Melbourne is a city renowned for its vibrant arts scene, and its portrait studios are no exception. Whether you’re looking to capture a timeless family portrait, commemorate a special event, or build your personal brand with professional headshots, the 5 best portrait studios in Melbourne offer exceptional services tailored to your needs. With a variety of styles, techniques, and price points available, these studios excel in creating stunning images that reflect individuality and emotion. Below, we explore the services offered, key considerations, and price ranges to help you choose the perfect studio for your portrait needs.
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1. Filmneverdie
- Photo lab
- Camera store
- Photo shop
Why we chose them
FilmNeverDie is a vibrant hub for film photography enthusiasts located in Melbourne’s CBD. Founded in 2011 by a passionate photographer, the company has grown into a community-driven space that celebrates the timeless art of analog photography. With an impressive range of services, including a fully equipped photo lab for developing and scanning, a curated camera store offering everything from vintage SLRs to instant cameras, and workshops designed to inspire creativity, the company is dedicated to preserving and expanding the film photography culture. Their innovative offerings, such as mail-in services, vending machines, and drop-off boxes, make it easy for both amateur and professional photographers to keep their film photography journey alive.
What sets this company apart is its commitment to fostering a thriving photography community. Regular photowalks, exhibitions, and the development of their own branded cameras and films demonstrate their dedication to innovation and connection. Their in-house automation software ensures high-quality film processing, while their passion for the craft shines through in every interaction. With a collective of photographers at its core, the company blends artistry and technical expertise to deliver a unique experience for anyone who loves the magic of film photography.
2. Irohas Photo Film Lab
- Photo lab
- Camera store
- Photo shop
Why we chose them
Irohas Photo stands out as a dedicated film lab committed to reviving the “golden era of film photography.” Offering comprehensive services such as film developing and scanning for both 35mm and 120 film formats, the company processes C-41 (color), BW, and E-6 slide films with remarkable speed, including same-day processing for C-41. Their passion for analog photography extends to a curated selection of second-hand and new film cameras, featuring renowned brands like Canon, Nikon, Leica, and Hasselblad. Whether customers are exploring point-and-shoot cameras or transitioning into medium format photography, the knowledgeable staff ensures a tailored experience for every enthusiast.
In addition to processing timeless moments on film, this photo lab embraces cutting-edge technology like Noritsu and Imacon systems to deliver superior results. Beyond lab services, they offer a range of photography accessories and lenses to complement their camera inventory. With a mission to share their love for film photography, the team fosters a welcoming environment for both new and experienced photographers. Their dedication to quality, rapid turnaround times, and customer satisfaction makes them a noteworthy addition to our directory.
3. The Melbourne Headshot Company
- Portrait studio
Why we chose them
The Melbourne Headshot Company is a leading portrait studio specializing in professional corporate, LinkedIn, and personal branding headshots that help individuals enhance their business image with confidence. With over 25 years of experience and more than 10,000 clients, including prominent Australian leaders like Prime Ministers and Premiers, this company is renowned for creating authentic and impactful headshots tailored to individual personalities and professional brands. Their sessions are designed to eliminate the discomfort often associated with photography, offering expert guidance on posing, expressions, and stances to ensure clients feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera. From LinkedIn profiles to marketing materials, their expertly crafted images make a lasting impression and elevate personal branding to the next level.
The studio, established in 2000, is headed by award-winning photographers Andrew and Robyn Campbell, who have collectively earned over 200 accolades, including the prestigious AIPP Grand Master of Photography award. Their expertise spans across various industries, having worked with notable brands like Schwarzkopf and L’Oréal, and their portraits have been exhibited internationally, including at Australia’s National Portrait Gallery. Offering services such as signature headshots, custom profiles, personal branding photography, and corporate team portraits, their work sets a benchmark in professional imagery. With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, they ensure every client walks away with headshots that they truly love, capturing the essence of professionalism and approachability in every shot.
4. Attitude Studios
- Portrait studio
Why we chose them
Attitude Studios, established in 2005, has been a trusted name in portrait photography for over 15 years. Located in Chippendale, Sydney, this premium photography studio is renowned for its expertise in crafting timeless images that capture genuine smiles and natural expressions. Specializing in a variety of services, including family portraits, kids modeling, headshots, and pet portraits, the studio is particularly known for creating a comfortable and engaging environment for children, ensuring playful and authentic results.
With a team of industry-leading photographers, the studio’s commitment to excellence is evident in their diverse and beautifully curated gallery. From candid moments to elegantly posed shots, the studio’s work reflects a deep understanding of personality and individuality. Their dedication to customer satisfaction is further highlighted through their monthly newsletter, offering exclusive discounts and promotions to loyal clients. This focus on quality and connection makes them a standout choice for capturing cherished memories.
5. The Photo Shop
- Photo lab
- Invitation printing service
- Passport photo processor
- Picture frame shop
- Print shop
Why we chose them
The Photo Shop is a specialty printing and custom framing destination that serves artists, photographers, and the general public with high-quality services. Known for its expertise in photo restoration, film processing, and passport photo processing, this shop offers a wide range of solutions to meet diverse creative and practical needs. With a large selection of ready-made frames and over 600 custom framing mouldings to choose from, it has become a go-to spot for those looking to preserve and showcase their most cherished memories or artistic creations.
Offering services such as invitation printing, online photo printing, and access to unique photo products, this shop combines convenience with craftsmanship. Located in the bustling area of Port Melbourne, it caters to both personal and professional projects, ensuring top-tier results. Whether you’re an artist looking to frame your latest masterpiece or someone in need of expertly processed passport photos, this shop is equipped to handle all things photography and framing-related.
Frequently asked questions
Portrait studios in Melbourne usually offer services such as professional headshots, family portraits, maternity and newborn photography, personal branding photos, engagement sessions, and fine art portraits. Some studios may also provide hair and makeup services, photo editing, and custom framing.
The cost of a portrait session in Melbourne typically ranges from €150 to €500, depending on the type of session, the photographer’s experience, and the package you choose. Some high-end studios or specialized services may charge upwards of €1,000 for premium packages.
A portrait session usually takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of session and the number of people being photographed. More elaborate sessions, such as family portraits or branding shoots, may take longer.
When choosing a portrait photographer, consider their style, portfolio, experience, pricing, and reviews. Ensure their approach aligns with your vision, and inquire about their availability, turnaround times, and any additional services they provide, such as hair and makeup or retouching.
It’s best to book your portrait session at least 2-4 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time. During busy seasons, such as holidays or wedding seasons, consider booking even earlier.
For a portrait session, wear clothing that reflects your personality and the mood you want to convey. Avoid busy patterns or logos and opt for solid colors. Coordinating outfits for group portraits can create a cohesive look, but avoid matching too closely. Your photographer may provide specific recommendations based on the session type.
The timeline for receiving final photos typically ranges from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the photographer's workload and the amount of editing required. Some photographers may offer expedited services for an additional fee.
Whether digital files are included in the session price depends on the studio or photographer. Some packages include a set number of edited images, while others may charge extra for digital files. It’s important to clarify this with your photographer before booking.