For portrait photographer Chayla Taylor, the right studio should offer more than equipment and a blank backdrop. Photographing performers and clients with varying accessibility needs means the space itself plays an important role in creating a comfortable, safe and creative experience from the beginning.
We spoke with Chayla about her photography, what she looks for when searching for a studio and why Yarraville Studio Hire has become her preferred space when shooting in Melbourne.
Meet Chayla Taylor
Chayla first picked up a camera at 15, drawn to the way photography brought together technical knowledge as well as creativity.
“I was a super goth nerd in high school and loved how photography worked for both sides of my brain. You need technical skill and knowledge of your equipment, but also creativity and artistic skills to do with composition, lighting, colour, etc. I have dyspraxia which affects my fine motor skills, and though I loved drawing and painting, it caused me a lot of pain, and I realised I would never succeed in the arts that way. Photography allowed me to channel all the parts of myself into a final product! “
After high school, Chayla studied photography at TAFE, and completed an Advanced Diploma in Photo Imaging.
Today, Chayla is known as THEE Fat Feminist Photographer, bringing a loud, fun, compassionate approach to her work while creating a safe and warm photoshoot environment for all bodies. A vocal advocate for fat liberation, neurodivergent acceptance and, most of all, self-love, she is talented at posing clients across different levels of mobility.
See more of Chayla’s work on her Instagram.
Finding the right Melbourne photography studio
When looking for a Melbourne photography studio, accessibility, cleanliness and privacy were high on Chayla’s list.
“I am VERY specific and picky about photography studios, because I’ve seen so many that are dumps & are not maintained at all. I don’t want to bring my clients into a space that feels dirty or unsafe.”
For clients who have disabilities, or those arriving with large props and costumes, the studio layout was equally important.
“I scrutinised the space closely online and loved that there was a floor plan, an accessible bathroom, large doorways, it was private (no other shoots going on) and very clean.”
Inside Chayla’s portrait photography set up
Chayla makes full use of the studio when photographing clients, as some shoots require plenty of space and a flexible lighting setup.
“I photograph a lot of performers, and a 6ft tall person in 6 inch heels with a giant wig can quickly take up all the vertical space!”
Along with Yarraville Studio Hire’s RGB lighting, Chayla hires additional equipment, including Nanlite PavoTubes and a Nanlite Forza with spotlight and gobos, to bring her ideas to life.
The resulting images have been well received, travelling far beyond the studio.
“My photos of performers have been used all over the world at this stage! On posters for burlesque festivals across America and Europe, Melbourne’s Midsumma and Pride Fest, fringe shows, etc.”
Why photography studios still matter
For Chayla, a professional photography studio’s value extends further than the physical space and equipment.
“They will always matter because people matter, how we feel matters, experiences matter. Artists still matter, the emotional safety and space I create for clients still matters.”
As a travelling photographer, having a studio space she can trust to return to allows her to maintain the standard and experience she wants to provide wherever she is working from.
“A travelling photographer like me needs to be able to make magic in any state, without lowering the standards of my shoots. I can’t bring a building on a plane with me, so I have to trust that the space I am working in will work for what I do.”
Chayla’s experience with Yarraville Studio Hire
So, what would Chayla tell another photographer that is considering Yarraville Studio Hire for their next shoot?
“That it’s my preferred Melbourne studio for accessibility! I love the private space, the large tables, the easy-to-clean flooring for messy shoots, and the kitchenette area for long shoot days when you need a snack!”
When asked to sum up her experience in one sentence, here’s what Chayla said:
“YSH is consistently the best studio in Melbourne for me & what I create.”
Find a space for your next shoot
The right studio space gives you the ability to focus on the creative process. From having accessible facilities and a private shooting environment to supplied lighting and equipment, Yarraville Studio Hire provides a professional Melbourne photography studio for photographers and creatives.
If you’re looking for a modern, fully equipped space for your next shoot, book Yarraville Studio Hire.
Header image: Darcy Fae | MUA: @scream_makeupartist