References for Mick Payton Studios

Stokeparker

My first visit ti Mick's studio. Bit of a trek, but worth it. Mick books great models, and does some great lighting set-ups. The workshop contained some educational components, but there was plenty of time to shoot. Mick was very happy to explain things, but equally happy to let everyone get on and shoot. Nice relaxed atmosphere throughout, and very obvious that the model felt 100 % comfortable working there. His events sell out pretty quickly, but if I can get a place on any future shoots, I will be back. Highly recommended.

S J Jinxx

I was invited to model for a group workshop for Mick and I feel absolutely honoured to have been a part of it.

To first communications to opening up their home to me, Mick and Sue have gone above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and welcome.

On the shoot Mick's years of experience really shine through, his ability to direct not just the model but the other photographers produces beautiful images and ensures the time is used effectively for everyone.

Mick was also able to snap a couple of images and I love them, such a keen eye and the talent to match !

I have absolutely loved my time here and I hope to be back again soon.

Thank you again Mick! X

Simon Reynolds

Had another great shoot at Mick's

Mick was on hand to offer advice, demonstrating his methods and setting up the lighting, over the course of the day there were 8 different sessions during the day, plenty of time shooting with the model, all on a timer which ensures everyone gets the same time to work with the model, a couple of rounds on each session is the norm so you can pick the best image out of the first round and improve on it.

Professional, loads of experience, friendly and willing to help with all levels of photographer. Always a pleasure being at the studio with the models that Mick arranges for the sessions.

Each time I've been at Mick's the shoot has been different ranging from fashion, portrait, glamour, avant-garde to name a few different styles.

Mick always gets in the best models for the shoots.

We (the photographers) are always asked to work with the model to generate different images rather than everyone getting the same image.

Highly recommended to all photographers and models

SteveR

I had my first shoot at Mick’s studio in Mid Wales and it was brilliant. I booked on the four photographers and the model ( Elle Mae) package. We started at 10.00 and finished at 16.00 with 1 hr for lunch.

We are all kept on a timer to make sure no one has more than 3 minutes shooting with the model, which is fair for everyone.

I got 8, 3 minute sessions from the day. This takes in to account outfit changes and make changes different lighting set ups and Mick explaining what we need to look for when taking the shoots which is excellent, as Mick takes into account the different abilities the photographers have. I learnt a lot from the day.

It was great working with the other togs and we all got along fine throughout the day which was nice. If you see an event availability book early as they get book up quickly.

Victoriamodel

Shooting at Mick’s studio over a weekend of workshops was so much fun! Even better, we created the most stunning fashion / portrait shots which I have been given endless positive feedback on!

I was so glad Mick finally invited me to the studio! I had been seeing his work for years and knew we’d be a great model / photographer team.

Some of the images taken on the recent workshops have already got FPIs

All of his experience really shows in his photography work. I also loved the high energy that Mick brings to the photo shoots, there was never a quiet moment in the building. And if we weren’t chatting away we had the music playing to keep up the atmosphere!

The days went by very fast, we had very clear goals on which images we wanted to create!

I was super grateful for having a room to stay in as I was travelling, and I was also treated to a lovely kebab, I know models love to stay at Micks home. I’m sure his german shepherd is also waiting for me to come and see him again;)

I have some plans for another shoot at the studio in 2021, I’m really looking forward to returning.

Katie x

daveb675

Had another shoot at Mick's studio yesterday, this time with with Katie Royle.

Fantastic shoot, (Katie is a star!) and, as ever, Mick was on hand to offer advice, and demonstrate his methods. (For those of you of a competitive nature, be warned, Mick makes it look SO simple!) As usual, I came away from Mick's grinning, with some great shots, and a mind spinning with new concepts.

Thanks Mick.

PS He also has seriously good taste in music!

MarynaSedin78

I am really pleased with my shoot with Mick. He invited me to shoot in his studio in North Wales, and I spent 3 amazing days with Mick and his wife Sue. Mick perfectly organised the studio days, we had many fun, and the photos are just amazing. Mick gave me an opportunity to meet many new photographers, and he has everything in order. Mick is a great mentor, I just was really hapy to be a model in his studio, he inspires models to be better and reveals the strong sides of the them. Thanks Mick and Seu so much for such amazing weekend, and the separate thanks to all photographers with whom we had been shooting for these days. Mick gave them a perfect tutorial,he has an amazing personality. Looking forward for the next shoot in Mick's studio😊

Pippa.

I'm sure I've said it before but I'll say it again, the special thing about Mick on his workshops which not many teach is the engagement and communication with the model which is super important in photography. Mick's direction and communication is so effective and I always learn something each time I go there. I keep hearing his voice ringing in my head on photoshoots still hahaha

Always an absolute pleasure working with Mick, highly recommend to all!

TimDC

An assisted 4 hours shoot session with model Carla Monaco and Mick's assistance, mostly in the form of a photo walk outdoors local to Mick's place making use of natural light (and reflector and flash) but also including some window light work in Mick's studio for the last hour. Considering this was only the second time shooting since easing of lockdown restrictions and a break of 15 months caused by the Covid pandemic this was an ideal way of getting back on track with shoots with models. Having gained from Mick's expertise and influential enthusiasm in the past he was again a very helpful source of guidance to take my photography development forward. Thank you Mick for a very worthwhile assisted shoot, very highly recommended. And of course Carla (with whom I'd worked three times before) was the perfect model for what I wanted to achieve and I've come away with great images. I'll enjoy selecting my favourites to upload onto my portfolio on here.

Paula W

I had an amazing weekend working with Mick at his workshop. The communication prior to the shoot was perfect. We have been exchanging messages but also talked on the phone which made it a lot easier when we finally met as this was our first time working together.

Mick is an amazing photographer, very talented and a professional. He has been in the industry for years, so he knows what to do for the shoot to be perfect. Mick has an amazing personality and he and Sue are very hospitable, and kind and I really enjoyed staying over with them :)

I can’t wait to work with Mick again in October :)

Highly recommend!

Phil Holroyd Photography

Great to be back a Micks Studio in Wales, Its a nice drive over from the Midlands and worth the drive.

Mick is always happy to to share his knowledge with you & help use his experience to help with the composition when required.

Look forward to the next shoot, Thanks Mick.

John Askey

Always great to see Mick at his studio. Mick has a wealth of knowledge and experience and is always happy to share them and aside from that he’s a nice bloke 😊.

Seriously, I would thoroughly recommend Mick’s studio to any photographers or touring models.

Cheers Mick, till next time.

Mansoor Ali

Yesterday I had my first photo shoot at Mick Payton Studio. It was the best photo shoot I've done so far. He was welcoming and was always available to guide me along the shoot. He's an expert at producing the perfect images. The results I obtained from his tuition are some of the best photos I've ever taken. The model Tanya was is one of the best models to work with. All three of us had an enjoyable time, and the fact that Mick's studio is in an insanely beautiful part of the country is an added bonus. I hope to be there again

SimonF27

I attended one of Mick’s one2one sessions taking pictures of the gorgeous, entertaining, thoroughly professional Tanya. I had a wonderful afternoon, came away with some excellent pictures and more importantly some more things to think about with my photography. It was great to spend the time with Mick and Tanya and be able to discuss studio work with like minded people. His sessions and his knowledge come highly recommended.

NickH2

This was my first time attending one of Mick's organised group events. He was most welcoming and was helpful in not just explaining about why he was using certain equipment but ensuring you as a participant were comfortable.

An enjoyable experience

Carla Monaco

I had a wonderful weekend working with Mick last week on a couple of 2-1 workshops and we also shot together ourselves.

I always have such fun working with Mick, loads of laughs, great images and great company.

Can't wait to go back.

Thanks Mick.

Carla x

Raven Photographic

I have just had another great photo shoot at Mick Payton studios what this man doesn’t know about getting a great image isn’t worth knowing

A great tutor and shows you how to get the best out of the day

Models love to work with him and photographers love going there to learn

Highly recommended

Mick the photo god Payton thank you

Tegan Elizabeth

I’ve worked with Mick a few times now on his Assisted 1-2-1 workshops.

Communication prior to the workshops is always fab, and he always checks in with me to see if everything’s ok.

Mick has a wicked sense of humour and knows his stuff. He’s been in the industry for years so knows what works and what doesn’t.

Photographers travel from all over to work with him for this reason.

Mick & Sue are so hospitable and there’s always tea and cake too.

I would definitely recommend Mick, if you want some amazing images in your portfolio he’s your man and look forward to working with him again in September.

Pippa.

I've shot with Mick many times over the years and I always love coming back as its guaranteed a good laugh as well as getting awesome images.

Mick has a certain je ne sais quoi in capturing the mood and emotion of a model and getting the best out of them. He applies this importance of good communication into his workshops and working with him over the weekend I really noticed the difference in the photographers from the start of the shoot top the end of the shoot, everyone grew in confidence.

Mick's is a lovely safe environment for models and Sue and the dog Zak are lovely too!

Highly recommend to all

Creative Focus

I went to Mick's studio after explaining that I wasn't new to photography just the studio/model environment. He arranged for an amazing model, Jenny O'Sullivan, to attend and the whole experience was incredible. Mick's years of experience and expertise was very obvious throughout the session and I came away with plenty of food for thought. I would highly recommend Mick's workshops because they are great value for money for his skills, knowledge and understanding. He's also got a great personality so if you want to learn this is the place to be.

Cheers Mick and thanks. Keith.