Snapp'd Studio in Saltburn to open this September

2
Skip to next photo
1/1
Show caption
1/1
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

A new photography studio where customers can take their own professional-quality pictures is set to open in a former surf shop on the North Yorkshire coast.

Snapp'd Studio in Saltburn, is due to launch in September and will offer a self-shoot experience designed for everyone from business owners and content creators to families and friends.

The unique set-up gives people the chance to take professional-quality pictures of themselves without a photographer behind the camera.

The studio will be based at 1a Windsor Road, a location that will be familiar to many locals as the former Surf Shop building near the seafront.

Unlike traditional photography studios, visitors will be able to take their own photographs using a professional camera integrated into a mirror.

Images are captured using a simple remote control, so customers can see themselves as they shoot and take unlimited pictures at their own pace.

Behind the business is Laura McKeown, owner of After Hours Social, alongside freelance photographer and videographer Katy Gettings, who runs Katy Does Media.

Laura McKeown and Katy Gettings, founders of Snapp'd Saltburn.Laura McKeown and Katy Gettings, founders of Snapp'd Saltburn. (Image: Snapp'd Studios)

Laura said the idea initially came from a desire to help small businesses and self-employed people create professional branding photographs and social media content, but interest from the public quickly showed there was demand for much more.

She said: "We're so excited to be bringing a fresh concept to the North East.

"I grew up in 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 come together and, to see the hype for it already and work with some great people behind the scenes, is pretty huge."

Katy said she hopes the studio will appeal to people who feel uncomfortable in front of a camera during traditional photoshoots.

She said: "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."

The business partners say online reaction has already indicated strong local interest, with prospective customers describing the idea as "exactly what I need" and welcoming a new creative business to the area.

A website is expected to launch in August ahead of the studio's planned opening in early September.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos