References for Zavod Studio UK

Hannah Lunn

This was the first time I've used Zavod studio but it certainly won't be the last!

A quirky industrial space right in the heart of Steel City, the studio has a generous amount of natural light with gorgeous open windows and lots of available space to shoot in the main studio or the surrounding factory. Everywhere you look there is a hidden gem or a new spot for portraits- I was in love!

The space has many plug sockets, spare stands and items like reflectors and extension leads which are something I always forget in my bag of essentials so this was brilliant. The studio owner is warm and friendly, we had tea, refreshments and lunch provided along with guidance for locations, assistance when required and lovely music to get the models in the mood.

I can't wait to rent this space again! I would recommend to creatives who want an edgy, fashionable vibe to their images.

Andy James

Zavod studio is a great little space within Sheffield City center, highly recommended! Loads of natural light from the big windows and easy to set up studio strobes too. Xenia is a lovely host and a great model to work with. I will be there regularly no doubt!

Ian W

Oh wow! I think the term 'hidden gem' can get over used, but this is exactly that!

This place has character oozing from every battered floorboard and from every painted brick wall. Natural light floods in from the wall of windows in the main studio. Or if you fancy something a little more controlled, just drop the blind down and shoot away.

But it's when you start to explore that the place really comes into it's own. You are walking around a real Sheffield factory, with real industrial vibes. Little pockets of light can be found all over, from stair wells to corrugated metal walls.

There's so much potential here - it would be easy to spend a whole day shooting.

You'd be advised to take your own battery powered lights for flexibility.

EmiKas

Zavod Studio was my first-time experience being shot professionally, I also had the amazing opportunity to be guided and taught by a full-time professional model (the owner of the studio - "Xenia") and it was like I was getting special treatment, felt overwhelmingly excited throughout my whole experience.

I can say for sure that being at this studio has enlightened me into the area of modelling, I have learnt so much from what had happened on the day and time felt as if it just flew by...

In terms of the location is very conveniently positioned to where natural light can enter through the windows of the main studio, a lot of pictures have used the advantage of this natural light and was revealed in my shots that day when I saw my pictures to have turned out to be so beautifully clear and just overall looks very professional.

There is a lot of places to shoot at this place, as it is a factory and has many corners and spaces outside the main studio with interesting looks that really add to the cinematic perspective of the images.

Just reflecting back now, I am so grateful and thankful that this was my first experience because it has given me such a wonderful introduction to modelling after coming from working at an office full time, and then suddenly I feel as though I have become more deeply involved in the area of modelling which is an extremely dramatic change for me.

I hope to book with Zavod again and would 100% recommend it for all models and definitely for anyone who is looking to go for their first time experience like I did.

I should have written a review months ago, I Apologies for the delay.

Martin1

Had my first shoot at zavod studio today. This must be the easiest studio to get to it is in easy walking distance of the railway and bus station and there are places to eat and drink nearby.

The studios refreshingly different to other studios i have used .there are also communal areas that can be used as well as the studio.

I took my owns lights although there is plenty of available light to use.

I worked with Xenia again and time just flew.

Thank you Xenia for a brilliant shoot and hope you do well.

M.A.L.

This was my second shoot at Zavod and again, I was able to take advantage of the lovely natural light in the main studio as well as the evocative historical setting.

I used to visit the factory back in the late 1970s so it was a double thrill to be working there, creating images. There are still craftspeople at work in the building, with new creative industries supported and keeping a wonderful and culturally important place very much alive.

I would recommend that any photographer explore Zavod studio and discover how easy and exciting it is to both work with the light in the wooden-floored studio and take advantage of the industrial features that are just a few steps away. There are so many interesting places to use, and this time we explored more of the fascinating stairways and courtyards, with brick, stone, steel and wood all offering marvellous textures to add impact to the images.

Xenia could not have been more helpful and it was a real pleasure both to work at her lovely new studio and to chat with her and discuss plans for what we might do next at Zavod.

Zoë Birtwhistle

Shooting at Zavod yesterday was an absolute thrill. It’s unlike any studio I’ve ever worked in before. For a start, the room is decorated in a colourful industrial-chic style, gritty and really fun. I was inspired by the décor to create a headpiece specifically to be shot there. How may studios with their anonymous white walls can you say that of? Natural light pours through the windows and it is well ventilated. There is a space to get changed and while it isn’t the biggest studio in the world there is still plenty of room to work. We comfortably had four people working in there.

I also have to draw attention to the fabulous location! Zavod means “factory” or “mill” in Russian, and the studio is in a working factory that makes pewterware and silverware. The setting, that speaks both of Sheffield’s industrial heritage and the city’s modern epoch of making beautiful things out of metal, offers so much that will set the creative spark alight. Old machinery, curious staircases and corridors and corners, and attractive industrial ambience is all available to use in your shoot. We got some fascinating shots that explored the contrast between the factory environment and a high-fashion styling aesthetic. Zavod is located in the city centre, so there are plenty of lovely bars and cafés nearby to unwind in after you’ve finished working there.

Another wonderful thing about shooting at Zavod is the proprietor! If you’ve ever seen Xenia’s modelling portfolio you’ll know just how accomplished and hard-working she is, and the same can be said of her approach to making her studio conducive to creating wonderful things. She is so experienced, so helpful, and just a delight to spend time with.

I cannot recommend Zavod enough, especially if you’re looking for a studio with a difference. I’ll be going back to work there again as soon as feasibly possible!

Water14 (Ian Fuller)

This was my first shoot at Zavod Studio travelling from Durham. The natural light here is the best feature and the wooden planked floor. I also used the roller backdrop,the props and furniture. I had a four hour shoot and the number of shots were in the high hundreds. I would happily use the studio again and the rates are reasonable.

M.A.L.

I had the privilege and pleasure of being the first photographer to shoot at Zavod Studio. I couldn't have been happier.

This is a lovely, natural light space with a fascinating old cutlery works attached! The studio is in two parts: the industrial area where much of the original machinery is still in place and the wooden-floored main studio which is flooded with soft light from large windows and has a cool, modern-art feel. As the studio's profile says, it's a wonderful mixture of brightness and early 20th-century dark industrial grunge.

Great communications, lots of help on the day and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere made the shoot go smoothly. Nothing was too much trouble - including helping me haul a fair amount of kit around - and the images we captured are looking great.

If you are looking for an interesting, striking location in Sheffield, then you should certainly try Zavod. I'll be back next week for my second shoot and I know there will be others to follow.