Booking a photo studio should make your shoot easier, not harder. But when you're comparing studios on the Gold Coast, it's hard to tell from a few photos online whether a space will actually work on the day. Is it big enough? Is lighting included? Can you get your gear in without carrying it up two flights of stairs?
We've been running One76 in Burleigh Heads since 2020, and these are the questions we see photographers, videographers and brands ask most. Here's a practical checklist to run through before you book any studio.
1. Is the space big enough for your shoot?
Floor size is the first thing to check, and it matters more than most people think. You need room for the set itself, plus distance between the camera and your subject, plus space for lights, crew, wardrobe, hair and makeup, and a spot to review shots.
As a rough guide:
- Headshots and product flat lays can work in a small room.
- Full-length fashion and group shots need depth so you can use a longer lens and keep your subject off the backdrop.
- Video shoots need extra room for sliders, gimbals, monitors and crew who aren't in frame.
One76 is a 160m² open-plan studio, so there's room to run a main set and a second setup at the same time.
2. What backdrops and surfaces are available?
The backdrop shapes the whole look of your shoot. Ask what's permanently in the space and what you'd need to bring or hire.
- Cyclorama (infinity wall): a curved, seamless wall with no visible corner. Essential for clean e-commerce, fashion and video work. Check the size, not just whether there is one.
- Feature walls: textured or architectural surfaces add character for editorial and brand shoots.
- Paper backdrops: quick, affordable colour changes.
At One76 you get a 7×6m white cyclorama, a 5×6m curved concrete feature wall, a moveable chrome wall and a range of coloured paper backdrops.
3. Is lighting included, or is it an extra cost?
This is where studio pricing can be misleading. A low hourly rate can climb quickly once you add strobes, modifiers and stands. Before you book, ask:
- Is professional lighting included in the hire price?
- What brands and modifiers are available?
- Is there someone on site who can help set up?
Our full professional lighting package is included free with every booking, with no add-ons.
4. Can you control natural light?
Natural light is beautiful, but you need to be able to switch it off. A studio that floods with daylight but can't black out limits you to one look and makes video continuity tricky as the sun moves. Look for a space that offers both. One76 has lots of natural light when you want it and total blackout when you don't.
5. How easy is it to get in and out?
Access is easy to overlook until you're unloading a van in the rain. Check for:
- Ground-level load-in (no stairs or lifts)
- A wide roller door for large props, furniture or vehicles
- Parking for your crew, talent and clients
- Wheelchair accessible with accessible bathroom and handrails
We have a double-height roller door, ground-level load-in and free onsite parking, and the space is drive-in ready for automotive shoots.
6. What does the pricing actually look like?
Compare studios on the total cost of your shoot, not just the headline hourly rate. Ask about package rates for longer bookings, GST, what's included, and the cancellation and rescheduling policy.
Our packages start at 2 hours for $280 + GST, with half-day (5 hours, $580 + GST) and full-day (10 hours, $1120 + GST) options. See the full list on our studio hire rates page.
7. Questions to ask before you lock it in
- Are there change rooms, a hair and makeup station, or a kitchen area?
- Is there Wi-Fi and enough power for your gear?
- Can you access the space early to set up, and is bump-in time charged?
- Are there noise restrictions if you're recording audio?
- Can you visit or see a video walkthrough before booking?
Ready to book a studio on the Gold Coast?
If you're after a versatile space in Burleigh Heads with the lighting already sorted, check availability and book, or send us a question first. We're always happy to talk through your shoot.