Fashion brands JW Anderson and UNIQLO are no strangers when it comes to creating a must-have seasonal lookbook and their fourth collaboration is undoubtedly no exception. Their latest Autumn/Winter collection for 2019 is a fresh take on heritage outdoor wear, which is aptly inspired by the rural beachside town, St. Ives, in Cornwall. The campaign, which was shot in and around Cornwall, strikes the perfect balance between UNIQLO’s eye for detail when it comes to practicality and JW Anderson’s original designs that honour British culture.
Therefore, when 1st Option were asked to source an event space to host the launch of the collaboration, we couldn’t think of anywhere more fitting than our open, breezy and full-to-the-brim with greenery location, Clapton Tram Shed. Mannequins showcasing the garments took centre stage, including the sought-after JW Anderson UNIQLO puffer. Winter-warming accessories such as knitted hats, gloves and scarves were playfully placed around the location, making the most out of the event space.
JW Anderson Uniqlo A/W 19 event at Clapton Tram Shed
Get an inside peek into the event by discovering how our East London photoshoot and filming location worked seamlessly alongside the A/W 19 collection with the images below. Clapton Tram Shed is a former historic tram depot, meaning there’s plenty of natural light, vaulted ceilings and rustic features throughout. The space is styled with an abundance of hanging plants and greenery, which naturally made it a perfect match to host the most stylish outerwear collection on the market.
The JW Anderson UNIQLO A/W 19 line is available to shop in stores from the 17th of October 2019.
JW Anderson Uniqlo A/W19 event at Clapton Tram Shed.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a river-based bar, restaurant, museum, hotel or even a photo shoot and filming location, it might surprise you to learn just how versatile old boats can be. For all of you that get sea-sick, we advise not continuing with this read…
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best ships, cabins and decks located around London that will hopefully float your boat! We apologise in advance for the amount of boat-related puns featured throughout this blog post. (We’re not sorry at all really..!)
Bouy oh bouy, where do we start? How about houseboats available to rent for the night? With over 15 subterranean rivers running through London, there’s no shortage of water to moor up a floating home. Thanks to AirBnB and other rental sites, there’s a huge selection of houseboats available to stay in with just a few clicks of a button. With no leaks or any damp in sight, London has some exceptionally luxurious houseboats for you to drop anchor on. Our personal favourites are The Harpy Houseboat, located on the South Bank of The Thames and the gorgeous Armaris in leafy Primrose Hill.
Located next to New Concordia Wharf and steeped in history, The Harpy Houseboat has an unrivalled view of Tower Bridge and The City beyond and there’s a 100% guarantee that it’ll look fin-tastic on your Instagram feed too. What more could you possibly want?
Primrose Hill’s Armaris is extremely slick, we can’t get enough of this boat’s cosy and stylish interior. It also features a furnished rooftop where guests can enjoy this enchanting corner of London including views on to London Zoo, so you might even spot the odd exotic animal too. Living in a regular house seems a bit boring now, doesn’t it?
Interior and exterior of the beautiful houseboat Armaris, moored in Primrose Hill
If you’re looking for somewhere unusual to go for a tipple, there’s only one boat-bar you want to be seen at. Despite being over 114 years old, Barge East feels far from outdated and uncool. Located in the trendy Hackney Wick, expect plenty of magic and mouth-watering food as soon as you step on board, with just the right amount of hipster.
Got a photoshoot or filming project coming up and need a unique location? Have you considered the big red ship hanging out by The Thames at the end of the City Airport runway? Many iconic brands have chosen Lightship 93 to be the location to host their shoot, which has resulted in some pretty incredible images. At over 41 meters long and with 300 square meters of internal surface to explore, there’s no doubt you’ll have plenty of space to nail the shots you want. Check out these tearsheets from fashion brand, High Everyday Couture shot for their A/W19 campaign recently at Lightship 93. There’s even a video to accompany them which gives you a real feel for the shoot location.
Are you ‘eeling a little peckish? Then we have the perfect plaice for you. Check out the Feng Shang Princess, in Cumberland Basin on Regent’s Canal. It’s a hard one to miss. Why is that we hear you ask? Well probably because this floating restaurant resembles a grand two-storey Chinese temple! Apparently, fellow canal boats often moor up next to the restaurant to collect their Dim Sum from the windows. Worth a visit to see that we reckon…
If you’re looking to swot up on some more history, or immerse yourself in a bit of culture, there’s a boat for that too. Look no further than HMS Belfast, moored on The Thames next to Tower Bridge. If you haven’t got a crew what we’re talking about, HMS Belfast is the most significant surviving Second World War Royal Navy warship. The ship is now a museum, which allows the public to explore and discover all nine decks of this ‘floating city’ and get a feel for what it might have been like to go into battle on the high seas.
HMS Belfast, moored next to Tower Bridge on The Thames.
If you’re looking for a good reed(!), then Regent’s Canal is also home to Word on the Water, London’s fabulous floating book shop. Around since 2011, this 1920’s barge stocks a great selection of new and used books and even has a cosy stove inside to keep you warm while you flick through what’s on offer. You could learn something too, Word on the Water run talks on a range of topics such as politics, art, feminism and technology. They also host random open mic sessions on the roof for musicians and performers…
Last boat naut least, did we mention that Lightship 93 has a little sister? Yep, she’s called Lightship 95 and is located next to the infamous Container City at Trinity Bouy Wharf. She is available to hire for photoshoots, filming and sound recordings, fully equipped with a state-of-the-art recording studio. To get a great view of the Millennium Dome, Lightship 95 also boasts a large outside deck and features quirky interiors throughout.
Cole is a large double fronted London Victorian house, which was built around 1890 and has recently undergone a major sympathetic renovation. The entrance hall leads to reception rooms on both the left and right. On the left is the family room, with bespoke cabinetry and log burner with marble surround and to the right is the double sitting room with two marble fireplaces.
One of Cole’s two impressive sitting rooms
The sitting room is arranged to form a large open plan family room and dining area. At the rear is a large kitchen, with central island and a series of crittal doors along one wall leading onto a landscaped walled garden.
The other sitting room, leading to the dining area and kitchen beyondThe kitchen is modern and minimalistic
The garden is relatively large and backs onto the common so it’s surrounded by trees!
The view of the house from the garden
On the first floor is a family office. The second floor has the master bedroom suite, with dressing room and large en-suite bathroom, and a further two bedrooms. On the upper floor is the house bathroom and a further two bedrooms. This house also benefits from a large basement area which can be used for storage.
The family office room at Cole
Cole is a fantastic house and could be fantastic for your next location shoot too! Call us for more details on 020 7284 2345.
Who could have predicted that when Goggle Box hit our screens back in 2013, it would become a national hit? With the penultimate episode of Celebrity Goggle Box airing on the 18th of July, it seemed like a good time to reveal a little secret about the show.
According to Closer, the Channel 4 series sees a massive 4 million of us tune in to watch other regular families watching and commenting on television. So naturally, after the success of the first few series, the producers decided to introduce a spin-off version called Celebrity Goggle Box in 2018. Allowing Brits across the country to watch their favourite celebrities provide commentary on the most talked about TV of the week.
Flash forward a year and Summer 2019 has seen Celebrity Goggle Box return to our screens. With a line-up of famous faces including the likes of Radio 1 Dj Nick Grimshaw, presenter Rylan Clark-Neal, girl band Little Mix, legendary boxer Chris Eubank and political figure Stanley Johnson, to name a few.
Some of the stars that featured on this years Celebrity Goggle Box
However, it seems to be a widespread belief amongst the British public that the celebrities film Goggle Box within the comfort of their own houses. It’s only natural to assume that when we see the celebs gathered around the TV, relaxing on the sofa and laughing over snacks, they’re at home. However, this isn’t strictly true. So while many of us tune in for the famous faces and to catch a glimpse inside of the A-listers homes, what we don’t realise is that most of them don’t actually really live there!
According to the London location agency, 1st Option, the homes we see some of the celebrities are not in fact, their homes. The living rooms we see our favourite A-listers relaxing in are the homes of location owners. These homeowners rent their properties out for filming or photoshoots within the media.
Locations director, Sophia, who is responsible for organising the locations used in Celebrity Google Box, tells all. “The producers of Goggle Box contacted me a few weeks ago, asking if we could source them locations for the celebs” reveals Sophia. “Of course, we got to work straight away and everything moved quickly from there.” Sophia continues, “We made sure to provide Channel 4 with luxury locations, which would be believable that the celebrities could live there.” It appears the location agency did a rather good job at scouting convincing location homes as the nation is none the wiser, until now.
So, which homes don’t belong to the celebs on the show? “Channel 4 booked locations for celebs such as Little Mix, Professor Green and Example, as well as Bananarama” explains Sophia. “Little Mix shot in our location home Metallica, Professor Green and Example filmed in Onyx and Bananarama went to our shoot location, Florence.” Having A-listers in your home can be quite the experience. “All our location owners commented on how easy and relaxed the shoots were for Goggle Box, the owner of Florence even got a selfie with Bananarama. She was chuffed!” tells Sophia.
Although it may seem a little strange that some celebrities don’t film in their own homes, it’s with good reason. “Some A-listers purposely film in another location for security reasons, whilst others, such as Professor Green and Example don’t live together, so it’s easier to shoot the show in a middle ground.” Reveals Sophia.
Some unmissable spots for a film shoot across the Capital
Although us Londoners might take one of the world’s most iconic cities for granted, there’s nothing quite like seeing the capital on the big screen. Getting to experience the city through the lens of film or on the cinema screen can give you the much-needed reminder as to why you fell in love with London in the first place. There’s no denying, London has provided the filming locations for some of the most famous movies on the planet, including Harry Potter, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Trainspotting, The Da Vinci Code and The King’s Speech, to name a few. So if you’re a director, location scout, filmmaker or simply on the hunt for the best filming locations, London is undoubtedly the place to be. 1st Option has compiled a handy list of some of the best places to consider for your upcoming shoot.
If you want to avoid the hassle of securing a permit to film in a public place, renting out a location home is a great option. They guarantee privacy, flexibility, they look fantastic and offer all the facilities you could need. Read on to discover great filming locations in London, including parks, neighbourhoods, historic buildings and location homes, recommended by top photographers, bloggers and London location managers.
Buckingham Palace
If you’re feeling regal, try your luck at making Buckingham Palace your filming location. As one of the last remaining royal palaces in the world and the official home of the Queen, it’s notoriously hard to secure a permit to be able to film. If you’re not feeling extraordinarily brave, you can enquire about just shooting the exterior areas. Such as The Mall, Birdcage Walk, Horse Guards Parade and St James Palace, according to Aspect Film and Video. The actual palace is rarely used on-screen, so producers have to get savvy about how to make it appear they’re in the grounds, reveals The Culture Trip.
Email film@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk or contact +44 (0)300 061 2111 for filming enquires.
Looking like something straight out of a Bond movie is location home Vertigo, a contemporary penthouse apartment situated in North London. This location is perfect for filming shoots due to its floor to ceiling windows throughout offering incredible panoramic views of London, which looks spectacular both day and night.
Take a five minute stroll from Piccadilly Circus and you’ll find yourself in the tourist hotspot of Trafalgar Square. Loved by tourists and directors alike, the historic Trafalgar Square is also a famous filming location for numerous blockbusters and hit films thanks to its fountains and architecture. The square’s iconic features have attracted major films such as Captain America: The First Avenger and the latest Wonder Woman.
For permits, you can contact the Greater London Authority for the main square, Westminster City Council for the surrounding area and The National Gallery for the paved passageway between the gallery and Sainsbury Wing.
Rylett Studios is a West London filming location studio that provides unlimited amounts of natural light, thanks to its bright, airy design and vaulted glass ceilings throughout. Boasting a neutral, slick interior space allows a filmmaker to transform it into whatever you desire for your shoot.
There’s an air of mystery and intrigue that hangs over The Natural History Museum. The location boasts Victorian architecture, secret corridors, ancient artefacts and historical libraries. Because of this, it has been featured in films such as The Mummy and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. If you’re after a filming location packed full of history and charm, contact the museum directly for permits.
Nothing screams luxury quite like location home, Ambleside. Based outside of London in Hatfield, it’s well worth the journey. This sprawling, luxurious mansion features an interior heavy on white, marble and crystal. Thrown in is a grand entrance hall, substantial reception rooms, oriental-style garden and a Marbella inspired pool for good measure.
Described by Culture Trip as the prime example of regeneration, Camden has managed to maintain its gritty and arty reputation over the years. As a result, Camden Market attracts the subcultures of London, making this North London spot a visual feast for the eyes. Make Camden your next filming location by capturing the bustling, busy market, working canal, eccentric characters and vibrant Culture.
Some would argue that Studio East is a filmmakers heaven. An uber-cool East London converted studio space that once was a car workshop. With enough exposed brick to fill a lifetime, the studio offers copious amounts of space and a considerable selection of unusual, playful props to add life to your filming shoot.
Some of the many props and backdrops available at Studio East
The Tube
Public transport and especially the tube, can make for a great location when it comes to filming. The London Underground, like many other London landmarks, is iconic. You’ll never be short of tubes to film on, because of the city’s many lines and routes. Take your pick from the Northern Line, Victoria Line, Hammersmith and City, Central Line, or more. According to Aspect, The London Underground has featured in numerous blockbuster films, including Thor: The Dark World and Skyfall.
For filming enquiries, call +44 (0)20 3054 3039 or email redroutefilming@tfl.-gov.uk.
If you’re after a family home to film in, look no further than Taylors. The location has an open plan contemporary living space, cinema room and double tennis courts. It’ll tick every box you need. Plus, it’s only a hop and a skip away in West London.
The go-to guide for photographers looking to shoot in London
Have you got an upcoming photoshoot in London? As a photographer, stylist or art director it’s easy to get a little overwhelmed with all the incredible photoshoot locations on offer. As London is one of the most iconic cities in the world, it’s filled with historical architecture, vast parkland as well as hidden rooftops and alleyways with an urban edge. 1st Option is making your life a little easier by compiling a helpful list of some of the best locations for a photoshoot in the capital. Alternatively, if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, renting out a location home, studio or commercial space is a great option. They guarantee privacy, flexibility, they look fantastic and offer all the facilities you could need. Read on to discover the best photoshoot locations in London, including parks, neighbourhoods, historic buildings and location homes recommended by top photographers, bloggers and London location managers.
1. St Thomas Hospital Garden
If your brief requires you to get a jaw-dropping shot of the London landmarks, what better place to start than by photographing Big Ben. However, it’s not always easy to get that perfect shot when you’re in a city of millions. Avoid the crowds of tourists along the South Bank, recommends photography blog, KYMA, by heading to the gardens at St Thomas Hospital. The grounds are directly opposite Big Ben and provide a clear view straight across the river to the Houses of Parliament, guaranteeing a perfect shot. Because hospital patients and staff often use the gardens, this outside space tends to be super quiet.
Of course, for professional photoshoots, you’ll need to secure a permit. Contact Email press@gstt.nhs.uk for more information.
Views of the Southbank and The City from office space location Coin
2. Location House, 6ixteen.
Say hello to one of the industry’s most popular and well-known location homes. Situated in South London, 6ixteen is a large double-fronted Victorian property that’s just a short five-minute walk from Beckenham Junction. Texture is at the heart of 6ixteen, so expect to see it everywhere. From distressed shutters in the dining area to a beautiful contrast between fresh white wooden panelled walls and exposed brickwork in the sitting room, you won’t fall short of unique backdrops for your shoot. Decorated in a palette of deep greys, book-lined walls and offset with luxurious oak furniture, 6ixteen has hosted shoots for some of the industry’s top stars and brands, from Davina McCall to Pippa Middleton and The Body Shop.
The bright and characterful kitchen at location home 6ixteen
3. Richmond Park
If you’re looking for somewhere with plenty of green and a hint of magic, Richmond Park is undoubtedly your best bet, suggests wedding photographers, Green Antler. Situated in South West London, Richmond Park is notorious for its majestic deer and stags left to roam around the parkland and forests. After shooting multiple engagement sessions in the park, Sam and Diana of Green Antler discovered that the green space is gorgeous for photographing at any time of the year. Whether that be during the lush summertime, hazy winter mornings, or at the golden hour on a burnt-orange autumn afternoon.
For photography permits, contact film@royalparks.org.uk.
Marmora Road is a shoot location available to hire for stills in East Dulwich. This beautiful house is a Victorian family home boasting a cheerful and charming interior, making it the perfect backdrop for a whole variety of photo shoots. The large sash and bay windows throughout the property flood the rooms with natural light, making it a perfect space for natural shots.
The tranquil lounge space at location home Marmora Road
5. Leadenhall Market
One for the Harry Potter fans, Leadenhall Market, was used as a location for filming The Philosopher’s Stone. Being one of the oldest markets in London, it’s jam-packed with stunning architecture and features. You’ll be able to find this 14th-century gem nestled amongst the skyscrapers of the financial district, where business people and market-goers rub unlikely shoulders. If you head there before the mad rush of city workers and market-stall owners, you’ll be able to bag yourself some rather amazing shots.
For all photography enquiries, email kate@primera-corp.co.uk.
If your photo shoot requires an ample, contemporary kitchen space, then take a look at Parker. Located in South London, Parker has a jaw-dropping open plan kitchen, designed to the highest specifications, opening up onto the property’s manicured garden through bi-folding doors. Parker is the perfect shoot location for cookery, lifestyle and editorial shoots.
Are you after a shoot location that has a cool, urban edge? Look no further than the graffitied streets of East London. In particular, head over to the neighbourhood of Shoreditch, where you’ll find the best street art in all of London. Ranging from murals, mosaics to some original Banksy street art of Rivington Street reveals Travelling Dany. But you’ll have to be quick. If you see some street art, it’s best to snap it ASAP, as there’s a good chance it’ll be replaced by something new fairly soon. If you fancy a mid-shoot snack, make sure to check out Brick Lane’s infamous bagels or number of super cool restaurants.
For professional photography shoots, you’ll need to email a member of Hackney Council. Contact rebecca.staffolani@hackney.gov.uk for more information
Located in the super-cool Dalston, Nash is one of the trendiest and in-demand location homes on the block. Its interior is contemporary, forward-thinking and reminiscent of Scandinavian interior vibes, with a neutral palette and understated, yet stylish, decoration. A-listers, significant brands, photographers, stylists and creative agencies can’t get enough of this location home, and with good reason.
Primrose Hill is the place to shoot if you want mesmerising panoramic views of the London skyline. Avoid overcrowded Regent’s Park by heading 5 minutes north, and you’ll find yourself in Primrose Hill. Considerably quieter than Regents Park, make the short (but steep) climb to the top of the Hill to be greeted by breath-taking views of the city. Head here any time of the day during the week for a peaceful, gorgeous photoshoot location.
For photography permits, contact film@royalparks.org.uk.
There’s no doubt about it, Carlton House is a photographer’s dream. Specially designed with photoshoots in mind, this shoot location based in Ealing Broadway boasts vast, open spaces that have been thoughtfully furnished. Rooms include a large kitchen/diner and an exceptionally spacious sitting room with parquet flooring and cornicing. The likes of Make-up queen, Charlotte Tilbury amongst many other famous faces have chosen to shoot at Carlton House.
First up, let’s get to grips with precisely what a photoshoot location is. Essentially, a photoshoot location is a space or place available to hire where you and your team can produce great pictures in a controlled environment. Most people opt for shooting at a fantastic location house or in a public space. It’s worth bearing in mind that if its a public area you’re likely to need a permit to shoot, either from a local authority’s filming department or the body that governs that particular space. Whether it’s for an editorial shoot, advertorial shoot or marketing campaign, anything involving shooting stills will benefit from being shot in a photoshoot location.
Examples of public photo shoot locations include parks, historical buildings, high streets, cafes, restaurants, retail stores, abandoned buildings or even dramatic coastlines. Discover a list of the top 10 places for a photoshoot in London over on the 1st Option blog. If you’re on the hunt for a location that offers more privacy, or something that allows you to transform a space to fit your brief, a location home might be a better fit.
But what exactly is a location home? A location home is a private property that a homeowner rents out on either a daily or multi-day rate. Location houses can come in all shapes and sizes. They range from council flats to huge stately mansions, retro properties with a 70’s edge, to ultra-modern central London apartments. Some location homes allow you to redecorate certain rooms (as long as they are put back to how they were following your shoot!), while others have specific features that will already work perfectly for photographers, art directors or stylists briefs, such as large, modern kitchen spaces complete with kitchen island, uniquely painted walls that make great backdrops or an outside luxury infinity pool.
You can browse through all the different types of location homes available to hire on the 1st Option website.
Locations Director Sophia, at 1st Option, explains that there are no set rules to what makes a successful location house. However, a home must have certain qualities that make it shootable. Factors such as “lots of natural light, accessibility, enough parking space for the crew, and a USP that makes the property stand out from the crowd are always a bonus.” Fstoppers recommend that when it comes to location homes, it’s essential to pay special attention to how light can alter the look of a space. Also take into consideration how colour can completely change the mood of a room too.
Some location houses have been specifically designed to be rented out for shoots but the majority of shoot locations are regular homes lived in by the families who own them, reveals Sophia. Successful location homeowners can earn a good second income from hosting shoots. In a recent article published by Ideal Home Magazine, hiring your home out for photoshoots ranks number 6 on their list of smart ways to make money from your home. You can find out more about how to register your property as a shoot location here.
You’ll be able to find a location for a photoshoot pretty much anywhere across the country. However, if you have a specific look and place in mind, you can filter through properties available to hire based on features and their geographical location. You’ll find a wide range of diverse location homes in many cities, with the majority being in the UK’s capital, London, which is home to location houses of every shape and size. The reason there are so many in London is because the majority of large brands, production companies and creative agencies are based there and they usually require a photoshoot location they can reach quickly and with ease. However, other homes available to hire are found dotted around the UK, with many stately homes and mansions situated in the English countryside of Surrey, Hampshire and beyond and a whole host of beach shoot location houses along various coastlines.
How do I book a photoshoot location?
How do you go about finding the perfect location for your photoshoot?
Before you reach out to a location agency, it’s always a great idea to have a clear visual or creative brief of what you’d like to achieve from your photoshoot. Begin by answering the following questions:
Are there any particular features or qualities you need the location to possess?
Is there a maximum amount of distance you’d be happy to travel to a location?
What is your budget?
Do you have any mood boards / reference imagery to assist the location bookers in understanding your vision?
Portrait photographer Betsy Davis recommends the following things to consider when you’re planning a shoot. First up is how good is light at the location, secondly, are there natural reflectors such as white painted walls and lastly, versatility such as different types of room themes to guarantee you can get a variety of shots.
When booking a shoot, most brands, businesses, and production companies will go through a location agency such as 1st Option to secure a shoot location. Good location agencies will manage hundreds of location homes available to rent for photoshoots and be responsible for scouting and taking on location homes that will perform well in the industry. As well as this, they will be happy to set up viewings before a shoot, book the dates, negotiate rates and help to make sure everything runs smoothly for both homeowners and clients throughout the process.
Location agencies employ a team of experts who will be happy to provide you with a whole range of shoot location suggestions based on your brief. Location bookers will need to ask you some questions about your shoot such as the style of property you’re looking for, crew size, shoot dates and budget so that they have a feel for what you’re looking to achieve and can help to find your perfect shoot space.
Because location bookers have organised hundreds of shoots in the past, they’ll have all the knowledge to ensure your shoot runs as smoothly as possible. Whether that’s making sure someone will be home to let you in on the day, booking parking permits, organising catering, giving you directions to the location or liaising with the property owner, they’ll be happy to help.
The when of your photo shoot is entirely up to you. However, location agencies recommend you think carefully about timing, for example, if you’re looking to capture sunny, poolside shots, it’s a good idea to book a location home during the summer months!
Due to project size, turn-around times and editorial deadlines, major brands or magazines often have to shoot their campaigns months in advance. For example, clients will most likely be shooting their Christmas ads on a bright, warm July summers day!
Some important things to bear in mind!
There are some admin elements that you and your business or brand will need to consider before booking a photoshoot location. Although booking a shoot will usually be relatively simple, these things are vital to think about before going ahead.
Locations agencies won’t be able to book a shoot if the client doesn’t have the correct paperwork confirming that they have public liability insurance, which, depending on the property, will be somewhere between £2-10 million. Although accidents or damage on shoots are rare, this is always a requirement to safeguard against any unfortunate happenings.
It’s been said that money makes the world go round and when it comes to hiring a location home, that saying is most definitely true. Although location bookers will do their best to work around your budget, it’s also their job to manage your expectations. Some location homes charge a higher rate than others due to desirability, size or popularity, while others will cost more because of large crew sizes or the potential disruptiveness of the shoot. So, hiring a location home is not always cheap but the location agency will always try to find you the perfect shoot location that not only fits your brief but also your budget!
After all, location is everything and picking the perfect one can determine the success of your photoshoot.
We were very happy recently to book our Clapton Tram Shed shoot location for Laura Craik to interview Florence Welch for an article in The Evening Standard. Laura remarks how perfect the setting was and with its bohemian flavour, quirky furniture and abundance of greenery, we’d have to agree!
Florence Welch looking at home in Clapton Tram Shed
As if you needed another excuse to spend the weekend having a Netflix binge…
Netflix truly never lets us down; it’s more reliable than your old high-school boyfriend and flaky best friend. The online streaming service is constantly providing us with quality entertainment, from your favourite ever series that you’ve now watched three times, to an ice-cream fuelled rom-com marathon to documentaries about the worlds toughest prisons and gripping dramas that cure boredom on your daily commute, Netflix really does have it all.
But streaming service is quickly becoming an unlikely source for interior design inspiration, with a whole host of shows that focus on creating gorgeous décor from around the globe. So grab a cuppa, put your feet up and binge out on these shows for all the interior goals you’ll ever need….
1) Amazing Interiors
Ever thought about what it might be like to have a giant aquarium in the middle of your house? Or how about a rollercoaster in your back garden? No? Okay, surely you’ve daydreamed about what it might be like to have an entirely pink house or a homemade from eight shipping containers welded together? Okay, so you personally might not have, but Netflix visits the people who have not only daydreamed about these crazy ideas but made them into a reality. Welcome to hit Netflix show, Amazing Interiors that visits daydreamed properties per episode that have interiors that’ll leave you picking your jaw up off the floor. From defying everything you knew about decorating to the downright scary, the producers at Netflix have undeniably discovered some of the most incredible interiors on the planet.
Verdict: This show is guaranteed to make you look at your existing space in a more creative way, and inspire you to push your decorating boundaries.
You’ve heard of Airbnb, right? The online site that allows literally anyone to rent out their homes, sofa’s and spare bedrooms to holidaymakers in over 90 countries across the globe. Well, in Stay HerePeter Lorimer and Genevieve Gorder visit some home rentals that aren’t doing so well. Whether that’s down to poor marketing or lack-lustre design, the duo descends onto the properties to bring their interiors and branding back to life. This makeover show not only gives you a peek into the booming instant hotel industry but also provides viewers with some serious interior and design inspiration. From a Seattle houseboat to an Austin pool pad to DC firehouse and a brownstone in Brooklyn, it shows the audience how to create stylish, guest-friendly interiors for every kind of space.
Verdict: Each episode is only 30 minutes, making it perfect easy-going watching for your daily commute or before bed, and might even inspire your next trip.
3) Queer Eye and Home Makeovers
Ah, if you’re after a show that’ll give you bucket loads of sass, interior inspo and pull at your heartstrings, Queer eye is guaranteed to achieve all three. Come with your tissues at the ready, as the five boys, not only makeover the homes of their subjects, they re-vamp their souls, too.
Verdict: We love how Queer Eye not only teaches us how to live our lives more effectively and optimistically but also manages to address social issues such as LGBTQ+ conversations, mental health and racism. This show strikes the perfect combination of being very current all whilst having a lifestyle and interior edge.
4) Consumed
This one is for the cleaning obsessed, or you might find this incredibly satisfying or very stressful. You’ll have to watch to find out. Consumed delves into the lives of struggling families whose homes have become overwhelmed with clutter. Host of the show, Jill Pollack, challenges the families to only live with the bare essentials and “10-non essential items” for 30 days, in a big to open their eyes into how little they really need to be happy. If you like a little bit of drama from your television, keep watching until the end, where the families are confronted with a warehouse stacked full of their belongings, and have to make the decision to ditch 75% of their stuff for a happier, clutter-free life.
Verdict: This is easy watching, and will almost certainly inspire to rid yourself of all the unnecessary clutter around you.
Hither is a beautiful Victorian house in South-East London, that has been stripped back to its bones and is minimally styled. The wooden floor has been sanded and treated with lime waxed Osmo oil. The walls have been brought back to their original exposed brick, giving the house a lovely rustic feel.
One of the two lounge areas at Hither
The owner has created a calm space which is enhanced by fantastic natural light.
The second lounge area is another lovely bright space
The kitchen area looks very rustic with it’s exposed brickwork and ceiling beams and again this area benefits from great natural light.
The wonderfully rustic kitchen
The rear garden is a great size, laid mainly to lawn and surrounded by trees. There is even an outdoor shower!
The garden area at Hither
So, if you’re looking for something a little different for your next London location shoot, why not give Hither a try?
