Dongtan self-photo studio with 3 bridal shower flower backdrops: U&I

I visited U&I Studio Dongtan, a self-photo studio in Dongtan, for the bridal shower of a close friend whose wedding is coming up soon. U&I is hugely famous for its Namsan view, and it has finally opened a Dongtan branch. Sadly you can't see Namsan from the Dongtan branch, but I loved the pretty space where you can shoot all kinds of concepts and the relaxed vibe of shooting freely without a photographer, so I'm writing this review.

Where is U&I Dongtan Branch?

U&I Dongtan Branch is inside the Dongtan IT Valley 2 building in Yeongcheon-dong, Dongtan, so it's easy to get to. Maybe because it's a brand-new studio that opened in April, it felt super clean and pleasant, which really stood out.

Inside U&I Dongtan Branch: the shooting space

U&I Dongtan Branch is a self-studio with a 4m cyc wall (horizon backdrop) and staff on site. I was surprised by how roomy it was when I walked in. It felt open and not stuffy at all, so it looked fine for shooting with several people. It isn't an unmanned studio, and the staff explained the equipment setup and how to shoot kindly and in detail, so even first-timers at self-shooting could get through it without getting lost.

What's in the U&I Dongtan powder room?

The powder room at U&I Dongtan Branch has a Dyson hair dryer (yes, really!), a curling iron, hair ties, cotton swabs and all sorts of other things for getting ready, so you could just show up with nothing and skip the hair salon. The mirror is a big, wide one, so friends or family can get ready at the same time too.

My cute friend touching up her makeup at the Dyson zone, putting on a veil and snapping a proof shot, haha. You've walked through enough fire already, so from now on just walk the flower path~~

Can you rent bridal shower props at U&I Dongtan?

U&I Dongtan Branch had a whole lineup of concept props on display, including the bridal shower essentials: a bouquet, flower crown and flower bracelet, plus a veil, balloons and sunglasses, and even shooting stools were all provided.

What condition were the rental dresses and shoes in?

The dresses at U&I Dongtan Branch were kept in top condition, with no bad smell or icky feeling when worn. I had brought my own outfit too, but because of a small mishap I ended up renting a dress from the studio and shooting in that.

From adult clothes to baby dresses, tuxedos, shoes and veils, they honestly had everything. Even a passport photo costs quite a bit these days, but U&I has outfits and props all ready, so it saves a lot of money, and I couldn't think of a photo studio in Dongtan with better value.

Bridal shower flower backdrop setups

At U&I Dongtan Branch you can pick your flower backdrop concept from 3 options: white greenery, pastel pink and deep red. I had only told the owner in advance that it was for a bridal shower, and they thoughtfully set it up on their own with flower props and a white backdrop to suit a bridal shower concept. With the flowers as an accent against the clean background, everything looked brighter and more lively.

Our self-photo shoot with the bride-to-be

I mean, right up until we reached the parking lot she kept saying she wouldn't be any good at this, and then once we started shooting, her expressions were bright and her poses were so good, come on haha. Maybe because she'd had her wedding photos taken only a few days earlier, the bride-to-be handled the shoot so naturally. So I had nothing to direct (do this, do that), and I just diligently shot her from all angles? Thanks to her, the bridal shower was a huge success 🤭

But honestly, the more I look at U&I Studio, the prettier it is,,,, My friend said it was her first time at such a pretty studio too and kept gushing. It would be great even outside bridal showers, for couple photos on an anniversary, and if you want to leave good memories and records of a special day, like friendship photos with friends, a DIY maternity shoot or a baby's 100th-day photos, I'd absolutely recommend this place.

Finally, it felt too sad to leave, so we took a few more on our phones

and took selfies together, just the two of us, haha

When do you get the original photos?

At U&I Dongtan Branch, once the shoot is over, a staff member emails the original photos straight to you the same day at no extra charge 👍

Seeing the bride-to-be so happy the whole shoot made me happy too, a bridal shower to remember 💕 If you're looking for a good-quality, good-value self-photo studio near Dongtan or Suwon, I highly recommend U&I Studio Dongtan Branch 🤎