References for Sowtonstudio

Kevin Connery

I had a remote session with Angel Black last week at Sowton Studio. It's a lovely studio, with multiple interior and exterior available 'sets' and environments.

We shot a mix of both inside and outside setups, using available light, strobe, and mixed. Pretty much any modifier I needed was conveniently available. Dave was on-hand to serve as my remote hands, which is crucial for remote work.

Highly recommended.

Tony_WSM

Just had a great shoot at Sowton Studio.

The studio is very well equipped with plenty of lights, modifiers and backdrops.

The outdoor space is fantastic with the walled garden offering privacy together with a wide variety of areas to shoot. The summerhouse with boudoir set is ideal with plenty of natural light.

Definitely very highly recommended and I certainly expect to be back soon.

Angel Black UK

Another day and another shoot at Sowton. I was hosted by Dave for the day split with two photographers, the first in person and the second remotely. During the first half of the shoot Dave was happy to assist if Tony required it, otherwise he was happy to stay out of the way and had tea and coffee on tap.

During the second shoot, Dave's assistance was required around the clock to assist with the remote shoot. He took it all in his stride from being light holder to stylist, helping with everything in between. Dave listened whenever Kevin requested something, often moving to adjust something before it was even mentioned.

The studio is well equipped and warm. Anything we might have faced there were eventualities for, including using strobes outside to balance the direct sunlight. The garden is kept lovely and tidy and the sets are well maintained. A big shout out to Dave for being so incredibly helpful and for being so understanding and careful around my wedding dress!!

If you need a lovely studio with private outside access then this is it - it's a truly tranquil and photogenic place.

Thankyou for an amazing shoot!

Angel x

♥ Chiara Elisabetta

I stayed at the fabulous Sowton Studio for a few days at the end of May 2024.. both as somewhere to stay whilst I worked in the area, and I had the pleasure of working multiple times in the studio and the beautiful decorated home sets too, ahhh.. it's absolutely stunning. It has everything you could ever possibly need..

The spare / changing room is super comfortable and I could spread out and let my suitcase explode everywhere haha.. I was offered a dressing gown and a hot water bottle, (aw!) I had the space, time and comfort to make my own food in the kitchen, use the fridge, (this is absolutely top priority for me when travelling as I struggle to eat food out / on the go and like to make food from scratch.

Dave is the LOVELIEST host you could ever wish for.. I absolutely love hanging out with him and our chats could go on and on and on.. hehe.. he is such an interesting, kind, positive, uplifting, beautiful person(!) - I've known him for many years and my only regret is not visiting him more in recent years. Dave is always happy to be sociable but he also recognises models struggle with constant communication / burnout / admin, etc. and 100% expects you to NOT want to engage on days off or in the evenings after a day of work.. he is just as happy leaving you to it / go to bed early / scroll on your phone.. with no expectations. I think having that pressure removed just makes you want to get to know him more.. it's the most thoughtful trait, and so underrated.

Roxy the resident GORGEOUS resident Labrador is.. well.. quite honestly the most adorable studio pup in the world.. so well behaved and the cutest girl ever..! I was offered tea / coffee in the mornings from Dave, and squeaks and nuzzles from Roxy.. I mean, what more could you ask for?! On one particularly long day I had a bath in the evening, and there are bubble jets.. which is amazing for achy muscles.. felt like I was at a spa!

Not to mention I had a couple of quiet mornings drinking coffee in the gorgeous bohemian cabin at the end of the garden..

I just can't rave about this place enough.. I'd recommend it to anyone touring or passing through or wanting to work here. It has full studio equipment, a wet room, photographic sets, home settings, natural light, French doors, blinds, bohemian cabin, a huge garden, sometimes even a hot tub.. and Dave was kind enough to pick me up and drop me off at the station when I arrived!

Thanks for the best hospitality in the biz, Dave, and for being a good friend x

Ghost Light Photography

Sowton Studio is a tremendous venue and I have been fortunate to visit on many occasions. Dave is a great host, ably assisted by Roxy the dog. With Natasha providing regular styling updates for the set rooms, there is always something new to discover.

With abundant natural light in the garden, cabin or bedrooms, and a well-equipped studio with plenty of lighting options, Sowton Studio is a great space in which to work. There is even a wet room that can be used. The opportunities are many and varied.

Another benefit is that Sowton Studio can accommodate touring models for studio days and 1-2-1 shoots. If you are looking for a base to explore the South West, Sowton Studio should be on your list of options.

Angel Black UK

Another visit to Sowton Studio, but this time for a studio day which was assisted perfectly by studio owner, Dave. The communications with Dave prior to the shoot were fantastic. He's clear and concise in his messages and everything was organised within a few messages. Furthermore, his own advertising of the studio day via his website was quick and kept up to date whenever I reposted my casting.

On the day itself, Dave was on hand to assist the photographers and had tea and coffee on tap. His wonderful home is well equipped with everything from studio lighting and modifiers through to natural light and indoor and outdoor options. The boudoir room is absolutely gorgeous after its remodel, and was one of my favourite rooms to shoot in, although I equally loved the outhouse outside which was so cosy!

Dave is an absolute joy to work with and he offered his assistance throughout the first remote shoot to be facilitated at his studio! The studio was kept cool (it was a really hot day) and I was offered refreshments throughout. I'd highly recommend Dave's studio.

Thankyou for a lovely shoot!

Angel x

One Bright Spark

Had my first shoot at Sowton Studio today with the fantastic touring model Charliee.

Sowton Studios is a brilliant environment to work in offering different locations to give you many options for your images, whether you prefer a large backdrop indoor studio style or alternative options if you are more of a location based shooter (I fit more in to the later).

Mr Dave who runs and owns the studio is the perfect host and makes a brilliant cuppa also. He is very friendly and accommodating to your every need as a photographer and is also a great photographer himself so is able to offer a wealth of knowledge and experience for all levels. He will do whatever he can to ensure you get the best shoots in a wonderful relaxed environment.

There is a wide range of studio lighting, soft boxes etc and backdrops for different sets but also a boudoir style room, beautiful mature garden area with lovely trees and other nice stonework features. Within the garden there is also a cabin decorated in a bedouin style with beautiful colourful textiles and accessories.

The boudoir area inside has been recently been re-designed and updated with a gorgeous new modern look offering lovely lighting and foliage with a neutral colour palette. This area offers plenty of beautiful natural light, and again a range of accessories which provides your shots with a great surrounding to showcase your model.

I had a brilliant shoot at Sowton Studios and would highly recommend it to all photographers and models. Mr Dave is such a brilliant host and the range of options and versatility means it has something for most photographers. Sowton Studios has many professional and experienced touring models visiting frequently so keep an eye out and get yourself booked in to one of their studio days - you won't regret it.

Thanks for being so great and I will be back soon no doubt.

Emma3

Thank you so much Dave for letting me stay again. I really enjoyed chatting and watching tv with you and Roxy when taking a break. You are an awesome father figure and close friend to me. Keep taking photos and editing and keep your studio going as long as you can, before passing it on so it never ends. You are an amazing generous man. It feels like home, very safe and welcoming. I hope to come back more often. You are your mind of it's own hoover and grass cutter. Missing you already. :)

Bunny Moonshine

I have had many shoots at this wonderful studio now, and I cannot recommend the place highly enough.

The studio has about 10 different sets at any given time and is always being updated/switched around in line with the seasons or to accommodate themes.

I was at the studio with a photographer once who wanted an office-themed shoot.. Dave (owner) set up an entire desk with a working computer and all manner of details, the pictures turned out great and you'd never know they weren't actually taken in office!

Another time, another model and myself wanted to do a Halloween shoot, so a full spooky scene was erected.

At Christmas, the studio is like a grotto!

Props, wardrobe, snow and ice machines, a beautifully-maintained and fully enclosed garden, and a wonderful owner with a wealth of knowledge on hand. Honestly, what more could anyone want from a venue?

Thanks for the many incredible shoots Dave, here's to many more!

Bunny 💕

UkCuteGirl Lucy

Great well equipped studio! Some great sets which get changed up frequently. Location is easy to find. The owner, Dave is also friendly, helpful and approachable.

I've used this studio multiple times over the years and will continue to do so. I highly recommend :)

HH Studio

Great shoot at the Studio. Dave is a really helpful host, with great comms beforehand, and really well thought out studio with beautiful design and flexible spaces. Super place to shoot, and looking forward to finding time to shoot again at this lovely studio. 5 stars :)

Irida

Yet another fantastic stay from Sowton Studio ! I love this space. Very well equipped and the garden is beautiful to shoot from.

Dave is always happy to help with everything from smoke machines to changing backdrops.

Thank you Dave and cute dog Roxy for hosting me ! See you in a few months ♥

Johannah

Dave’s studio provides exceptional scope and ease

of use for the model and photographer, the entire bungalow and garden is set up as a studio and is full of props, and sets that provide scope and authenticity. The garden to is secluded and very pretty.

Dave is a supportive presence, relaxed and friendly. Fully understand the needs of models, drinks and snacks are on hand. Changing space is comfortable and roomy.

I highly recommend Dave and the studio.

Khaleesii

So upon arrival Dave greeted me as always, with a lovely catch up, and the new sets in the bedroom were absolutely wonderful! They look fantastic for my shoot today which was a duo, Dave is always on hand if needed and kindly lent the photographer lights for the shoot, every time I visit the studio has so much possibilities for shoots, joint with Dave’s knowledge and welcoming attitude, always highly recommended by me and it’s always my go to studio for Exeter x

Irida

I have had the pleasure of having Sowton as my Exeter tour base twice now !

Beautiful , warm and very well equipped photographic location!

I’m returning again very soon and I can’t wait !

Dave is incredibly helpful and so kind !

My highest recommendations for this magical space !

DaveRundlephotography

This is my go to studio in and around the Exeter area. It was recommended to me some time ago and I have now had so many shoots there Roxy and I are good friends!

This is not only a very well equipped studio, but a very relaxed environment in which to work and create. (Dave (Mr Dave as he is affectionately known) is always on hand to help if needed, but is happy to let you do your own thing.

Not many studios can boast the options available at Sowton, There is a full boudoir set which is updated when needed, clean and beautifully decorated. There is a beautiful garden space which is not overlooked and a summerhouse, which is also beautifully appointed. And Mr Dave also offers free accommodation to touring models plus a pick up and drop off service!

Add to that plenty of lighting, triggers that fit most cameras, plenty of backdrops (most remote controlled), smoke machine, snow machine and various props and you have everything you need for a fantastic shoot.

Ideally situated and easy to get to Sowton has everything you need and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Ivy Vxlentine

I've worked with Dave at Sowton Studio numerous times and have nothing but praises for it. Always have recommended creative to use this space, beautiful set up, Dave is brilliant and Roxy is also a superstar

Always hospitable and organized - well equipped with food and drink, the shooting spaces are always clean as well!

Jake41

I have used Daves studio for a few years now. Each time I have had perfect shoots. He has a mutitude of backdrops, more lights than you could ever need, and he does make great coffee. The bedroom set is amazing. Cleverly designed by @Natarsha it gives so many different sets in one room. The garden also provides countless photoshoot opportunities. There is a beautifully decorated summer house, and of course once the warm weather is here I am sure the hot tub will make an appearance.

All in all I find it a perfect studio and I will continue to use it frequently. Very highly recommended.

Leo Cooper

Had yet another shoot at the wonderful Sowton StudioI. I first discovered it back in 2017 and have been shooting there regularly since. Often referred to as “ Mr Dave’s “ this Important studio is worthy of recognition under it’s own identity.

Very well equipped and spacious with apart from the conventional studio, also tasteful room settings, a large secluded garden , with the added benefit of Dave , the perfect host , on hand during your shoot if required. Highly recommended by me as a photographer, but I understand the facilities for visiting models of a high standard. Leo Cooper.

Slogical Photography

I have shot at Sowton Studio on several occasions and it's always an excellent experience. Very well equipped with a range of options from roller backdrops to sets (bedroom etc) and a beautiful garden.

Mr Dave is a great host and always on hand to assist.

Highly recommended and I hope to work there again soon!