References for Full Moon Studio

Robyn Byrd

Huw had reached out to me to see if I was available for a studio day and boy was I glad I was! Not only had Huw got some amazing local photographers but the studio had everything you’d need for antique chairs and sofas, to convently stored beds as well as a variety of backdrops and lighting. Mr Bones (the dog) was as lovely as he could be and happily slept through the studio day whilst Huw provided endless cups of tea with a smile on his face. I’d love to work at the studio again should I be lucky enough to be invited back!

Yoo Yoo

Great shoot in Full moon studio yesterday. The studio get cool backgrounds and lots of good materials and pretty dresses for me to wear . The dog is very friendly and the Huw is also very friendly . We got good shoots in the studio day . Hope can work with full moon again . Highly recommended

Mark21

I booked Dominika for 2 hours on her Studio on Friday 5th May 2023 from 12:30pm at this Studio. I had never used before or knew anything about.

The port did give plenty of photographs showing the place. Both outside and inside. Good but importantly was many references all having nothing bad to say about the owner Huw. That is always promising.

This took planning whether I was able to travel there or not but booked. The train was 2 minutes late and I was a bit disorientated whether I was going the right direction at the level crossing (marked SW but I was heading as supposed to N), helpful local man too. I missed my bus as I turned directly into the road, it passed me, by a few feet from the stop or the length of Full Moon Studio in fact. So I walked the route along the A48. Which is officially not possible but in fact for the most part there is a path. Not something I would try with company or at night. I arrived at 12:25pm. So after knocking and checking and no sound, no sign of activity despite parked vehicles and can’t look in to see and trying again. Cue panic set in with a shower of rain and text messages, mobile answerphone and landline again to answerphone.

Thinking what to do, then notified that Dominika checked her phone and a reply and I got through and into the studio at 12:40pm. Note to self: Must knock harder next time.

Huw, I found is everything people say about him. Nothing too much trouble. Most genial and welcoming. Knows his subject.

Dominika. Everyone should know about my many shoots with Dominika and my references about her. This is shoot no.7.

I don’t have a studio myself. So little to no opportunity to shoot indoors (can’t shoot from home) and in controlled lighting. Even though I have the books. This is something I always found puts me at a huge disadvantage even though I am very familiar with using available light, which is often outdoors. Every Studio I know of in Bristol has closed and I almost but not quite got one myself this year.

So, I had 2 styles of lighting in mind to do. Huw set up Rembrandt with a black backdrop and a 300w light shooting through a softbox. Fired by remote trigger on hot shoe. Didn’t work at first but fixed and the solution is to have it not loose but finger tight and no more.

I could not have wished for a better lighting setup!

The results over several sessions were out of this world into orbit even by previous standards!

My 2nd Studio shoot and results like this.

Excellent orange juice to the tune of 3 glasses.

Huw won’t leave the studio unattended, just available nearby or the next room. Which is something I find eminently sensible and welcome. All studios should do this.

I even had a little practice using my tripod and remote release at last. Even though I like the flexibility of handheld. The benefits of using a tripod are evident.

We started a little late at 1:00:47pm BST and finished at 2:18:40pm BST or 1 hour 17 minutes and 53 seconds of shooting. For a total of 433 shots or 1 per 10.79 seconds.

Anyway, I do work fast and as I always tell Dominika I only need 15 minutes shooting with her for results.

I found my Olympus Stylus 1 had a little difficultly autofocusing on a dark background (of course no light until shutter pressed) and exposures were longer (10th’s to several seconds) so a challenge for 2-axis stabilisation.

Always an experimental mind so more than happy with the results.

Most kindly. Huw offered to give me a lift back to the station so I could catch an earlier train. I found out also that pickup from the station is no problem either, most helpful.

I even got introduced to his friend Dylan later.

We only used the stool for a prop, otherwise all wardrobe changes from Dominika.

I note there are many props, and the Studio is equipped with everything else (lighting and other kit too) you need. From a toilet (disabled accessible I am pleased to note), dressing table, sofas for guests. The all important somewhere private for the model to change and have a break.

A Chaise Longue was of particular interest to me (next time), but one can be assured the studio is as described and photographed on its port.

Parking for several vehicles no problem and I did find on foot travelling from Lydney Train Station to Full Moon Studio, seemed quicker and shorter than the map route suggests.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Full Moon Studio absolutely!

I would describe it as big enough to function, yet small enough to be hands on and have pride in what you do.

I have found myself a Studio to use. Recommended to any Photographer or Model.

A bonus is the fees are a bargain.

I have had the best time ever as a Photographer on this shoot!

Of course, 50% of that is down to Full Moon Studio and Huw. The other 50%, the reader can work that one out.

Thank you.

Mark

rhinocer

This was my first experience of Full Moon Studio: working with model DominikaW on her studio day, hosted by Huw. I found Huw to be an exemplary host: affable and very supportive in setting up lighting, as well as providing everything else that we needed.

The studio itself is well suited to my needs in terms of space and equipment. Many props are also on offer. Most notably, the chaise-longue and the column (Doric?) were indispensable to the moods that the model and I were attempting to create and to the shots we had in mind.

All in all, a perfect three hours of photography.

So thank you Huw. I look forward to working at Full Moon again.

Highly recommended.

urbanphotographer

I used Full Moon for a photo shoot today and will be back.

Huw is a wonderful host and the studio is fantastic, not only for the studio lighting and backdrops but there is natural light as well.

I worked with my client creating some fitness and dance images on a black backdrop. To change things up we moved to a sofa by the window and using the coloured voiles at the window we were able to create some natural light images with a beautiful soft light.

I highly recommend Full Moon Studio and Huw is a most welcoming host

DominikaW

What a wonderful come back to Full Moon Studio.

I had a model studio day at Full Moon and everything was spot on. The studio got a great space and equipment, lots of props for use too.

On top of everything Huw is just an amazing person and host, very friendly and helpful. and he did tones of cups of tea for me hehe..

Can't wait to come back there again.

Highly recommended to any model and photographer!!

Thank you for having me!

Love

Domi xx

NJS Photography1966

My first time shooting at Full Moon Studio, won’t be my last. I’m still a relative newbie to studio shoots but no worries, Huw was on hand to help with lighting set ups and suggestions

Greeted by ‘Mr Bones’ who kept us all amused.

Huw never ending tea pot thank you.

Huw did let me know that they were doing some renovation work, but this didn’t hinder our shoot. I managed to get some fantastic shots of #LillyLashes

Will look amazing once completed

Hope to be back with you soon.

Thanks Huw

slphotography1

I had my first session at Full Moon Studio today and Huw made was brilliant and very welcoming,even though we was late due to travel issues with road closure and train cancellation.Huw check up on us to see if we was alright with the travel and even let us shoot the time we booked for even though we was late.

Huw offer tea,coffee,snacks and water endlessly during the shoot as it was warm.Checking on us to see if we need any change to the setup but we was happy just to shoot as Gia kept on changing different sets.

Highly recommend as Huw is brilliant,also if you need an extra model the dog is free to work at all times,smashing dog.

Thank you Huw,hopefully will be back soon.

Gia_

I have only shot at this studio twice and I would honestly say it is easily one of my favourite studios to work at.

Huw is an absolute gem, who is the most helpful person ever (especially since I always seem to have some sort of issue with trains etc whenever I visit) and he is forever offering food and drink etc and helps wherever he can.

Mr Bones is the best obviously and the studio itself has so much potential, with props and backdrops.

I feel so comfortable at this studio and couldn't recommend it and Huw enough. :)

UKCrystal

This was my first actual studio day, and I couldn't give Huw enough credit he was fabulous! The date was nearly cancelled (due to illnesses) and he pulled a few strings and manged to put it together for another date, perfect precomms. Super calming gentleman, really down to earth and a brilliant space with some sound photographers and the most coffee I've even received on tap! Definitely will be revisiting! Thankyou x

Gia_

I had a fab time at my studio day with Full Moon Studio this month, Huw reached out to me and had it fully booked up before I had even posted a casting of my own!

Pre comms were great and clear, he even put me up for 2 nights during my visit and was the most helpful and hospitable person ever.

During the shoots he helped with lighting set ups etc and made sure we always had enough tea and coffee! And the fact that Mr Bones was there was a bonus!

I would recommend this studio with no hesitation whatsoever and I already have a shoot booked in for the new year! I look forward to coming back soon. :)

sophmarie

I had an amazing first shoot at full moon studio. Pre comms and organisation was excellent & knew exactly what was expected of the day. Huw was a great host and also got to shoot with him for an hour which was fun & creative!

Full moon is very well equipt, photographers will have everything they need there to work with including lots of different materials, props etc,

Huw is always to hand to make sure the day runs smoothly and looks after you well with teas/coffees/snacks!

Thank you for an amazing day, look forward to the next, highly recommended :)

Bobbi Castle

Another fab studio day complete at full moon studio. I have been once before and remembered it to be a lovely place to work. Well nothings changed it’s still a lovely place to work. Studio owner Huw is great at communicating and letting you know who is coming or booked. He is also really generous and offers teas, coffee and snacks throughout. I would definitely love to come back during my next tour. I would recommend this studio to everyone.

Louisa Lu

Had another great studio day at Full Moon studio :) I have been here many times during my Gloucester tour and Huw the owner is very hospitable. Great host and chatty :) offers teas, coffees and snacks!!

Not to mention, his dog Mr Bones is a great host he often demands Huw to make teas and coffees and to do some admin in the office.

I also had an hour shoot with Huw, very professional and is very creative! Definitely recommended and look forward to come back next time during my next Gloucester tour :)

MenaiMedia

First visit to Full Moon Studio. It’s a cracking facility, with lots of kit to play with and all the help, support and guidance you need. I was made to feel very welcome (as were both of my models) and the last minute flexibility on one my shoot days was greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for a great studio experience. Highly recommended to others.

Debbie_Leema

I had the pleasure of working at this lovely studio recently on my Gloucestershire tour.

Huw and Mr Bones (his gorgeous dog) were perfect hosts and made sure I was looked after throughout.

The studio itself has loads of shooting potential, LOADS of props, back drops and even some outfits that Huw kindly borrowed me for a set.

Huw couldn’t be more accommodating and I highly recommend this studio to any model and photographer.

I hope to return soon.

Thanks so much for a lovely couple of days

Debs xx

Camaron Yew

Another trip to Full Moon Studio, greeted by Huw, who then set the studio up for me and got me going. He makes the perfect cuppa and very helpful throughout. I can not recommend Full Moon enough. I will certainly be visiting again and again. Thank you Huw.

Paige Young.

This was my first time going to this studio, I am pleased to say it was an amazing experience, very large and spacious but yet still very intimate and private. I felt super comfortable the whole time and Huw had lots of variety of props ect in the studio that you could create so many different types of photos/themes. Would love to attend again, highly recommend!

Unique Beauty

We attended the AshleyAshton222 Studio day at Full Moon studio yesterday and it was a very good experience. Ashley was a good choice of model – beautiful, friendly & professional. Huw was friendly and helpful: initially asking what set up we wanted and sorting that quickly; making cups of tea and offering help if wanted; but also giving us space to experiment and create. The whole experience was fun and relaxed, and we are happy with the images we captured. It was our first shoot at Full Moon Studio but we'll definitely look to use it again.

Tony_WSM

Just had another great shoot at Full Moon studio, this time with Ashley Ashton222. The studio is well equipped with a good range of lights and modifiers. There is also a good selection of props and a range of different backdrops. Huw is always very welcoming and provides whatever assistance is required with lighting. Definitely very highly recommended and I'll certainly be using the studio again.