Header photo: Image by studio Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

We love shining the limelight on fabulous creatives in the PurplePort community and sharing their unique journeys and creative processes.

In this episode of FEATURED, we interviewed Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio, a full-time studio on PurplePort with more than 8 years of experience based in Dorset, United Kingdom.

Image by photographer MikeGardinerPhotography, model Burdy and studio Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

Saint Vitus Dance by photographer Caroline Julia Moore, model Yoo Yoo, assistant RAWing Waves and studio Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

About Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio on PurplePort

Opened in February 2018, the Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio carries on from the previous Art Asylum Photo Studio, which was based in the Brewery Quay in Weymouth. The old studio was run by Sean Hepburn and had built a reputation of being a great and quirky studio that offered fantastic opportunities for creatives.

The new studio has relocated into an old coach house in Crescent Street in Weymouth, close to the train station on the main line from London and 50 yds from the beach, and offers a 30' x 18' studio with a white curved infinity wall at one end and many quirky bare walls, windows and features to shoot against.

Image by studio Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

There is also an additional natural light space room, which is approximately 15' x 18' with windows on one side and is laid out as a bedroom set and a couple of mini sets. It also has bare floorboards, wooden panelling and bare brick walls.

The studio is now run by Steve Cook of RAWing Waves Photography and is fully equipped with plenty of studio lighting, modifiers, etc. It has a 27" iMac linked to a wall-mounted 42" screen for tethered shooting and a separate changing room for models.

The studio has gained a reputation as it offers shooting time within the Weymouth area at a cost of £25 per hour and has regular model shooting days and tuition days.

Many of the stunning images taken at Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio have been featured in the Front Page Image (FPI) Collection on PurplePort. 

Queen of Dragons by photographer RAWing Waves and studio Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

Interview with Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio on PurplePort

How did you get into running a studio?

I started off originally doing landscape and wildlife photography where I live in Portland until I met Sean Hepburn at my local camera club.

He was setting up the old Art Asylum studio, and I got involved with the setup of that and helping to get the studio ready. I then became a regular photographer shooting there and started doing model photography.

When the studio was closing down in 2017, I began to look for my own place to shoot and got offered the space that we are in now by Felix, who had the art gallery in the old studio.

Image by studio Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

What did you do before running a studio?

I have had a variety of jobs, starting from a design draughtsman working for various defence companies to a web designer with lots of bar and nightclub jobs on the side as well.

How do you prepare for photoshoots at your studio?

A lot of my work involves keeping the studio tidy and fully stocked with tea and coffee, and refreshments for the visiting models and photographers. I also have to ensure that all the equipment is fully prepared and in full working order (e.g., batteries, etc.).

My job is to make sure that everyone's experience at the studio is the same and that all their needs are catered for. This involves me having regular pre-comms with the models and photographers that are coming to the studio.

Image by studio Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

What's your favourite style of photoshoot?

My own personal style, which I have become well known for, is boudoir photography, but I like to vary my work and not stick to one style.

I love experimenting with different lighting techniques, gel work, etc.

Flame by photographer RAWing Waves, model Helen. and studio Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

What's the most interesting photoshoot you've ever worked on in your studio?

It's hard to pick out one particular shoot because I see and shoot so many different styles.

I have many interesting photographers and models who use the studio, and the biggest joy for me is to see their creative process and to become involved in it myself if they require my assistance.

I believe that the role of a good studio owner is to be there to help and assist when necessary but to be in the background when required.

I love what some photographers produce, such as Caroline Julia Moore (here) and MikeGardinerPhotography (here). But I also love to see the evolution of some photographers and models and how their styles have evolved over time.

A quiet moment to myself by photographer RAWing Waves, model Mel4nie, Photoshop wizard RAWingRetouch and studio Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

What do you most enjoy about running a studio?

The biggest thing I love about running the studio is the interaction and exchange of ideas with models and photographers who use the studio.

A lot of these people have become great friends of mine over time and have even come to be part of the Art Asylum Reloaded team, such as Mel4nie and MikeGardinerPhotography, and have a huge input into the studio going forward.

Victorian Lady by photographer RAWing Waves, model Mel4nie, Photoshop wizard RAWingRetouch and studio Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

What would you describe as your main strengths as a studio?

Our biggest strength is the quirkiness of the studio in that we have some great natural features such as bare floorboards and bare brick walls.

Everywhere you look within the studio, there is a corner or a space that can be used differently.

Art Nude by photographer RAWing Waves, model UKCrystal Photoshop wizard RAWingRetouch, designer Mel4nie and studio Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

Tartan by photographer RAWing Waves, model Roxy Knight and studio Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

What's your absolute favourite photo?

I have many favourite photos that have been taken at the studio, and my views change over time.

But probably one that will always be up there is one that I took and composited for my birthday shoot on Star Wars Day, which is of Mel4nie as Princess Leia with R2D2 (see image below).

Girl and Droid by photographer RAWing Waves, model Mel4nie and studio Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

Is there anyone in particular who inspires you?

In my early days, it was Gil Elvgren and his style of pinup work.

But in recent times, I would say it's the sum of all the models and photographers that come through the door. They are the real inspiration for my work and creativity and what keeps me wanting to run the studio.

Image by photographer RAWing Waves, Photoshop wizard RAWingRetouch and studio Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

What advice would you give to a studio just starting out?

My advice would be it's hard, and if you expect to make lots of money, you are in the wrong game.

Listen to the photographers and models that come through your door. They are the ones who matter and who you need to satisfy, as they are the studio's lifeblood.

Be prepared to doubt yourself, but stay strong no matter what is thrown at you, and you will achieve your aim. I am still a long way from where I want to be, but I will get there with the support of people I have met.

One final question. Pineapple on pizza, yes or no?

Yes

Eyes by photographer RAWing Waves, model Luna Forrest, Photoshop wizard RAWingRetouch and studio Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

Thanks again for speaking with us and sharing your creative journey, Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio.

We hope you all enjoyed this interview. Check out the links below for more beautiful work created at the fabulous Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio!

Here's where you can find more of Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio's work

PurplePort:  Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

Website: www.artasylumreloadedphotostudio.com

Facebook: Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

Instagram: artasylumreloadedphotostudio 

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