Header photo: CREEPY DOLLZ by photographer Mike Stone, model Jessica Maria and studio Fine and DanDee 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 Fine and DanDee Studio, a full-time studio on PurplePort with more than 11 years of experience based in Wokingham, United Kingdom.

CLOUD BURST by photographer Mike Stone, model Anna B1989, studio Fine and DanDee Studio and designer VelveteenaLeigh 

Image by photographer Dee Photography, model Irida and studio Fine and DanDee Studio

About Fine and DanDee Studio on PurplePort

Fine and DanDee Studio is a friendly and family-run studio based in Wokingham, United Kingdom.

Since opening its doors in September 2012, it has grown into a well-established, popular and busy studio, with an emphasis and pride on customer service and creating a friendly and relaxing atmosphere for creatives to express themselves in a comfortable and professional studio.

With 1000 sq ft of space, Fine and DanDee Studio has plenty of separate shooting areas, including a large plain white room 16' x 20' (which has available many colorama and fabric backdrops on a portable system, wood flooring and a great deal of shooting space), a lounge area, office space, a boudoir set and more.

Image by studio Fine and DanDee Studio

Backdrops by studio Fine and DanDee Studio

Whilst hosting lots of events (such as regular studio days, workshops, and tuition on a one-to-one and group basis), Fine and DanDee Studio also hold commercial shoots (including family and baby photography, beauty and boudoir packages for clients to feel like royalty for the day), as well as the fabulous hobbyist photographers and models who walk through their doors.  

Many of the beautiful images taken at Fine and DanDee Studio have been featured in the Front Page Image (FPI) Collection on PurplePort. 

Boudoir Set by studio Fine and DanDee Studio

Lounge by studio Fine and DanDee Studio

Interview with Fine and DanDee Studio on PurplePort

How did you get into running a studio?

Bit of a funny story, actually. Back in the day, I was a semi-professional wrestler, which is actually how I ‘fell’ into modelling and loved it.

It was around 2009/2010. I was travelling around the UK a lot and wanted somewhere I could base myself instead of having to rely on other locations. My studio location came up through a friend of a friend who informed me that this place was for hire and had been empty for a while.  

I went to view it and almost ripped the poor man's arms off. It was perfect, and I signed for it there and then.

Four weeks later, we were opening the doors to our first clients. I was lucky that I already had a good network in the industry going, which really helped with that first year.

Image by photographer Ian Oliver and studio Fine and DanDee Studio

What did you do before running a studio?

I can’t actually remember, it feels like this is all I have done!

I have always had another job outside of the industry (bills and a mortgage have to be paid), so I did my day job and travelled around the UK on weekends to wrestle and model.

I feel incredibly lucky to be doing what I love and am so passionate about. I still have to pinch myself sometimes!

Bring the Groove by photographer Chris Thomas Photography, model Shannon Louise Harris and studio Fine and DanDee Studio

How do you prepare for photoshoots at your studio?

When we prepare for a booking, I make sure the place is clean and tidy. A hoover around makes the world of difference for first impressions!

I make sure everything is in place in all the shooting areas, and the kettle is on 😊

What's your favourite style of photoshoot?

I just love the horror genre. Blood and gore is the game 😊 I’m a big horror fan anyway, and being able to have the ability to be able to facilitate shoots in this genre is just amazing.

Any photographer who works with me knows so well that you can’t go wrong with a bit of fake blood.

Reflections of Water by photographer Chris Thomas Photography, model Artistryfay and studio Fine and DanDee Studio

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

That’s a tough one, there have been so many! I think it's probably the WAM shoots. They take a lot of planning, and set up takes around an hour, with the main studio room being kitted out from top to bottom in plastic.  

There are several buckets of gunge, like the stuff they used on Wacky Warehouse (now I’m showing my age!) and many buckets of custard, beans, spaghetti, porridge, you name it!  

Always interesting to shoot and not so great to clean up! However, it is a fun (but exhausting) day and shows how versatile our studio can be.

CREEPY DOLLZ by photographer Mike Stone, model Jessica Maria and studio Fine and DanDee Studio

What do you most enjoy about running a studio?

The thing I enjoy most about running the studio is the people who come through the doors. We have been so lucky to meet some of the most creative, crazy, and friendly bunch of people a person could ever wish to meet.

I love this aspect of being a studio owner, and without such a lovely and loyal client base, we would not be able to do what we do.  

I love having a good natter, putting the world to rights and catching up with people that I am proud to call friends.

Image by photographer rugglez, model Dee (Dynamo) and studio Fine and DanDee Studio

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

Our main strength as a studio is our commitment to our clients, ensuring that safety is absolutely paramount and everyone who shoots at our studio feels safe, comfortable and at ease. I want every photographer or creative to get good shots, and I want every model to enjoy the work they do.

I do my upmost to make sure this happens on every shoot and will happily go above and beyond to make their experience with us as good as possible.

What's your absolute favourite photo?

My absolute favourite photo (see image below) is one I have taken (big head alert!). It is with a fantastic model called XPipx, and it was my first time experimenting with cling film.

The shot just came together perfectly, and it is still my favourite shot.

Image by photographer Dee Photography, model XPipx and studio Fine and DanDee Studio

Is there anyone in particular who inspires you?

From a photography perspective, there are a few photographers who really inspire me, all of whom I have had the absolute pleasure of working with throughout my modelling career.

Rick at Horrify Me is one of my favourite photographers ever, one of the best horror genre photographers I have ever seen and had the privilege of working with. His work never ceases to amaze me.  

Mark Page, photoswithattitude, is one of the best fetish photographers there is. I have had the pleasure of working with Mark more times than I can count.

Rugglez is another fetish photographer whose work I have always admired and who has influenced me as a photographer.  

Mike Stone is also up there. I have known Mike since he started shooting, and his work has accelerated to a level that I seriously admire. I am so proud to call him a friend.  

There are many more, too many to mention, whose work I admire and who are an inspiration to me.

Caitlyn 1.7.2 by photographer Ian Oliver, model Caitlyn J and studio Fine and DanDee Studio

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

I am always happy to offer advice to anyone starting out, whether they are a model, photographer or looking to open their own studio. With the knowledge I have gained over the years (and the mistakes), it would be a shame to not share it with others who are about to embark on their own journey.  

My first bit of advice would be not to underestimate the amount of work it takes to run your own studio. It takes time, money, blood, sweat and tears, but the rewards outweigh it a hundred times over.  

Understand your business model, take time to understand your client base and think outside of the box when it comes to what and how you’re going to deliver a good solid service that will grow into an established and successful business. Think long-term. 

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

No, no and hell no. It's sacrilegious, pizzageddon. Run for your lives!!!! 😊

S P I R I T ... by photographer Mike Stone, model Yoo Yoo and studio Fine and DanDee Studio

Thanks again for speaking with us and sharing your creative journey, Fine and DanDee Studio. 

We hope you all enjoyed this interview. Check out the links below for more beautiful work created at the fabulous Fine and DanDee Studio!

Here's where you can find more of Fine and DanDee Studio's work

PurplePort: Fine and DanDee Studio

Website: www.fineanddandee.co.uk 

Instagram: fineanddandeestudio

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