Firstly, I will talk about the studio. Scroll down if you are being sent here via ID models - you’ll want to read what I have to say.
The studio itself is fine, nothing fancy, but my main issue is with the make-up artists. I am a qualified makeup artist myself so I can say what I’m about to say with a lot of experience: these girls are unhygienic. I saw them clean their brushes, yes, but not in between each client just occasionally. They use the same mascara wand for each client (straight from the tube rather than disposable) which can cause serious eye infections and blindness (look it up). They also lipsticks straight from the tube - again leading to infections and the same pencils without sharpening in between. They’re also not very good - my makeup was dreadful, foundation used as concealer, harshly blended and my photos really reflected that. I also saw them makeup several other girls quite badly. I normally would not be so outspoken against other MUAs but I feel so strongly about this.
The receptionist and stylist was a nice girl, unfortunately she styles your outfits for you so even though I bought 8, only 5 were used and they put tops together with bottoms that I would never wear so this made me uncomfortable - more care should be taken in this rather than throwing things together that don’t work. Several of the other girls commented this to me in the changing rooms too.
Lastly, my photographer was lovely and I can only speak highly of her - Anna, you were great. Thank you for your help.
Now, if you are sent here because of ID models. Girls, guys, this is a scam. They make you feel a million dollars, like you’re the next big thing, and then comes the hard sell. I think her name was Lydia - she was coming on super strong, telling me prices start at £500 for just 10 images, but there were ‘packages’ at a pinch - £2000. She said she’d put me forward for asos, boohoo, etc. When I told her I worked in the industry and know that models do not pay for their own portfolios, she became aggressive. She told me ‘get out of my office’ and that she wouldn’t refund my £50. This is a lie - the deposit is clearly refundable and do not let them tell you it is not. I would have raised a claim but they refunded it pretty quickly after I said I would claim.
So a message to you - I’m sorry if you’ve fallen for it. Go to a reputable modelling agency, and they will be honest. This place takes on everyone and anyone and will have you over for £2000 in a flash. Do not fall for this guys. It was such a tough experience having to argue with this woman and left me drained and upset. I can only imagine the amount of people they’ve had over in this place, especially young people who aren’t necessarily as well versed in this scam-filled world!
Finally - they doctor their reviews. I was not invited to review. I proved I attended this studio to the review website in order to be on here. That’s why you won’t see many negative reviews.