References for Photo39

An Eye for Beauty

I travelled the 3-hour journey to Studio 39 yesterday, fortunately driven by Wavepower with whom I was sharing the shoot time. The great attraction was the lovely Hungarian model and performer, Fanny.

Brian was extremely welcoming and made us feel very much at home not least as I was the first 'shooter'. The studio is compact but is an Aladdin's cave of props and possibilities, not least a fairground 'horse' which originated from Brighton Pier.

I enjoyed the day, and although it was some way away, I like to think this will not be my last shoot at the Cottage Stdio. Highly recommended. Thanks, Brian.

Astolat

I use the Cottage Studio pretty well exclusively now. Last time with the beautiful Mia Liberum. Brian is great. He is unobtrusive unless you need him but there if you do. His help on lighting technique is invaluable, so much so that it can make you lazy. The studio is like an Aladdin's cave with props, outfits galore. It even has a small natural light area. I really cannot recommend him and his studio too highly. Coffee good too!

Helen Diaz

I had a very successful couple of days at Brians wonderful studio again recently and had a complete blast! Brian is such a kind, respectful and patient studio owner. The studio is extremely well run and Brians hospitality is excellent with plenty of cuppas and Quality Street available! :)

I absolutely loved the lighting set ups that Brians produced, some of which were much more complex. I especially loved experimenting with the Old Hollywood set ups and adored the resulting images from these with the photographers that had booked onto the studio sessions.

I was also very grateful for Brians organisation and taking the lead with the bookings this time around- thank you so very much.

Brians changing area has everything you could wish for as a model and I love his clothing and props!

Thankyou Brian, you are a diamond.

The highest recommendation to all creatives here, Helen x

P.O.S Photos

Had a great 2 hours at the cottage studio shooting Jessica Taylor, Brian was very welcoming and on hand as and when required to help with lighting, props etc. I found him very pleasant host and knowledgeable, I will definitely use the studio again and can highly recommend them, thank you Brian.

CharlieBoy

I had another brilliant day at the Cottage Studio, enjoying the wonderful variety of facilities and props, all supported by Brian's lighting expertise and hospitality.

The opportunities for aerial work are among the very best around and provide enormous scope for creativity. :)

When I had questions there were answers. Solutions are always found.

Both Brian and the studio are totally recommended. It is always a pleasure to work here. Thanks again Brian.

Keira Lavelle

I’ve worked at Brian’s lovely studio on several occasions now, and there are so many great aspects that you can guarantee will be on the table for visiting creatives time and time again. :D It’s not only a superbly resourceful place to make your pictures, but Brian is a dream host too!

My latest shoot there was part of a Southern tour I was doing and a lovely photographer had booked me independently for a half day at Brian’s. Before we even got down to work: Brian already helped MASSIVELY where he had no obligation by coming over to open up so we could do the shoot a couple of hours earlier than initially planned. My morning appointment had been cancelled so Brian being so accommodating like this meant that I could hit the road earlier in prep for my long drive home since this would have been my last shoot of the tour. I cannot thank him enough for his flexibility alone! :D But there are so many other reasons why Brian deserves a bucket of credit for the work he does to - just a small glance over his other references and it becomes clear before you’ve even finished reading mine!

So first things first: the people enter the room and there’s those lovely words: “anybody for a cuppa?” There’s nothing like a studio owner whose big on the brews... I mean, how can one function normally without such? :P He respects and understands well that people (especially models) might be travelling long distances/on tours, so he does do his best to make everyone feel relaxed and comfortable upon immediate arrival. He’s on-hand should you need any top-ups throughout the course of your shoot too; or any other help for that matter! His friendliness is on-pointe and he’s totally easy-going. Many models speak positively of Brian (when you cross paths and talk about where you’ve been working recently - as you do!) So he’s a very highly regarded gent for certain - totally professional, safe and respectful of everyone that comes to use the studio. :) The work he does to ensure that everyone who walks through those studio doors has a productive and happy experience is honestly golden! A complete gentleman who makes a studio shoot thy bit nicer an experience for the arty/farty human wondering in! :P

Brian also bears fantastic technical know-how too to help with any specific kinds of lighting setups/achieve a certain look with the lighting. He stays mostly up in his office allowing models and photographers independence to run their own course: but the minute you need him - just shout and he’s there to help in a flash! It’s the idea situation in a studio where you like to be able to get on and build the rapport with who your working with/work through ideas you already have... But just having assistance a second away gives a great deal of comfort if you might need something setting up that’s a little more complex.

A sensational range of charismatic props, quality facilities for achieving variety in your work, good lighting systems, a well-kitted out private changing facility for the models and refreshments on tap. What more could you need!!! :D

Definitely recommended!

Thank you so much Brian!

Helen Diaz

I worked at Brians lovely studio for the first time in a few years- and found myself thinking; "WHY didn't I come back sooner!!" :)

Brian is an absolute diamond; kind, professional, personable and fun. Everything you could wish for in a studio owner.

The studio is such a lovely space with plenty of room, height, excellent facilities and run in a safe and professional environment. It also has a fantastic selection of clothing and props should you need them, which is such an asset if you are after something different for your portfolio.

I really had such a lovely spontaneous day- so much so that I am back again in December!

Highly recommended to all and really look forward to seeing you again soon, Helen x

Miss Diamond Sparkle 💕☯

Absolutely love working at Brian's studio...I have shot here a few times...always friendly, polite and makes me feel really welcome...the studio itself is perfect with plenty of clothes and props to make it a very fun shoot...

100% recommended by Sparkly Sparkles!

StuartGL

I regard The Cottage Studio as one of two local studios that I use and Brian is always very helpful in setting up his props and the lighting.

This time we used his Harley Davidson as a prop and that was an interesting feat getting it into position - a very special thank you, Brian, for indulging me with this!

A great studio to use!

Jeff Horne

I shot at The Cottage Studio for the first time yesterday with a 2 hour shoot. Brian showed me the kit and props available and made it clear he'd help me with anything i needed help with.

Myself and model went out into the local woods for my 2nd hour for some natural light shooting. Brian came with us to show us the various places we could go as well as helping to hold a reflector in the fading light.

I'm happy to recommend The Cottage Studio and am sure i'll be back there again sometime, which is great because it's the closest studio to my home!

Fanny

We had 4 days shooting (studio days) in The Cottage Studio with Brian. He is great in organizing and lighting and also very nice and helpful. I love his studio! There is everything what you want: dresses, shoes, Aerial Hoop, silks, pole... I’m looking forward to working with him again!! Highly recommend!

Jon Williams

I'm unsure of how many times I have used this brilliant studio, really is one of the best. Brian the owner is very welcoming, his attention and detail to lighting are masterful, the studio has outstanding options including silks, trapeze, hoop & rope. On this last visit, I was able to shoot with the amazing Fanny creating wonderful shape while hanging on a rope, in the past I have shot in the woods and fields available. A highly recommended studio.

CharlieBoy

I love doing aerial work and the studio is superbly equipped with hoop, pole and silks, which are all among my favourites.

The shoot was a full day one requiring a variety of lighting and prop changes. Brian was fully supportive throughout, moving seamlessly from one set to another, offering advice when required.

He is always a great, easy going host who makes it possible to concentrate on getting the very best images, which is something I always appreciate. :)

I hope to be back again. Thanks Brian, you are definitely highly recommended.

Jeffking

I had my first shoot at the Cottage Studio on Saturday and I was very impressed.The high ceiling with fixing points for suspending hoops, ropes,trapeze,makes it ideal for any aerial gymnast type shots you would like to do.Plenty of props,glamour clothes, hats, it's all there,I've put my name on the mailing list to keep up to date.Brian is always on hand to help with lighting or props when needed,and leaves you alone when not needed,that's the way I like to work.

Highly recommended!

tigerbelle

This was my third visit to this lovely studio. This time, I was working with Rointhos.

Brian very kindly collected and dropped me back to the station which was very much appreciated, thank-you!

Brian is an excellent host, always on hand for any help needed and makes a lovely coffee too.

I always enjoy working here and hope to return in the future.

Definitely recommended! :D

Kitty Quinzell

I hosted at the Cottage Studio for the full weekend. It is a fabulous studio, so well equipped, warm, spacey and versatile. I would recommend it to anybody.

Brian is courteous and friendly as a host, always thinking of the comfort of the models, making sure they stay well hydrated. Always willing to help with lighting, props and heating, and to keep the tunes going!

He was kind enough to pick me up from where I was staying and take me back again on both days (even though the first time we got pretty lost!)

Such a lovely gentleman, I will most definitely be back!

Retro Rob

Thank you so much for not only a fantastic location but your hospitality and warm welcome Brian.

This was the choice location for The Retro Rob and Melany Tour to continue it's journey.

An extremely well equipped studio not just with space and lighting but proos too this meant we able to produce some outstanding art nude and vintage work I can't wait to add them to my portfolio hope to work at your amazing location again soon thank you so much.

Rob

M e l a n y

I had an extremely successful 6 hour shoot today at extremely well equipped

studio. We had a lovely welcome from

Brian who was on hand to make hot drinks and advise on lighting set up.

The studio is spacious with a large Infinity wall and plenty of props! We created some truly original images that didn’t look like your standard studio images.

I highly recommend shooting here, so much that I am coming back as soon as I can for a studio day!

Thank you Brian :)

Valentina_TheBlackPearl

Lovely first shoot at the Cottage Studio last week, and I have a feeling it won't be the last!

Brian was so kind to pick me up from my Airbnb and drive me to the studio for my shoot with Rointhos in the morning, and he also drove me back to the station at the end.

The studio is clean, spacious and warm, Brian made me tea and made sure I was happy and comfortable at all times.

Great wardrobe selection and make up facilities.

Thanks Brian!

LeahMeraki

Been here twice twice this week for 2 very different shoots and each time it was a real pleasure. Brian is always a great host, checking that I’m warm and offering cups of tea throughout which is always lovely!

The studio is always nice and warm on my arrival and with various props and outfits you can’t really go wrong with it.

Until next time, which I’m sure won’t be too long this time. Thanks again :D