EmmaJ is the head ninja at Woolhouse studios, a place where dreams come to life! Woolhouse has delivered shoots for many of the world’s top DJs and indeed many of the Ibiza residents. Essentialibiza caught up with Emma to get the skinny on what goes on behind the scenes producing the stunning images that appear on DJ campaigns and billboards across the island…
What is Woolhouse Studios?
Woolhouse Photographic and Design studios is made up of 13 highly trained elite ninjas; specializing in everything from photography, retouching, clothing, hair and makeup, to branding, design and Adobe wizardry. We work with both the music elite and rising stars of the future. From electronic legends like The Prodigy and Steve Lawler to the new guard of rising talent. Our main studio is based in an amazing warehouse location in North London, we also shoot in electronic music Mecca Ibiza, and we have an American office too.
Who are your clientele?
To name a few: The Prodigy, We Love, Nike, Addidas, Defected In The House, Chris Lake, Funkagenda, Miss Kittin, Space Ibiza, Shapeshifters, Channel 4, Viva Music, Three Sixty Media, Bang & Olufsen, Channel 4, BBC, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, Mixmag, DJ Magazine, Sony Deconstruction, MN2S.
What makes Woolhouse the go-to agency for many of the music industry heavy hitters?
We are a one-stop shop. Woolhouse Studios has quickly become the go-to-agency for music related photography and design. In less than two years it has become the leading provider of DJ press portfolios, album artwork and branding. Our in-house design team has the capability to take an image into another stratosphere of look, design and feel. Our Adobe wizards are always on hand to wave their magic wand and turn any photograph into something truly special and memorable. We don’t rely on gimmicks. We rely on our expertise and experience. We are lighting and retouching experts, coupled with fantastic styling.
Describe the process of delivering a unique shoot for every client?
The process tends to follow the same lines; we get to know our clients first. Meeting face to face where possible for pre shoot meetings. We also like to understand what type of images they like, get a feel for lighting, locations and image usage. The more you know about someone, the easier it is to deliver them ‘their vision’ of how they want to project themselves as artists, and then we add the ‘Woolhouse stamp’ to their desires.
What’s the strangest shoot you’ve been involved in?
Strange can be epic, and the strangest and most epic shoot to date, is still spending the afternoon smashing bottles over the Prodigy’s head.
What is you connection to Ibiza?
A huge percentage of our client bases are Ibiza residents. We have strong links with We Love, who we consider family, but our connection is down to our client base. At a glance we have worked with:
Steve Lawler (billboard), Jem Haynes quoted by We Love as the “most controversial press shot in the industry”, Ian C (We Love Percussion), Funkagenda, Sam Divine (Defected), Nicole and Danny, Doman and Gooding, Carl Kennedy, The Shapeshifters, Chris Lake, Stanton warriors, Lovely Laura, Guru Josh, Danny Rampling and Lauren Rose
What makes Ibiza a great location for shoots?
Ibiza is a haven of amazing backdrops and scenery mixed with the ability to shoot in some of the stunning hotels, Ibiza is always a beautiful place to shoot, just watch your excess baggage in lighting.
What’s your favourite time of the year to shoot on the island?
We never tire of the islands energy; we are always delighted to be there.
When you’re on the island are you all about business or can we catch you in the middle of a dance floor?
Owning Woolhouse and working in music full time, has strangely calmed the party girl side of me down. We do shoot there, and we keep a “sensible head on” but everyone needs to let go every now and again… We Love is the one place I allow myself to let my hair down. Music has been in my blood from a very early age, I love the club, the people; many of the DJ’s are friends and clients. I’m just a little more selective where I go crazy these days.
WOOLHOUSE STUDIOS CLIENT TESTIMONIALS:
Steve Lawler:
“Working with the Woolhouse crew was the most pleasurable photo shoot experience I have ever had, having my picture taken is something that I am hugely not comfortable with, but they managed to make me feel very comfortable and actually enjoy the whole thing! And then giving you the shots better than you thought you was going to get”
Chris Lake:
“What I like about Woolhouse is they listened to my creative outline, then went away, took all the stress and planning away, and actually made my ideas great! The perfect one stop shop”
Sam Divine – Defected:
“I have had the pleasure of working with Woolhouse studios on many occasions now and can honestly say I wouldn’t want to work with any other team. The styling, Make up, hair, photographer and directing on the day are the best in the business. My promotional shots have been used on over 20 flyers and posters worldwide.. Big Love Miss Divine xx”
Danny Howells:
“I had such a wonderful time working with the Woolhouse team. From the minute I walked in there I was made to feel at home. They were so professional and talented yet extremely warm and friendly. I look forward to working with them again”
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