References for Creative Dance Imagery

Ayla

I had an amazing remote shoot with Mike. Ive worked with him before so I knew we were in for a good shoot.

Mike planned it perfectly working with what options I have in my home.

The hours flew by and Mike took some stunning images!

He was really fun and friendly which meant I enjoyed the shoot so much.

Highly recommended

Natasha J Bella

Had a super remote shoot with Mike.

Mike sent me some images as a mood board for inspiration and we got through many styles during the shoot. We had good natter throughout the session, Mike is really easy to get along with, respectful and friendly, Confident with directing and the styles he wants to create. Easily navigated the tether software, it all went really well and I'd have no hesitation recommending Mike.

Thanks for a fab shoot :-)

Ivory Flame

I had an awesome remote shoot with Mike recently, with him in France and me in the UK. His communications were great, he let me know the inspirations and styling he wanted to work with, and paid up front on time.

The shoot itself was really fun, Mike swiftly got the hang on the remote system and we had a great chat and rapport as we worked and collaborated on ideas. Mike's creativity and enthusiasm are wonderful and we were both so pleased and excited with the results we achieved. Thank you Mike :-)

Stephanie Dubois

I had a lovely little remote shoot with Mike a few weeks back from my natural light studio in my home. It’s been ages since we last shot, so it was lovely to catch up again and produce some lovely work. Mike is easy to work with and chat to, so the two hours flew by. Thanks for a lovely shoot !!

Recommended by me :)

BOou

I am so happy I had the opportunity to work alongside Mike and his partner, they've been both absolutely amazing!

Mike organised a commercial shoot with one of his clients, in France. I modelled for her new jewellery brand and it was an absolute pleasure to do so.

Everyone was so great, relax, very nice and professional.

Pre-shoot communication was spot on. Mike kindly picked me up and dropped me back to the airport. He cooked some delicious food during my stay and my room was so cosy and comfortable. Everything was perfect during that day.

Mike is such a lovely person to be around and I would love to work with him again.

Highly recommended,

Bou

♥ Chiara Elisabetta

I had the great pleasure of meeting and working with Mike when he still had his studio in Hitchin.. he was efficient in helping me organise a studio day there and I got to work with him during the day too. He didn't demand I shoot with him outside of studio day times was was super appreciated, AND I remember being impressed and grateful that the 10 minutes between each 2-hour shoot were actually breaks.. something which genuinely rarely happens on studio days. Usually they're so manic and the model has no time to prepare / drink water / touch up male-up between one shoot and the next because they're busy saying goodbye to one photographer, and hi to the next, but Mike handled all that beautifully so I could go off and do those things.

This is a major thing, and I'm sure I speak for most models here when I say that. It just made such a huge difference to stress levels, those few minutes of relaxation.

I remember walking into his studio and being amazed at how efficient everything was.. especially the space. I was sad when he told me he was moving to France but I worked with him and his lovely partner, Jane again at The Photography Show in 2017, as the model for their Photoshoot Magazine workshops. They both ensured I was well looked after, fed, had enough to drink, got enough breaks.. really, I couldn't have asked for a nicer team.

Mike comes super highly recommended by me - he's friendly, funny and a bit cheeky in a great way which makes rapport easy, thus beautiful photos ensue.

Thanks for everything Mike.. already looking forward to working with you again at the next Photography Show, if not before! :D

Natural Light Spaces

Mike has become a regular in our studio.

He is great at getting things arranged in advance and always gives us a good clear idea of the setup he wants for the day. He works in a very relaxed and easy style with his models and shows total respect always.

We have no hesitation in recommending Mike and we look forward to his future visits :)

TallClare

Mike couldn't have been more helpful and supportive pre shoot and post shoot. I really value his experience and advice.

The shoot was wonderful, I felt like a diva for the day! Great choice of studio. I learnt so much and he has given me confidence in my ability to go forward with a modelling career with his beautiful images in my porfolio.

Stephanie Dubois

I had a wonderful first shoot with Mike after he had relocated to the wonderful Dordogne in France. We shot at a most fantastic location for the day, complete with old style French gite and a swimming pool - though at that time of year it was a little cold to jump in ;)

I was very well looked after, fed beautiful yummy food, and Mike even took me to the Boulangerie on the morning I left so I could take some freshly baked bread with me for my journey back up to Paris.

I really hope I can come over again in the not too distant future.

Thanks again Mike - Highly recommended.

Helen Diaz

I worked with the lovely Mike recently at the fantastic Creativus studios, on one of the last days Mike had the studio open and had such a great time! It had been a super productive day and I was very lucky that Mike had booked my last studio hour of the day together. Mike is such a pleasure to work with- a great photographer, who is talented and sure knows his lighting!

Mike is also very respectful to work with, professional but also down to earth and FUN! :) I have greatly enjoyed Mikes company and friendship over the years and am gutted that the studio is closing due to the lease ending (and Mikes retirement to France!) but no doubt this is the start of a new life for Mike- and no doubt I will see him in France at a later date! Thankyou for such a lovely day and its been a pleasure to know you in England! Here is to new Horizons and creating stunning photography in France! :) Helen x

Whimsical Sorceress

What a lovely gentleman the owner is. Very helpful (even helped with my little camera), so polite and made everyone feel welcome. He was at hand if you need him. I am so impressed with this service and enjoyed the shoot. Thank you for a lovely experience, All the best.

Helen Diaz

Another packed studio day at the fantastic Creativus studios in Hitchin on a recent tour which was very enjoyable! Mike knows his stuff with lighting and was on hand to help the photographers on the day when needed, setting up beautiful, flattering lighting for the duration of the shoot.

Another two studio days to follow with Mike- and then the studio closes at the end of April (Mike is retiring and moving to France, who can blame him! :P ) which is a shame as I have really enjoyed working at the studio and its such a great space! But it just means that I will invite myself out to France to see Mike instead! ;) Mike is a lovely studio owner, a great person to be around and someone I consider a friend, down to earth and always makes me laugh! He is also very considerate and kind. Thankyou for a lovely day and see you again soon! Helen x

JGImages

Many thanks to Mike Hardley for making us studio group so welcome to his very well equipped studio. Mike is expert on lighting and not only set up lights but also patiently taught us the principles behind each lighting setup - even suggesting possible variations we might try part way through the shoot. I wish Mike well in his new life in France, and hope his new French studio becomes a magnet for British visitors.

Addison Duggan Photography

I had a fantastic shoot today with two models at this lovely studio. Mike was there to meet and greet us. He showed me where everything was, how it worked, and then left me to it with the proviso that he was on hand if needed, he also makes a good cuppa :)

Lovely studio, great sets, shame it's closing later this year because of development. I suggest you get in now because the p/h charge is unbeatable.

Addison

Sugar&Spice

Held a solo studio day here and can truly recommend the studio (and the superb host and excellent tea-maker Mike)! Various different sets, backdrops, plenty of space to shoot and ample model dressing room! Great range of outfits, props and accessories too. The only downside is he is flipping moving to France! Book into the studio whilst its still open- truly recommended!! :D

theresa louise

This place is like my second home

love the studio and the studio owner

book whilst you still have a chance, you won't be disappointed

much love

T xxxxxxx

DeanB

My first time shooting here and my only regret is that I have shot here before. Grated warmly by Mike and given a tour of the facilities. Then left to our own devices whichI prefer.

Coffee was provided throughout and support available if and when needed.

A great studio that will e hugely missed when it closes at the end of April.

Get in while you can everyone.

Thanks Mike!

Adrian Court

First (and probably only given Mike is upping sticks and I have a real job which keeps getting in the way of the fun stuff) time shooting at Creativus, and if you haven't been there before go while you can. Mike is friendly and helpful and always quick with banter, coffee and advice. He makes a top test model too. Thanks for the hospitality :)

Be

I had the pleasure of shooting at Creativus studio the other week, and was very impressed with the whole setup, loved the numerous themed areas, Also met the owner Mike who was extremely friendly and helpful, shame only just discovered the studio, and its closing due to Mike retiring to Sunny France , wish you well on your new adventure, Regards Be

theresa louise

Mike had Steph Easter and I over at the studio for two days and what an absolute blast.

Absolutely love this guy and the studio, going to be sad to see you go end of April but i'll get my chance to come visit once your sorted ;)

Stunning spacious studio and a bloody awesome studio owner

Get booked whilst you still can

Big Thanks

T xxxxx