About Leicester
Located in the East Midlands, the city of Leicester is known for its cultural diversity, surprising archaeological discoveries and its delicious Red Leceister cheese. The city has a relatively small population of fewer than 360,000 inhabitants. But what the city lacks in size, it makes up for in its rich and inviting culture.
Leicester is famous for its annual Diwali celebrations, which attract thousands of visitors each year. In fact, the city's Diwali celebrations are believed to be the largest outside of India! The event is enjoyed by visitors who travel from far and wide to get involved in the festivities and traverse the famous Golden Mile, a bustling road in the city centre decorated with seasonal lights to celebrate Diwali.
As well as exciting cultural events and excavated kings, Leicester is home to several photo studios. So if you're looking for a great place to have your next photoshoot, Leicester might be the perfect location. We've created a short but useful guide to help you plan a successful photoshoot in Leicester.
Photography Options in Leicester
If you're planning a photoshoot in Leicester, you might need some help from local businesses such as equipment hire providers, catering companies and modelling agencies.
- Photography Equipment Hire
To get the best results from your photo shoot, you might decide to hire high-quality equipment for the duration of the shoot. Luckily, there are several Leciester-based equipment hire businesses available to help you execute a successful photoshoot in the city.
- Caterer
If your shoot requires a large crew and is due to last several days, you may want to consider hiring a catering company. Thankfully, several catering companies operate in and around Leicester, meaning you've got plenty of choices regarding menus.
- Modelling Agency
Depending on the nature of the shoot, you may require models. If so, Leicester is home to several highly-rated modelling agencies.
Photography Companies in Leicester
- Leicester Sound and Lighting
If you're looking to hire lighting equipment for your next shoot, Leicester Sound and Lighting offers a variety of high-quality products to ensure your shoot goes to plan. Kit available for hire includes outdoor lighting and staging equipment, LCD projectors and plasma screens. Additionally, you can hire smoke machines and hire stages, if required.
- The Dimblebee Catering Company
The Dimblebee Catering Company provides catering services in Leicester, Warwick, Northampton, Nottingham and the Midlands. The company, which has provided food and drink for over 3,000 events, offers cold buffets, BBQs, carveries, canapes, bowl foods, sharing menus, and many other delicious options. So if you're looking for a catering company that offers delectable homemade food which will keep your crew satiated and happy, the Dimblebee Catering Company can help!
- PK Models and Performers Agency
If you need to hire models for your shoot, PK Models and Performers Agency employs models of all ages and genders. The agency's models are professionals who have experience working with fashion, editorial and commercial clients from around the world.
Pros and Cons of Photoshoots in Leicester
Advantages
- Leceister City Market
Leicester is known for its thriving market, which is open six days per week and attracts thousands of visitors annually. The lively market offers delicious food, unique clothes and other goods and is popular with Leicester locals. Also, did you know that the market's history stretches back to 1298, making it over 700-years-old?
- History
Leicester has a fascinating past. During the Roman era, Leicester, known then as Ratae Corieltauvorum, was home to a military fort. But, since 2012, the city has is probably most famous as the final resting place of King Richard III, who ruled England for two short years from 1483 to 1485.
- Cultural Events
Leceister is known for its exciting cultural events, including an annual Diwali celebration that attracts thousands of visitors to the city each year, the exhilarating Caribbean Carnival and the rousing St. George's Festival.
Disadvantages
- Quiet
If you're looking for a big city where there's always something going on, Leicester might not be for you. While the city has plenty of advantages, it's not as lively as large cities like London and Manchester. Thankfully, big, bustling cities such as London are only an hour's journey on the train!
- Weather
If you're planning to do part of your shoot outdoors, Leceister might not be the ideal place due to its frequently rainy weather. It rains approximately 169 days each year, so don't forget your umbrella when visiting!
Famous Locations in Leceister
- National Space Centre
The National Space Centre is one of the city's most popular attractions, with over 300,000 visitors each year. Unsurprisingly, the centre has won multiple prestigious awards for its intriguing exhibits that explore the exciting history of space travel. Visitors can explore six galleries that contain giant rockets, fascinating satellites and fragments of meteorites. As you approach the National Space Centre, you'll see the 42-metre high Rocket Tower, which houses the incredible Blue Streak and Thor Able Rockets. It is an unmissable day out that everyone can enjoy!
- King Richard III Visitor Centre
Across the road from Leceister Cathedral and the Guildhall, you'll find the King Richard III Visitor Centre. Following the incredible discovery of human remains in a car park in 2012, Leicester City Council purchased a nearby building to preserve the 15th-century king's story for years to come. After a significant renovation, the building became a spectacular museum for all things related to King Richard III. Today, the centre tells the spellbinding story of the English king's dramatic life and death, making it a fascinating day out that all can enjoy.
- Leicester Museum and Art Gallery
Since the mid-19th century, Leicester Museum and Art Gallery has told the stories of the city's diverse community, including its places of interest, art and heritage, which have shaped its unique, multicultural identity. The Museum and Art Gallery contains thousands of curiosities, artwork, antiquities, fossils, and animal specimens, some of which are hundreds of years old, spread across fifteen intriguing galleries.