contacted Charles to attend an Annual Charity Dinner Dance for the RHA and from that moment on I knew we were in safe hands. The professionalism shown by the team was second to none with every avenue covered, prints in the moment provided for the attendees to by at the event and the ability to access a gallery to allow you to choose your photo afterwards was also an added bonus. The whole team was friendly, professional and the resulting photographs were the icing on the cake! Superb quality and captured the evening perfectly! Highly recommended.’
– Paula Boldand, Google Review
3. Feel Good Studio
Address: 36 Whitehouse St, Hunslet
Contact Details: 0113 242 7232
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 8:30 am to 11:30 pm
- Fri to Sun – 8:30 am to 12 am
Versatility is why Feel Good Studio bagged a spot here. We love how the place is kitted with aesthetically different backdrops. Think a wooden wall, an exposed brick corner, and an infinity cove.
There’s also natural lighting, which sits well with the space’s openness and fully stocked kitchen. That’s notable if you’re booking for fashion or commercial shoots, especially those for food-related products.
The rates are fair for the city, too. Clients normally spend £80 for an hour and £440 for 8 hours.
What we’re not fond of is that there’s a 2-hour minimum for weekdays and a 2.5-hour minimum for weekends.
Most months, the slots are booked out flat, too. The good news is that they announce openings on Facebook.
Amenities are also satisfactory. For starters, there’s plenty of seating and a free-to-use makeup room.
In addition, their kits, like the video lights and flash heads, are from Godox.
Welcoming and Hospitable
‘Studio, Leeds and it was fantastic. The owner was very welcoming and hospitable. A range of different spaces to shoot, makeup area, full kitchen space and plenty of seating. Came away with some fantastic images and hope to be back getting creative in this space again. Go take a peak, you won’t be disappointed!’
– Fauzia Taylor, Google Review
Will Definitely Use This Space Again
‘I was part of a shoot at Feel Good Studio yesterday and it was Amazing! Such a great space to work and the owner is an absolute delight! The space was great with lots of options for different looks and we got some incredible results! Thank you so much. Will definately use this space again in the future and would highly reccomend for anyone needing a space to get the creative juices flowing!!’
– em simo, Google Review
4. Light Space Leeds
Address: Star House, Authorpe Rd, Meanwood
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Not every studio throws a 50% student discount, which gives Light Space a proper edge.
Better yet, that offer comes with a mint setup. For instance, their lighting is versatile; natural daylight and adjustable studio lighting bathe the space.
The biggest draw is their 270 sq ft (25 m²) infinity cove, brilliant for distraction-free and polished shots.
Like the other entries, though, Light Space is busy most days. From our experience, Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays get really tight.
Weekend prices can also sting, with a 4-hour minimum hire.
On the upside, the weekend fee is one of the cheapest in Leeds at £60 an hour. Their monthly subscription also provides extra flexibility and savings for those needing regular access.
The amenities for long, big shoots are a perk as well. We’re talking about a fully equipped kitchen and multiple changing rooms.
Fur parents will also likely approve of the studio’s dog-friendly policies!
The Perfect Space
‘Just finished a shoot at Light Space Leeds and it was just the perfect space. I was able to easily use my desired set up and had everything else I needed on site for equipment. Tim was a great help and made the booking process very easy as I was having to lock in models and equipment with short notice. I’ll be booking my next shoot there for sure. Free Parking on site too!’
– Nicholas Shaul, Google Review
Very Friendly
‘We have used this studio twice for photography and highly recommend! The studio itself is a very good size, with the added bonus of the window light space. Tim is very friendly, happy to advise and has a good range of lights and equipment for use.’
– Faye Mathieson, Google Review
5. Venture Photography Studios Leeds
Address: 62-64 North St
Contact Details: 0333 567 8222
Operating Hours:
- Tue to Wed – 9 am to 5 pm
- Thu – 9 am to 8 pm
- Fri to Sun – 9 am to 6 pm
The 25-year-old Venture is a sound bet for those who want a tried-and-true studio with space to spare. Their Leeds branch alone can host over 16 clients.
In fact, many choose them for large and bespoke family shoots of up to 15 folks. Pets can even add to that number or have a session of their own.
Our interviewees also appreciated Venture’s smaller shoots, such as for maternity and newborn photography. The staff trained to handle babies helps a lot.
Most sessions are a simpler and relaxed affair, too. They usually just involve your group and one or two photographers.
On top of that, they regularly offer price cuts around Mother’s Day. The standard packages aren’t too shabby either, with most starting at £45.
That said, they don’t do corporate headshots.
The studio also doesn’t offer many props or toys, a letdown if you’re not fond of packing such things.
Amazing Shots
‘The whole team were lovely. We had Lewis as our photographer and he was amazing with our 2 year old. He even got a bubble gun to help get some amazing shots.
The viewing session afterwards was good as well as it was like we were in our own private cinema. They went through the process really clearly and we are happy with what has been done.’
– Brogan Lewis, Google Review
Super Friendly and Welcoming
‘All the staff were super friendly and welcoming we loved our time at the studio. They even had dog treats available for Ruby she loved it too (I think I did more 🥰) Thank you so many amazing images to chose from and I can’t wait to receive them 🙌🙌’
– Clare Price, Google Review