Singer in red dress and holding mic has her photograph taken by a man in a studio
Photographer Dave Hide at work in the Old Coach House Studio.

Photographer’s £20K studio investment leads to commercial client boost

1 min read

A North Staffordshire photographer has seen a 70 per cent increase in commercial clients since moving to a state-of-the-art studio. 

Dave Hide, from Cheadle, moved to the Old Coach House Studio at Richmore Hall, close to Cellarhead crossroads, in October last year after making a £20,000 investment in the facility. 

The studio – which is now home to Dave Hide Photography – is based in a historic coach house which had fallen into disrepair. It now boasts high-tech lighting on movable tracks and a computer system where customers can see photographs as they are shot, as well as a changing room with a large ‘Hollywood-style’ mirror and baby changing facilities. 

As well as boosting his commercial work through the new studio, he has also increased his visibility by joining the networking group BNI Sir Stanley Matthews at the Potters’ Club

Dave, pictured above, who began his career with his local newspaper, the Cheadle and Tean Times more than 30 years ago, said he had invested ‘heavily’ in improving the lighting.  

He said: “The studio was an historic coach house that had fallen into disrepair. Basically, it was a derelict shell.  

“The owner of Richmore Hall was fantastic in rebuilding the fabric of the building and I have invested in the creation of a creative space. 

“A huge amount of work has gone into transforming it into a welcoming environment for clients looking for high quality studio photography. 

“Getting the lighting right is vital and a major part of the photographer’s art and I have invested heavily in that area. Developing a professional studio enhances credibility and supports my drive to bring in new business.” 

Dave provides a full commercial and family photographic service, and he is able to make use of Richmore Hall’s extensive grounds as well as his own studio for shoots. 

Hannah Hiles

A journalist and comms professional with an eye for a story, Hannah has more than 20 years' experience in news, features and PR in Staffordshire and the West Midlands.

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