Should We Use a Location or a Studio

Choosing between a location and a studio is one of the first decisions in any shoot planning process. Both options offer clear benefits, but the right choice will depend on the brief, the look you’re aiming for and the logistics behind the scenes. Whether you’re shooting a brand campaign, commercial film, fashion editorial or social content, the setting can help shape the final result.

At The Location Guys, we work across both formats and understand the different strengths each one offers. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide what will work best for your next shoot.

Using a Location

There’s something about real spaces that instantly adds depth to a shot. Location homes, buildings, and outdoor spaces offer a lived-in quality that can’t always be replicated. They help create a sense of atmosphere and context, especially for lifestyle and editorial content.

A well-chosen location allows you to work with the character and features of the property. Original flooring, decorative mouldings, statement kitchens or landscaped gardens can all become part of the visual story. These spaces are ideal when the goal is to create something that feels natural, inviting or aspirational.

You also get the benefit of multiple backdrops in one place. For example, a house might include a light-filled kitchen, cosy sitting room, garden terrace and dressing room, all within one booking. This allows for variety in the content while keeping the team in one base throughout the day.

Period homes, architectural builds and characterful townhouses also allow brands to align visually with their audience, offering familiarity or aspiration depending on the brief.

Using a Studio

Studios are designed to keep things streamlined. They offer neutral backdrops, clean light and controlled conditions that suit a wide range of content. This makes them ideal for product-led photography, fashion campaigns, interviews or commercial filming where focus and repetition are important.

In a studio, you’re not working around the fixed elements of a property. That means you can dress the space exactly as needed or use it as a blank canvas. Many studios also offer cycloramas, green screen facilities or coloured backdrops, which are helpful for creative campaigns or content that will be digitally altered in post.

Lighting is entirely controllable and not subject to the weather, which can be helpful for tight schedules or shoots with multiple lighting setups. Sound is easier to manage, particularly for interview or talking head content.

Studios also tend to be designed with production needs in mind, offering private areas for hair and make-up, client holding, kit storage and even catering, all within close reach.

Budget and Time Considerations

Both studios and locations vary in price, so the choice isn’t always about cost. Instead, think about efficiency and the type of content you need to produce.

A location may give you several different looks in one space, which can reduce the need for moving the team between setups. However, you may need to bring in more equipment, especially if lighting is being supplemented. You’ll also want to consider parking, access and any local regulations or restrictions.

A studio offers a more controlled environment that might help keep the day moving more quickly. If your setup is repeatable or tightly planned, this might be the better option.

Keep in mind:

Time of day and season can impact natural light in location settings
Studios give more control over light and sound but may require more styling
Locations may offer a stronger ‘look’ straight away, reducing the need for props or set builds

Practical Factors to Think About

The right choice will often come down to the needs of the shoot. Here are a few things worth considering:

Crew Size: A larger team may need more space, parking and facilities
Content Type: Lifestyle shoots benefit from location detail, while product work may prefer the blank slate of a studio
Control vs Character: Do you need full control over the environment, or are you leaning into texture and personality?
Indoor vs Outdoor: A garden, terrace or courtyard might be essential to your concept
Weather and Time: If the shoot relies heavily on daylight, consider the time of year and natural conditions

What Works Best for the Brief

At the centre of the decision is the story you are trying to tell. If the focus is warmth, personality or lifestyle, a real home or location might do more of the work for you. If the goal is clean, graphic or highly stylised, a studio gives you a level of control that makes execution smoother.

Some shoots may benefit from both. A campaign might include both lifestyle scenes in a kitchen and product cutaways shot against a studio cove. When approached thoughtfully, the two environments can complement each other across the same project.

The Location Guys

Whether you are just starting with your planning or already know the look you want, we are happy to guide you. The Location Guys represent a wide range of London studios and location homes that have been hand-picked for their style, practicality and shoot-friendly setups.

If you’re not sure which direction is right for your brief, talk to us. We can recommend options that match your needs and help with the logistics to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day.