Entrepreneurs snap up studio opportunity

A pair of young Teesside entrepreneurs have transformed a vacant shop into a photography studio that puts customers in control of the camera.

Marketer Laura McKeown, 25, and photographer Katy Gettings, 22, are preparing to open Snapp’d Studio on Windsor Road, Saltburn, at the end of September.

Billed as the North East’s first exclusive-hire self-shoot portrait studio, the business allows customers to take professional-quality photographs without a photographer in the room.

Visitors use a professional camera integrated into a studio mirror and operate it using a remote clicker, with unlimited photographs available during each session.

The concept was inspired by Laura’s visit to a self-portrait studio in London. 

After finding there was nothing similar in the North East, she teamed up with Katy, who also runs Katy Does Media, to bring the idea to Teesside.

Laura, who also runs social media marketing business After Hours Social, said: “We’re so excited to be bringing a fresh concept to the North East.

“I grew up near Saltburn and would usually pass Surf Shop on the way to the beach, so for it to be something we’re working on really is a full circle thing for us.

“It was the natural next step for our businesses to really come together, and to both see the hype for it already, and work with some great people behind the scenes, is pretty huge.

“There is also lots of pressure of course, but I hope everyone welcomes us with open arms and makes some decent use of the space.”

The pair have since completed a six-week, back-to-brick renovation of the previously empty Windsor Road unit.

More than 300 people have already signed up for updates and early access ahead of the opening.

Designed for uses including headshots, family portraits, social media content, celebrations and personal branding, the studio also features a changing room and selection of props.

Customers receive exclusive access using a personalised entry code and can view photographs on the studio mirror as they shoot, before professionally edited images are delivered through a private online gallery.

Introductory sessions start at £40 for 30 minutes, rising to £75 for an hour and £100 for 90 minutes, with up to five people permitted per booking.

The founders hope the venture will add to Saltburn’s independent business community while bringing a previously vacant retail unit back into use.

Katy added: “As a photographer who isn’t naturally comfortable being in front of the camera or being told how to pose, the idea behind Snapp’d immediately made sense to me.

“When Laura approached me with the concept, there was no hesitation.

“There’s no worse feeling than booking a photoshoot, only to get the images back and not like how you look. I’ve been there myself.

“With Snapp’d, you can see your photos as you take them, which gives you much more control and helps you feel comfortable throughout the experience.

“We’re creating a space that feels welcoming, creative and accessible, and I’m so excited to see it come to life.”

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