About Birmingham
Birmingham is located in the middle of England and is very well-connected to the surrounding cities such as London, Cardiff, Sheffield and Manchester. Due to Birmingham's size, it consists of many captivating and photogenic spots such as the Birmingham canals, Sutton Park, Cannon Hill Park and the Bullring Shopping Centre, to name a few. The shopping centre comprises two main malls connected by an underground tunnel system. The mall also features a unique landmark building designed by Future Systems, which has 15,000 aluminium disks on its exterior. Through your camera lens, the building can look phenomenal! It has also won over eight RIBA Awards.
Another noteworthy picturesque outdoor location is Aston Hall. Aston Hall is a Grade I listed building built between 1618 and 1635. In modern days, the Jacobean house operates as a museum, showing the history of the building in all its grandeur.
Birmingham has many picture-perfect spots, old and new, awaiting a photographer like you to come along and capture all its glory.
Photoshoot Options in Birmingham
Finding the ideal photoshoot location can be daunting, but with proper research, you'll soon get the perfect location for your project. Now that we know a few things about Birmingham, let’s take a look at the different options the city has to offer to make your photoshoot successful.
- Prop Hire
After you have found your space, hiring some props to help elevate the fore and background of your shot can be very beneficial. Whether they're for portraits or landscapes, props can complete the theme that you have in mind. If you're doing a product photoshoot, there is a wide range of props that can help greatly improve your set-up and keep the product being sold in focus.
- Furniture Hire
Like props, furniture can help you set the scene for your photoshoot, especially if you've hired a blank studio. Rental companies offer various items in their stock, from comfy lounge chairs to bar set-ups. The options are endless, so you're free to decorate your photoshoot space however you want.
- Camera Hire
Getting the right camera and accessories can make or break your photoshoot. From different lenses and lighting to the different types of camera, the equipment you use will determine the quality of your work. Many camera rental companies have professionals who can offer you advice and help you find the right camera equipment to achieve your creative vision.
- Catering
Photoshoots often take several hours to a few days to complete. If you're spending that much time in the studio of your choice, hiring some catering not only gets you energised for the day but also saves you time from having to get food outside. Many catering services can deliver simple sandwich platters, appetisers and buffets to your place. How convenient!
Photoshoot Companies in Birmingham
- The Flash Centre
The Flash Centre is the United Kingdom's leading lighting specialist for over 30 years. Carrying experienced staff members, the Flash Centre offers professional advice and help when needed. Rental items are available, which you can try first before you place the final order. This allows you to choose the equipment you need carefully. You can choose from well-known brands such as Canon, Phottix, broncolor and many more, which all come with price matches in case you know about a lower price at a different shop. Since their employees have lengthy experience in the field, the Flash Centre also offers product training to help you learn more about the equipment and how to use it efficiently.
- Central Theatre Supplies
If you're looking for lighting equipment for your photoshoot, Central Theatre Supplies is your store! This shop carries theatre supplies and drama equipment and has many options to choose from. Based in Birmingham, Central Theatre Supplies has over 30 years in the business and has an experienced staff to help you find anything you need.
- Robinson's Catering
Robinson's Catering is based in South Birmingham and has been a family-run business since 2007. This catering company offers many options such as buffet style, education and nursery, boardroom and business, BBQ and breakfast catering. Robinson's believes in using locally sourced and fresh ingredients for their food and giving high-quality service to customers.
Pros and Cons of Photoshoots in Birmingham
Pros
- Well-connected
Since Birmingham is located in the central part of England, it's connected to surrounding big cities and smaller towns. If you are not initially from Birmingham and are looking to do your photoshoot here, you'll be able to get to the city easily by train.
- Cost
Birmingham has a relatively affordable cost of living; therefore, it is cheaper to pay for a photoshoot location and rental services here than it would be in a city such as London or Manchester. You can use those extra few pounds on other aspects such as catering or equipment.
- Lots to do
Birmingham offers many attractions that you can visit and activities you can do after your photoshoot. Some of the best shopping can be done in the city at the Bullring Shopping Centre.
Cons
- Transit
Although Birmingham’s transportation system is efficient, it's also more expensive than in other cities like Manchester. This is something to keep in mind if you're planning to navigate the city or switch between locations for your photoshoot.
- Rain
Birmingham is known to be a very rainy city. While in Birmingham, make sure to bring some rain gear if you plan to walk around! If you're doing your photoshoot outside, it would be wise to hire some marquee or tent as backup especially if the weather's already not looking good.
- Traffic
Due to the high volume of residents and commuters, the traffic in Birmingham can be very heavy. Anticipate possible delays on delivery of photoshoot equipment or catering.
Best Photoshoot Locations in Birmingham
- Library of Birmingham
The Library of Birmingham opened in September 2013 and is one of the most recognisable buildings in the city. Designed by Francis Houben, the building is a unique space with a secret garden on the seventh floor. The exterior of the building looks like shiny wrapping paper adorned with geometric designs. It cost around £188.8 million to complete.
- Rotunda
The Rotunda is a cylindrical high-rise residential building. It was initially finished in 1965 but has undergone some renovations in 2008. The Rotunda is listed as a Grade II building and is an iconic feature of the Birmingham skyline.
- Photography Studio 197
Located in Adderley Road, Birmingham, this photo studio is a blank space hire. The studio comes with some equipment such as flash heads, modifiers, wind machine, make-up area, backdrops and free parking right outside. It is highly affordable and perfect as a photoshoot location, accommodating a small crew of eight persons.
