I stopped shooting in studios and now I shoot in apartments.
There are a number of reasons for this: firstly, time. In a studio, you’re always in a hurry. You always have one eye on the clock. Because you need to have time to shoot and free up time for the next clients. But in an apartment, you have 24 hours at your disposal. Not only are you in no hurry, you’re totally relaxed.
Secondly: privacy. No administrators, no tenants from other studios who might need something. Absolutely no one bothers you. If you need to go to the toilet or shower, you don’t have to walk through the crowded spaces of the studio.
Thirdly: a kitchen. Not every studio has one. But in an apartment, you can easily make yourself a coffee. And even cook a simple meal.
Fourthly: the interior. The choice of apartments is huge, all styles and layouts. From vintage to high-tech. From a basement to a penthouse. And the most interesting thing is that this interior is “residential”. In studios, the space is “lifeless”; everything is somehow arranged like scenery and often absurdly. While you are setting up this space to suit yourself, half a day will pass.
Fifth, lighting. At different times of the day, the interior looks different; in the morning it can be cold, and in the evening flooded with warm sun. Therefore, you can shoot in different light.
Well, and the most important thing is the atmosphere. For me, apartments are like my own apartment. The client essentially comes to visit. But she comes to the studio as to a workspace. A completely different degree of tension.