References for Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio

Keira Lavelle

I came back to this fabulous studio after a long absence (too long!) during a recent tour I planned for the South... Quite an ambitious step for me this year given everything that's happened and that my usual touring tendencies had been put completely on hold. It was so nice to be reminded of the fabulous hosts around the place who welcome creatives with great pleasure, and will bend over backwards to ensure you have a great time shooting at their gaff - as Steve very much does!

Myself and KP Photography only managed to grab a couple of hours at Art Asylum Reloaded this time due to the clearly high demand of the place. Our own doing for not booking in sooner - but everything did come together quite last minute so I am just very grateful to Steve for doing what he could to accommodate us. :) Even in that short two hours that we had - we managed to produce some fabulously varied work! The other thing to note about this particular visit was how seriously Steve had taken the tender times of mid-pandemic. He had taken a lot of steps to ensure that models and photographers using the studio could do so safely... So for anyone who might be a little bit precarious about shooting indoors post lockdowns etc. I can wholeheartedly assure you that Steve's professional and private venue is meets all the criteria for enabling you to work mindfully and safely. Fair play to Steve for really going to town on it as I also wanted to be uber careful since I was touring and meeting different people over the course of a week.

Now one of the favourite aspects of Art Asylum Reloaded is probably it's famous natural light/distressed wall area. On a good day when the clouds shift over - you can get some divine sunlight for natural light imagery... Keith and I were so blessed during our latest visit because we did get the nice light (a mixture of soft and harsh in fact!) which made it so that we came away with a lush range of images that differed simply due to the light quality/diffusion. Pretty portraits to crazy shapes... Even retro pinup! Steve also has some brilliant continuous lights/reflectors for this area if you need to fill in shadows or anything. It's a really great area to work and I imagine very popular with a lot of creatives who use the studio. :D It almost seems like a crime not to use the daylight area when you come haha! All while we shooting, Steve offered his help whenever we needed it: he will allow creatives to get on and do their own thing - but literally: if you need a heavy piece of furniture moving, assistance with lighting, temperature changing, advice, another brew or even a prop/accessory then Steve will move mountains to assist you the best he possibly can. Star studio owner! :D

This venue has it all: from quality lights to set variety/prop collections, backdrops galore, a great private space for the models to change and do al their model stuff... But it also has a very warm and hospitable atmosphere. :) The professionalism here is on-pointe and it's a place where I would imagine all my fellow models would enjoy working as much as I do. I feel happy, at ease and well looked-after each time I come visit... And coming back is most definitely on the cards when I find myself in Weymouth again.

Thank you for all your continued efforts in giving us a terrific shoot experience at Art Asylum Reloaded Steve!

Keira :)

MGH Photography

My first shoot at Art Asylum, and it was a great shoot. Theres some great spaces for both an infinity wall and a bed/bath etc setup, which has some excellent natural light.

Steve kept myself and the model supplied with teas and was on hand if needed but otherwise left us to it, which for me was great.

I lost count of the amount of lights available, and the wardrobe of outfits etc was stunning.

Already planning my next trip back (despite it being 2 hours away from me)

Thanks Steve.

Steve Layton

I've recently done a couple of shoots at the Art Asylum and have been very happy with the results.

It's a great space to work in and I love the natural light that comes through the large windows in the second room. The studio space has all the lights and modifiers you should need and Steve is happy to help with the lifting and carrying.

Highly Recommended :)

Artism

Great to work with steve again at Art Asylum Reloaded. I worked with a new model that he recamended to me. Called Skylar not on PP yet just a head up tho id book her quick!

he been helping me learn and develop more from my own ways and software to more of the industry way!

Great studio with lots of lights and props and clothing. AS being a new model she had not a huge range of wardrobe yet.

Artism

Great to work with steve again. helping me with lights and suggestions of how to improve shots or angles.

he has a huge studio with lots of props that we can borrow for shoots from chairs to clothing to material.

really enjoy working in this studio and with steve. cant wait for the next shoot.

5* studio. highly recommended

Cindafckinrella

My second time working at The Art Asylum Reloaded Photo Studio, this time it was a studio day.

Steve was amazing! He had booked and sorted out for me photographers in advance, promoted my studio day well, sorted out deposits and timings and we managed to get sold out. On the day he was continuously helpful, setting up lighting and the whole studio accordingly, offering props (right down to a smoke machine!) and suggestions when needed and always offering tea and biscuits! He even managed to rebook the cancellation we had in the middle of the studio day.

I can’t thankyou enough Steve, things went so smoothly and the day was a complete success. Can’t wait to shoot with you again and to hopefully to another studio day in the future!

CMYK

My first time at Art Asylum studio,met by Steve who made both myself and model (Wiki) very welcome explained the lighting set up and necessary setting for them, then showed us around the alternative set up a superb room lit by gorgeous daylight with lovely themed options,bedroom, roll topped bath, period chair etc i must admit we had most of our shoot there.

I really must add that it addition to his welcome Steve was always prepared to help and offer advice where needed,but he wasn't intrusive so we were able to come up with our own ideas.

Just one apology Steve, Wiki forgot to sign door!

Recommend without hesitation.

Thanks Steve from us both.

MetroFoto99

This was my second time shooting at the Art Asylum. Steve was very helpful during the planning stages and was on hand during the shoot to help with setting up lights and finding clothes and props. There is a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere in this studio as Steve just wants everyone to have a good experience. The collection of shoes, outfits and props is growing and so we were able to choose some for the themes we had developed. The boudoir suite is developing nicely too with the addition of the bath which made for a great backdrop. I am looking forward to shooting at the Art Asylum again in the future.

Dimonty

This was the second time I have modeled at the Art Asylum and recommend the studio to any photographers. Steve is very helpful and will give advice if required and there is a lot of potential to shoot with either artificial or natural light.

Artism

Great to be back at studio after lock down. Loads of new lights and equipment as well as a lovely bath prop to use. Steve is great at lighting and always on hand for help or advice if you need him.

MikeGardinerPhotography

This studio is almost perfect :) White infinity wall, natural light room with bare floorboards, peeling brick walls, a full size double bed and now a claw footed bath too. More lights than you can shake a stick at (several sticks actually!) Modifiers, triggers, gels, changing room, sofas, tea and coffee facilities. Also outside steel staircase if the weather is behaving! Plenty of props: dresses, jackets, shoes, corsetry, a sword(!) - all sorts :)

All in all a great studio and Steve is always helpful.

Comprehensive and well thought out Covid-19 protection too so ensuring safe shooting for models and togs both.

I said at the start 'almost perfect': he needs to move it closer to my house!

Highly recommended - shoot there, you won't be disappointed :)

JR69

I have had the pleasure of shooting at Steves studio on a number of occasions and I find the studio well equipped, airy,plenty of space with different areas and it has everything you could ask for in a studio. Steve is brilliant with helping where needed and yesterday he was there for the two photographers I shot with. Thank you so much Steve for being a great help and see you again on Saturday ;)

Jackie R x

Artism

Great to be back after lockdown! Did a 3 hour shoot with Jackie R. Steve is brilliant at help when needed and giving advice on how it could be shot better or different angle. But also happy for me to get on with it. Great studio and working space with new lights that i Know well! Citi 600 so know them and how to work them!

Busha

This is a long overdue reference.

I have been using Art Asylum as my home base studio for several years now and intend to continue. The combination of the large infinity white wall and shabby chic natural light room mean I can can shoot various different styles in the same day and will often get look book and editorial shots of the same outfit on the same day. The beach is a 100 yard walk away which offers even more options!

Steve is always very helpful and easy going which makes shooting here a very relaxed and productive experience.

Thanks mate!

MikeGardinerPhotography

Always enjoy working here: such a great space with so many options. White wall/infinity curve, bare floor boards, bare brick walls, studio lights, huge windows for natural light, sofa, chairs, bed (proper one, not a blow up!), tons of outfits from evening gowns to lingerie, lights and modifiers a-plenty. Highly recommended :)

photofervor

Second shoot at Art Asylum and Steve was his usual welcoming self with coffee to follow shortly after arrival and then leaving us to it.

Art Asylum is a great place to shoot and with the model we took full advantage of a drop-down backdrop, the daylight flooded front room and even in the alleyway and stairs below to give an urbex scenario.

The possibilities are great whatever type of shoot you have in mind.

Many thanks Steve!

MikeGardinerPhotography

A very last minute shoot which Steve was happy to arrange - what a Top Chap! Studio, as always, was nice and tidy, everything to hand and ready to go. We only shot in the white wall area, but that was perfect for what we wanted.

Highly recommended :)

photofervor

First visit to Art Asylum and I and the model were received with a warm welcome from Steve who couldn’t have been more helpful in getting my stuff in and providing hot coffee.

Art Asylum is a really interesting studio providing a multitude of opportunities for your creativity be it plain white cove, rustic brick walls, wood panelling, a bedroom scene or more with plenty of accessories and modern lighting equipment on hand. Outside also provides some urbex type potential (on a warmer day maybe :-))

Steve can be there if you need help or, be discreetly absent if you prefer.

Worked well for the model and me and we had a great shoot

Many thanks Steve.

Keith

MikeGardinerPhotography

Due to roadworks got to studio almost half an hour late but Steve had stayed on to make sure we were all set up and ready to go. This is a terrific studio to use: white wall/infinity curve, bare floorboards, wood panelled wall, flaking brickwork. Great set of props including full-size bed, button backed chair, sofa, dressing table. Also a great wardrobe: dresses, lingerie, shoes and accessories. All round excellent and highly recommended :)

JJ Phoenix

Was great to catch up with @rawingwaves Steve at his studio.

Had to reschedule our previous booking due to ill health and Steve was really understanding about this.

The studio has some great rustic walls for great visuals, lovely natural light even in winter, infinity curve, props and so much more.

Steve was about with his great tea-making abilities 😉 as well as supporting us models and togs whilst there.

Great guy who also produces some stunning imagery

Great teacher and all round nice guy

Studio is highly recommended