References for Far Forest Studio

The Actor

This was my first shoot at Far Forest Studio....wow wow wow. What an incredible combination of studio and location. Mark, the owner, was unbelievably generous and welcoming with constant supply if refreshments. He showed off some of his other work which was absolutely inspiring. The location is simply fabulous! I am already be wearing ideas so that I may return there... Thanks Mark, and thank your lovely wife for the lift to the station! :)

Models in the Landscape

I attended FFS as one of four "togs" on a group shoot. Not everyone likes group work of course but such a small number means that there is little risk of photographing the back of another attendees head and it allows for a little banter etc.

We were cursed with weather that was simply too good and this did play havoc with dappled light etc but there are still ummpteen opportunities to be had across FFS's 2+ acres of woodland and gardens.

We spent the last hour of the day's four hour shoot working in the (thankfully) air-con equipped studio where owner Mark was on hand with advice regards lighting and the effects of various kit (of which there is plenty) and appropriate starting-point settings.

I will certainly be back with my own motley crew in the near future.

Kate A

I visited FFS for the first time with 3 other photographers and was just amazed at how many facilities and photo opportunities were squeezed into 2 acres including a wonderful (much needed) air conditioned studio with a prop room to die for. Mark was wonderful, the coffee never stopped flowing and his insights and tips on lighting and positioning were the words of someone who knows his subject inside out. It's an amazing facility run by warm hearted, truly passionate people and frankly some of the work coming out of this studio at the moment has to be seen to be believed. I will most definitely be back and, if you haven't been yet, I highly recommend that you add it to your Top 10 bucket list of 'must use' studios!

colinspics

My first visit to Far Forest but it has been on my radar for a while! I'd booked a small group single model shoot which proved to be great value with 4 photographers, 4 hours and the lovely Rosie Lea. We were made welcome by Mark and Lynne and immediately offered tea or coffee and chocolate biscuits. The whole shoot was a success, not rushed and time for several changes of outfits and outside locations. All of this quietly supported by Mark who doubled up as the reflector-man.On a hot day we had the final hour in the air-conditioned studio.

Very good facilities with option of bringing your own model or come to the organised group sessions. There is also opportunity for Mark to host camera club events by arrangement. Will visit again - bet it looks good in the autumn!

Chris Reeves

Been several times now,outdoors this time, all about the visit here is so good! Mark and Lynne make you so welcome,and are so helpful,the Studio, grounds,dresses,props, a terrific place to come to, anyone not been do check it out, very highly recommended of course.

GambrillsGal

Had a fantastic day at Far Forest Studio.

Quiet and secluded, I suspect we only got to use a small amount of the setting available to us. With a (massive) studio with props galore and woodland to boot plus purpose built sets, there was too much to use and not enough time to use it in!

Mark was there to meet us and a cup of tea was ready upon arrival. A very friendly host and never felt like we were intruding.

Would definately recommend here for a shoot (and a long one at that!)

Minx

One of the best studios Iv been to ! It's girl heaven ! between the sets including a graveyard , waterfall , in a beautiful secluded setting it helps you creates fantastic images ! The costume hire is amazing. Mark & his wife make you feel incredibly welcome , endless cups of tea & biscuits , nothing is to much trouble for this wonderful couple. Can't wait to go back there!! Thank you

Ted

Have a look at @Synthia Minxs Ref below because she was shooting with myself and Mark Lycett.

The studio is amazing with loads of different sets including a graveyard, a summer house, a rope-swing seat, wooded areas and of course a waterfall!

We didnt even make it into the well equipped studio area.

There are toilet facilities and a shower essential after a trip into the waterfall

Mark (the owner) is an excellent host providing tea and coffee on demand.

Any negatives ? Yes its too damn far away from me!

Barbarossa Photo. (aka Mark Lycett)

We travelled a good distance to shoot at Far Forest and I have to say that it was well worth it.

Apart from the various outdoor sets, including the fab waterfall and the wooded area (which has some areas with great natural light), there's the well equipped studio and there's the owner Mark and his wife, Lynne, who are a lovely, welcoming, friendly and accommodating couple, with lashings of tea, biccies and sweets to go round.

I will definitely be returning before this summer is over. Awesome.

Miss mae_

Beautiful studio! Very cosy warm and just lovely

Mark was on hand through the whole shoot he was funny polite and made me feel very welcome.

I was highly impressed by the studio and the stunning locations it was surrounded by. Mark was truely lovely and I was lucky to have the privilege to work there today!

Highly recommend mark and his top studio thanks for having me

Warmest regards

Tann x

Colin Nash LRPS

As you can see from his portfolio Mark produces some very high quality images and I did a 3 hour Art Lighting and processing workshop with him to improve my understanding of light in the studio and ways to improve the image in Photoshop afterwards. Mark is very patient and explains things simply and reinforces to make sure you have understood the concepts.

The session in the studio was very good and with the help of Ala-Maya we created some really excellent images, now I just have to apply the post processing work to create my own images in my new style based on Mark's workflow process.

I can thoroughly recommend Mark and the Workshop, you will certainly learn and come away with a better understanding of how to create images to match those in your mind that previously did not quite stack up. Well worth the time and money.

I used the studio again in the afternoon with Ala-Maya and once again Mark was on hand when needed with drinks, props and extra lights but then fades in to the background again so that you can work with the model. Excellent studio, thoroughly recommended with a great host.

Thanks for everything Mark, I had a great day with you. Now just got to get those images flowing and up on my portfolio. :-) Colin

trebor images

Well what can I say !! I Turned up at this amazing secluded location to be met by Mark who gave me a tour around the studio and all the forest area. The studio is very big with a high ceiling which is a great advantage with a large assortment of lights and equipment, plus a enormous wardrobe of clothes and props.

I didn't get a chance to use the studio as I was shooting in the forest area of the grounds which have everything you could desire. Trees and shrubs of all kinds, a pond, waterfall and areas designed for themes such as WWI trenches, a grave yard, waterfall and hot tub !! it was like being in a sweetshop !!

I had a great afternoon at the studio and was well looked after by Mark, and would highly recommend togs and models to giving it a go .

Definitely will be returning to make use of the studio and grounds soon !

Cheers Bob :)

ArtPix

Mark at Far Forest was so helpful with comms in the lead up to the shoots which is very helpful to a visiting photographer. Once I arrived he helped with setting up and showed me around the expansive grounds that allow so many different backdrops to shoot models at. The teas kept coming and even a lunch sandwich offered. Mark was invaluable in making the day at Far Forest very productive and the 2 shoots over the 7 hours went like clockwork. Thank you Mark and I look forward to using his amazing space again on a future trip to UK. Thoroughly recommend the grounds and large studio as an ideal location for shooting.

Miss Victoire

I had a shoot are Far Forest studio yesterday.

I was very impressed with the studio, it had everything we needed and was very spacious. There was also an entire room with props and clothing for the model if she so wished to use it. Mark was very welcoming and professional, offering us coffee and biscuits and helping out with lighting. I was also shown to a lovely dressing room, equipped with cotton pads, makeup remover and dressing robes. It is also possible to shoot outdoors and the views are frankly breath-taking. Far Forrest studio is a very peaceful and clean, I loved every single minute there!

I hope to come back very soon.

JohnDuder

Mark's studio remains one of the most unusual, interesting and exciting that I know.

Aircon and flash, or woodland, or the amazing waterfall... Everything you could want, and it all looks great!.

Mark is also an attentive host, close by in case of need, and willing ot hold reflectors to give just the right touch of high-end glamour to a model sitting under the waterfall.

Mind you, the water can be chilly - bring earplugs if your model screeches when cold water lands unexpectedly!

smuge

This was my first time shooting at Far Forest. I had paid Mark a visit prior to booking just to have a look around and get a feel for the place. Mark is great guy that has worked very hard in creating what I can only describe as the perfect photographer's playground. There are several great sets outside to choose from as well as a very well equipped studio. On our arrival Mark offered us a very welcome drink along with a choice of biscuits and kept us topped up during the day. I Found Mark to be extremely helpful and always on hand to give help and advice if and when needed. For the Model there is a very well equipped dressing / make up room with all the facilities they need. There is also a Room full of lovely garments for the lady's to choose from should they so wish. Thanks to Mark and the Lovely Heather May Corvid (model) I came away with some great images. Thanks Mark for a great Day.

Aperture photography

once again great shoot at the studio its becoming a favourite on mine

its a pleasure to come

Dave.Briggs.Photo

I had a shoot today with the wonderful Claire Topaz at Far Forest Studio. This was my first proper studio shoot and was a little anxious at the prospect. I needn't have worried. Mark was absolutely amazing. He couldn't have been more helpful. His input was invaluable and definitely helped me gain the results from the day that I achieved with Claire.

The facilities at Far Forest were superb. Although I only shot in the studio itself the outside areas were stunning. I will definitely be looking at returning to the studio to shoot again, as well as undertaking a lighting tutorial with Mark.

Great facility, wonderful and knowledgeable owner, friendly and helpful environment. Highly recommended.

tjpics

My second outing to Far Forest Studio and yet again just brilliant. Today was a planned model shoot, Everything was ready when we arrived, Mark made us welcome and offered refreshments before we started which is always a good welcome point for me. The studio has some great backdrops, props, sets and lighting. Mark set the lighting up which for each set we did and this was just the ticket.

Great location for both outdoor and studio shoots - a little cold today so we ended up indoors but still a good set of imaged from a great visit.

Great for both Photographers and models so make sure you visit

Highly recommend and will certainly be going back.

martinfa900

I had my first shoot at Far Forrest studio last week. What a brilliant location with both outdoor woodland sets, and a very well equipped indoor studio.

Mark the studio owner, and professional photographer, was very helpful indeed, nothing was too much trouble, from coffee, biscuits, technical assistance, lighting set ups, set building, to reflector holding. An all together pleasurable visit. Thank you Mark. looking forward to the next time.

All the Best Martin.