By Sarah Dale
17 September 2026
Snapp’d Studio is a self-shoot exclusive-hire portrait studio.
A pair of young Teesside entrepreneurs have transformed an empty shop in Saltburn into an innovative new photography studio with a twist – there is no photographer!
Snapp’d Studio, located at 1a Windsor Road, is set to become the North-east’s first exclusive-hire self-shoot portrait when it officially opens at the end of September.
Founded by marketer Laura McKeown, 25, and photographer Katy Gettings, 22, the business offers a completely private photography experience where there is no photographer in the room. Instead, visitors use a professional camera integrated into a studio mirror and a remote clicker to capture as many images as they wish during their session.
The concept was inspired after Laura, a mum-of-two from Redcar, visited a self-portrait studio in London. On returning to Teesside, she discovered there was nothing similar anywhere in the North-east and decided to bring the idea home.
Having found the perfect spot for Snapp’d Studio on Windsor Road, the pair soon “snapped” it up and they have completely transformed the shop in a six-week back-to-brick renovation.
Demand has already exceeded expectations, with more than 300 people signing up for updates and early access, before the studio has even opened.
Designed for everyone from the camera-shy to the camera-confident, Snapp’d Studio aims to remove the pressure often associated with traditional photoshoots while still delivering professional-quality results.
Visitors can use the space for headshots, family portraits, social media content, friendship shoots, celebrations and personal branding photography. A changing room and selection of props allow guests to experiment with different looks throughout their session.
“We’re so excited to be bringing a fresh concept to the North-east,” says Laura, who also runs social media marketing business, After Hours Social.
“I grew up near 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 really come together, and to both see the hype for it already, and work with some great people behind the scenes, is pretty huge.
“There is also lots of pressure of course, but I hope everyone welcomes us with open arms and makes some decent use of the space.”
The studio experience has been designed to feel more like an elevated photo booth than a traditional photography session. On arrival, customers gain exclusive access to the space using a personalised entry code and are left entirely to themselves to pose, create and capture images at their own pace.
As a photographer herself, Katy, who also runs Katy Does Media, believes the self-shoot concept solves a problem many people experience when stepping in front of a camera.
Co-owner Katy, from Skelton, says: “As a photographer who isn’t naturally comfortable being in front of the camera or being told how to pose, the idea behind Snapp’d immediately made sense to me.
“When Laura approached me with the concept, there was no hesitation. 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. We’re creating a space that feels welcoming, creative and accessible, and I’m so excited to see it come to life.”
Customers can take unlimited photographs during their session and instantly view themselves on the studio mirror, allowing them to perfect poses, angles and expressions as they go. Images are professionally edited and delivered through a private online gallery, often within 48 hours.
Studio sessions are available from the introductory prices of £40 for 30 minutes, £75 for one hour and £100 for 90 minutes, with up to five people allowed per booking.
The founders hope Snapp’d Studio will not only offer something completely new to the North-east photography market but also add to Saltburn’s thriving independent business scene while bringing a previously vacant shop back into use.
For more information or to book, visit www.snappdstudio.com
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