Designing a Photography Studio That Feels Like Home

By Ester White Gherea | WBN News | July 11, 2025

When you walk into a photography studio, you should feel something right away. Calm. Comfortable. Focused. You’re there to capture something important — maybe for your business, maybe for your family, maybe for your art. No matter the reason, the space needs to support that.

When I designed this studio, I knew it had to feel like more than just a room with lights and backdrops. It had to welcome people in. It had to make them feel at ease. And at the same time, it had to work perfectly as a professional, technical space where light, movement, and setup are everything.

This kind of design takes balance. And it starts with a conversation.

Every Detail Begins With a Talk

Before we touched a single wall or placed a single chair, we talked. The client walked me through how they work. Where people enter. Where they wait. How long they stay. What kind of shoots they do.

We talked about how they move around the space during a session. Where the lighting equipment needs to go. How much storage is required. What kind of vibe they want clients to feel the moment they step inside.

That conversation shaped every decision. Because a good design isn’t just pretty. It’s personal.

A Place to Arrive, A Place to Rest

At the entrance, there’s a spot to hang your coat and take a breath. It sounds small, but it sets the tone. You're not walking into a cold, empty space. You’re being welcomed in.

At the back of the studio, we created a sitting area where clients can relax, chat, or get ready before their session. This isn’t just a bench in the corner. It’s a real space, with soft seating, a console table for coffee and drinks, and a warm wooden panel accent wall that draws the eye and brings a cozy, grounded feeling.

It’s where nerves settle and conversations start. That’s the kind of space that makes all the difference in a photoshoot.

Light Is the Most Important Guest in the Room

In a photography studio, light is everything. Too much reflection? The photo suffers. Wrong paint color? Skin tones change.

That’s why we chose a soft, matte finish for the walls. It keeps the light even and clean. We used neutral tones that won’t bounce strange colors onto anyone being photographed. The room becomes a quiet stage for the subject to shine.

At the same time, we didn’t want the space to feel sterile. That’s where texture and subtle design choices come in — like the wooden wall that adds warmth without stealing focus.

Room to Work, Room to Connect

The layout had to work both for people and for equipment. That meant open floor space for backdrops and cameras, but also space where someone can sit with their child, fix their makeup, or talk to the photographer.

It had to flow naturally, without awkward corners or tight spots that slow things down. When a studio is designed with intention, every shoot feels smoother. Every person feels more at ease.

Let’s Design a Space That Feels Just Right

Whether you're planning a photography studio, a creative workspace, or even a home office, it starts with a conversation. What do you need the space to do? How do you want people to feel in it? What will help you work better, and live better?

Ester White Gherea is an Interior Designer and the founder of Gherea Studios.
She can be reached at 236-339-6644 or estergherea@gmail.com. Connect with Ester on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ester-white-gherea-6b339a2b5/. Connect with Ester at https://www.ghereastudio.com/.

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