Header photo: Innocent until proven guilty by photographer Thammondphotography, model Katey Model and studio Basford Hurst Cottage

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 Basford Hurst Cottage, a full-time studio on PurplePort with around 8 months of experience based in Staffordshire, United Kingdom.

Time for desert…. by photographer SallySparrow Photography, models Cariad Celis, Liv Wild and Nicole Rayner and studio Basford Hurst Cottage

Image by photographer John S, model Rose Magdalene Child and studio Basford Hurst Cottage

About Basford Hurst Cottage on PurplePort

Experienced PurplePort model Miss_C (Leanne) is the studio owner of the newly opened and established Basford Hurst Cottage Photography Location.

Basford Hurst Cottage was originally erected in 1889 and housed the garages, stables, and electricity generator for the main Basford Hurst House. It also provided living accommodation for the groom and chauffeur.

Basford Hurst Cottage Outside by studio Basford Hurst Cottage

Private woodland at Basford Hurst Cottage at Basford Hurst Cottage

Basford is now home to Leanne and her fiancée Simon. When Leanne first stepped into the property, she knew she wanted a photoshoot there, which got her thinking - if she wanted to shoot here, maybe other people might!

Hence, Basford Hurst Cottage Photography Location was born.

This fabulous location has a wealth of unique and varied shooting opportunities, including numerous Victorian period features and staircases, 3 acres of private woodland with a natural flowing stream and a derelict outbuilding.

Inside Basford Hurst Cottage

The Beautiful Spiral Staircase at Basford Hurst Cottage

Since opening at the beginning of April 2023, Basford Hurst Cottage has hosted over 140 photography events and photoshoots and accumulated over 170 positive references on Purpleport. They run and promote studio days for models every month and accommodate people overnight if they wish.

Leanne and Simon are continuing to make improvements to Basford, with plans for a luxury boudoir set up with a four-poster bed and renovations to the courtyard space and derelict outbuilding all in the pipeline.

They are always open to suggestions from other creatives. Basford Hurst Cottage prides itself as a luxury photography venue and makes every effort to ensure a safe, comfortable shooting space for all creatives. 

Check out the many gorgeous images taken at Basford Hurst Cottage featured in the Front Page Image (FPI) Collection on PurplePort. 

Our Stunning Free-Standing Bathtub at Basford Hurst Cottage

The Dining Room at Basford Hurst Cottage

Interview with Basford Hurst Cottage on PurplePort

How did you get into running a studio?

Two years ago, I met my now fiancée Simon and moved with him to Staffordshire to live with him at Basford Hurst Cottage in November 2023. 

At this time, I was unable to continue to play competitive Beach Volleyball due to a shoulder injury. I was also starting to find myself becoming increasingly frustrated in my job as a Veterinary Nurse. Simon was aware of this and said that he had always had an idea of using Basford Hurst Cottage as a business, but he had no time to do this due to his job as a Medical Consultant.

After throwing a few ideas around, one day, I said to him I would love to get back into modelling and that I thought Basford would be a great place to have a photoshoot.

This spurred me on to suggest that maybe if I wanted to have a photoshoot there, other people might also want to! Hence, Basford Hurst Cottage Photography Location was created and, after a lot of hard work, was opened five months later! 

No one who loves the woods stays on the path.... by photographer Owen Lloyd, model CeeEssPics and studio Basford Hurst Cottage

What did you do before running a studio?

My primary career for over 10 years was that of a Registered Veterinary Nurse. I absolutely adore animals, as does Simon, and I would not be surprised if we end up with some animals at Basford one day.

For now, we do have a friendly Corn Snake called Noodle, who has featured in many photoshoots to date! 

Making a run for it by photographer MShoot Photo, model Georgia Brown and studio Basford Hurst Cottage

How do you prepare for photoshoots at your studio?

Most of our location is always prepared for photoshoots. I always ensure each of the shoot spaces is checked and cleaned/tidied, ready for any last-minute bookings.

Being a model myself, it was imperative that models were made to feel comfortable and safe at Basford. Therefore, they have their own private, fully equipped dressing room complete with dressing gowns, make-up remover, cotton pads, hair clips and pins, hair dryer, clothes steamer, and the list goes on!

I also provide personal touches, especially if a shoot is of a particular theme, which just makes that small extra difference in a model's and photographer's day!

In addition, I have lighting available to use at all times for photographers, including two Godox AD200 Pros, numerous softboxes, light stands and reflectors. 

Life is art... Live yours in colour.... by photographer Michael J Photography, model Mistyy and studio Basford Hurst Cottage

What's your favourite style of photoshoot?

I love a complete contrast of photoshoots, which is why I adore Basford Hurst Cottage so much! I particularly adore Tasteful Artistic Nude, shot with soft natural light, and at Basford, we have many stunning period features and huge windows which compliment this genre beautifully.

On the other side of the coin, I love dark and moody imagery with strong lighting and shadows. We have had shots done in our outbuilding, which have involved sparks, smoke, and gel lights and needless to say, they are just spectacular!

Variety is the spice of life, and I have just been overwhelmed with what people have created and continue to create here at Basford.

Innocent until proven guilty by photographer Thammondphotography, model Katey Model and studio Basford Hurst Cottage

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

There are three that spring to mind that have been most enjoyable! 

The first shoot was a slightly surreal day involving a group from Secretcon, organised by Darren Fitzjohn (I P H O T O U K). Having Captain America, Harley Quin and Nutcracker Barbie walking around the house and grounds was rather fun! 

I would absolutely recommend anyone to have a go and get involved in one of these amazing events! 

... Secretcon comes to Basford.... by photographer I P H O T O U K and studio Basford Hurst Cottage

The second shoot must be a wonderful sold-out two-day event organised with Erica Mulkern, the ballerina.

Two days of shooting so many incredible outfits and dance poses was just magical! 

Why walk when you can dance.... by photographer The Mad Hatter, model Ballerina Erica Mulkern and studio Basford Hurst Cottage

The third shoot involved myself and Nicole Rayner with Owen Lloyd as the photographer. We shot with an angle grinder, cement mixer and a digger.

Some might have called us mad and a health and safety nightmare, but we think the shots were worth it!

The best tool for the job.... A woman by photographer Owen Lloyd, model Miss_C, studio Basford Hurst Cottage and assistant Nicole Rayner

Strong women are absolutely unpredictable... by photographer Owen Lloyd, models Miss_C and Nicole Rayner and studio Basford Hurst Cottage 

What do you most enjoy about running a studio?

Meeting like-minded creatives and seeing how they interpret our incredible variety of spaces here at Basford Hurst Cottage.

In just a few short months, we have met so many incredible people and have made some amazing friends along the way. It has been so wonderful to see this amazing location brought to life, and we cannot wait to see what people do next!

Christine....Phantom of the Opera by photographer JPea, model Ivory Flame and studio Basford Hurst Cottage

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

The first strength must be variety. I appreciate a plain white infinity curve and a black backdrop as much as the next model, and they will always have a place in photography, but for me, having somewhere with so many options to exploit is just magical!

I have had so many creatives say what a wonderful place this is to shoot, and many have returned time and time again and have still not run out of ideas and concepts for shooting here! 

The second strength is a more personal one, and it is that I myself run the studio from a model's perspective. I have been to many studios where you are lucky if you end up with a curtain to get changed behind.

Times are changing, but model comfort and safety are a priority of mine, and I also have a real attention to detail. I have been told that Basford has a woman's touch, and I am inclined to agree!

Pianist by photographer J Black Photographic, model Angel Black UK and studio Basford Hurst Cottage

The third strength is our pricing structure, which I'm told is incredibly competitive for what we have to offer here. Our prices are for sole use hire of the entire location, and we offer complete privacy for models and photographers shooting here. 

Our fourth strength is safety. I am always on-site throughout the booking, and my fiancée Simon is usually around, too. We are always on hand should any issues arise for either the photographer or the model. Basford is a safe shooting space, and any inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. 

What's your absolute favourite photo?

Life is never easy for those who dream... by photographer Paul GH Photography, models Artemis Fauna and Carla Monaco and studio Basford Hurst Cottage

Is there anyone in particular who inspires you?

This will probably not come as a surprise for many people, but Owen Lloyd must be a massive inspiration for the studio.

Since Owen attended our open day on the 1st of April, 2023, he has been back to the studio on numerous occasions. Each time, he has gone above and beyond to create some of the most magical images I have ever seen!

Light attracts light.... by photographer NeilH, model Nicole Rayner and studio Basford Hurst Cottage

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

Be prepared to listen and work hard. Business does not just fall on your lap. I have spent and continue to spend hours daily on social media, PurplePort and online, answering numerous queries and questions and confirming bookings.

Communication is key. The minute that breaks down so does your business. Make an effort to write full sentences with proper punctuation, spelling and grammar, you will be surprised just how much that gets you noticed! 

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

Never! - I do love Pizza, though!

Trying to anticipate? by photographer Phox Photography, model Ashleigh Rae and studio Basford Hurst Cottage

Thanks again for speaking with us and sharing your creative journey, Basford Hurst Cottage. 

We hope you all enjoyed this interview. Check out the links below for more beautiful work created at the fabulous Basford Hurst Cottage!

Here's where you can find more of Basford Hurst Cottage's work

PurplePort: Basford Hurst Cottage

Instagram: basfordhurstcottage

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