Trans Friendly Photography Studios in Manchester, A Guide to Alt Studio
- AltStudioUK
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Finding a photography studio where you feel genuinely safe, celebrated and completely yourself shouldn’t be difficult. But for many trans and cross dress clients, walking into an unfamiliar studio for the first time takes real courage.
At Alt Studio in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, we want to make that decision as easy as possible.
This is everything you need to know about booking a trans friendly photoshoot in Manchester. 🖤
Why Trans Inclusive Photography Matters
A photoshoot is an incredibly personal experience. You’re vulnerable in front of a camera, often in outfits and styles that mean a great deal to you. The last thing anyone needs is to feel judged, uncomfortable or unwelcome in that space.
At Alt Studio we’ve been welcoming trans and cross dress clients since the very beginning. Not as an afterthought. Not as a special category. Just as people who deserve an extraordinary experience, exactly like everyone else who walks through our door.
Our studio is a safe, celebratory and completely judgement free space. Full stop. 🖤
What Makes Alt Studio Trans Friendly?
There are photography studios and there are photography studios that genuinely get it. Here’s what makes Alt Studio different.
Simon understands his clients
Every shoot at Alt Studio is led personally by Simon Hunt, founder and award winning photographer. Simon has spent 15 years creating portraits for people from every walk of life. His approach is warm, relaxed and completely non-judgemental. You’ll feel at ease within minutes of arriving.
Our makeup artists are exceptional
We work with a select team of professional hair and makeup artists who specialise in the Alt Studio aesthetic. They’re experienced, talented and genuinely passionate about making every client look and feel incredible, regardless of where they are on their journey.
The studio is private
Our studio is on the third floor of Swan Buildings in the Northern Quarter. It’s a private, discreet space where you can completely be yourself without any public facing windows or passing foot traffic.
We get full consent for everything
Every image we post publicly is done with full written consent from our clients. Many of our trans clients prefer complete privacy and we respect that absolutely. Your images are yours and we will never share them without your explicit permission.
You’re not alone in choosing us
We have welcomed many trans and cross dress clients over the years and the response has been overwhelming. Our clients tell us Alt Studio gave them portraits they never thought possible, images that show them exactly as they want to be seen.
What Styles Are Available For Trans Clients?
Every single one of our 15 plus signature styles is available to every single one of our clients. There are no restrictions, no limitations and no styles that are off limits.
Some of the most popular styles with our trans clients include:
Classic Boudoir
Timeless, intimate and empowering. A celebration of femininity in its most elegant form.
Gown Boudoir
Flamboyant, extravagant and seriously glamorous. The full feather gown treatment, unapologetically fabulous.
Film Noir
Dark, dramatic and dripping with old Hollywood glamour. The most cinematic shoot we do.
Marilyn Monroe
The ultimate feminine icon. Platinum blonde, red lips and pure Hollywood magic.
Jessica Rabbit
Red sequins, curves and complete confidence. One of our most requested styles.
Cheesecake Pin Up
Fun, colourful and full of 1950s Americana attitude.
Your Own Idea
Have something specific in mind? Bring it. We love a creative brief and have never yet failed to make someone’s vision a reality.
You choose up to 4 styles. We take care of absolutely everything else. 🖤
What’s Included in a Trans Photoshoot at Alt Studio?
Every photoshoot at Alt Studio includes full professional hair styling, professional makeup with lashes, access to our complete wardrobe of outfits, lingerie and shoes, a full photoshoot with Simon and a private big screen viewing session at the end.
Everything is covered. You just turn up. We do the rest.
What About Hair and Makeup?
Our professional makeup artists are experienced in working with all clients and all skin types. Whether you want a subtle natural look or full dramatic glamour we’ll create exactly what you’re after.
If you have your own wigs, hair pieces or specific makeup preferences just let us know in advance and we’ll make sure everything is ready for you.
Will I Feel Comfortable?
This is the question we want to answer more than any other.
Yes. Completely.
Our clients tell us they arrive nervous and leave feeling like the most powerful version of themselves. Trans clients specifically tell us that their Alt Studio portraits are among the most meaningful images they’ve ever had taken, portraits that show the world who they truly are.
Alt Studio is a safe, welcoming and celebratory space for everyone. That’s not a marketing line. It’s how we actually operate every single day. 🖤
What Our Trans Clients Say
We respect the privacy of our clients and many prefer not to be named publicly. But here’s what we hear regularly.
That they felt completely at ease from the moment they arrived. That Simon and the team treated them with complete respect and warmth. That they left with portraits they treasure beyond anything else they own. That they’d recommend Alt Studio to every trans person they know.
That means everything to us. 🖤
Practical Information
Where are we? 20 Swan Street, Swan Buildings, 3rd Floor, Manchester M4 5JW. Just 7 minutes walk from Victoria Station and 20 minutes from Piccadilly. Private entrance, third floor studio, completely discreet.
How long does a shoot take? Around 4 to 5 hours for a full shoot including hair, makeup, photoshoot and viewing.
How much does it cost? Your shoot is covered by your session fee which includes everything. Images start from £95 with flexible interest free payment options including Klarna, PayPal Pay in 3 and credit over 12 months.
How do I book? Get in touch via our contact page or DM us on Instagram @altstudiouk. Tell us a little about what you’re looking for and we’ll take it from there. There are genuinely no silly questions. 😄🖤
Is it just for trans women? Not at all. Alt Studio welcomes trans women, trans men, non binary clients and cross dress clients. Everyone is welcome here.
A Final Word
Manchester has always been one of the most welcoming and progressive cities in the UK. The Northern Quarter where we’re based has been at the heart of that spirit for decades.
Alt Studio reflects that completely. We believe that every person who walks through our door deserves to feel extraordinary. To feel seen. To feel celebrated.
Whatever brings you to us, we cannot wait to meet you. 🖤
Ready to Book Your Trans Friendly Photoshoot in Manchester?
Get in touch via our contact page or DM us on Instagram @altstudiouk. We’d love to hear from you.
Or download our free Style Guide to explore all our styles and start planning your perfect shoot.
Alt Studio. Manchester’s alternative and vintage makeover photoshoot experience. A safe and welcoming space for everyone. Open 7 days a week including evenings. 🖤
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