Camera Shy? These Self-Shoot Photo Studios Can Take the Awkwardness Away

Let’s face it: not all people are comfortable in front of the camera. Well, not really the camera, but more of the one who’s holding and taking pictures with them. If you’ve been in a photo studio and didn’t like how awkward you looked, you’re not alone. No matter how friendly the photographer is, posing in front of a stranger doesn’t always bring out that natural smile.

This is where self-shoot studios come in. A self-shoot photo studio lets you take portraits by yourself using a shutter click. This trending concept gives you all the equipment and lighting you can find in a professional photo studio, minus the photographer because that photographer is going to be you!

Interested? Here are some self-shoot photo studios you can book in Manila.

ATOMM Studios

ATOMM Studios is the Philippines’ first self-photography studio. Since its launch last December 2021, it has been gaining social media attention to the point that their slots for each month are immediately fully booked. What’s more, you can bring your lovely pets (max of two due to limited space) with you.

The studio offers three packages:

• Package A (P700) – two pax, 15 minutes photoshoot with one background, one postcard print (4R), one photo grid print, five digital copies
• Package B (P650) – two pax, 15 minutes photoshoot with one background, five digital copies
• Package C (P1,200) – two pax, 30 minutes photoshoot with multiple backgrounds, two postcard prints (4R), four photo grid prints, 10 digital copies

Customers can book their slots via ATOMM’s YouCanBook.me page. You can also check out their Instagram account for more information.

Location: Unit 201-A, Lot 2 and, 7 Batasan-San Mateo Road, Quezon City

Backroom Studios

If you like the black and white aesthetic, then Backroom Studios is the right choice for you. This self-portrait studio offers a set price of P500 for a 20-minute photoshoot (two pax), with unlimited shots and four printed photos. They also offer Instax printing for P100 for one plain print and digital copies, which will be uploaded on Google Drive and sent the next day, for P400.

Another plus about them is that you can buy gift cards (bundle promos) for your loved one:

• Ooh, you just got a gift! (P750) – 20 minutes photoshoot, four printed photos, free digital copies
• You and me? We’re going on a date. (P1,000) – 40 minutes photoshoot, four printed photos, free digital copies
• Hey, gorgeous. (P1,250) – 40 minutes photoshoot, eight printed photos, free digital copies

Backroom Studios currently has four locations — one in Makati, two in Quezon City, and one in Tacloban, which recently opened this March 2022. You can visit their Linktree to book an appointment at your preferred studio. For more details, check out their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Location: 20 Jupiter Street, Barangay Bel-Air, Makati City

Studio SEOUL

Studio SEOUL is a Korean-style self-portrait and concept studio. They offer two experiences in one, so if you’re not completely camera shy, then you’ll enjoy a short photoshoot with their professional photographer in a vibrant-themed studio.

Here are the packages they offer:

• Package A (P700) – two pax, 15 minutes photoshoot (Self-Photo Studio), two minutes photoshoot (Concept Studio), one background, one postcard print (4R), two photo grid prints, and 10 digital copies from both studios
• Package B (P950) – two pax, 20 minutes photoshoot (Self-Photo Studio), three minutes photoshoot (Concept Studio), multiple backgrounds (white, pink, or brown), two postcard prints (4R), two photo grid prints, and 15 digital copies from both studios

Customers can book an appointment and save a slot via YouCanBook.me, or visit their Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Location: 45 A. Bonifacio Avenue, Barangka, Marikina City