1G1 STUDIOS
ABOUT
Belfast’s Premier Creative Space Founded by Internationally Acclaimed Photographer Mariusz Śmiejek
1G1 Studio is more than a creative space, it is a growing community built on collaboration, storytelling, and artistic freedom. Our mission is to empower individuals, organisations, and communities to create meaningful work, tell powerful stories, and engage with important social issues through photography, videography, sound, and education.
We believe that creativity thrives in an environment where people feel supported, inspired, and equipped with the right tools. That’s why our studios are designed not only for production, but for connection: a place where emerging and established creators can experiment, learn, and develop their craft.
Through workshops, community projects, documentary initiatives, and partnerships with NGOs, we help amplify voices that deserve to be heard. Whether it’s a commercial campaign, a personal artistic project, or a grassroots community story, we provide the space, expertise, and guidance to bring ideas to life with authenticity and impact.
At 1G1 Studio, creativity is not just a service, it’s a shared journey.
WHO WE ARE
OUR STORY
Founded in Belfast in 2010, 1G1 Studio has evolved through three creative homes, from Great Victoria Street, through Cathedral Buildings, to our current base at Edenderry Industrial Estate.
The studio was established by Mariusz Śmiejek, an independent documentary photographer, visual storyteller, graphic designer and video maker with over 20 years of international experience. His work has been commissioned by some of the world’s most recognisable brands and published in outlets such as National Geographic, The New York Times, The British Journal of Photography and numerous magazines, books, festivals, and exhibitions across the globe.
Over the years, our studios have hosted productions of every scale, from intimate shoots to large commercial campaigns. We’ve welcomed global manufacturers, internationally acclaimed musicians, and leading local and international organisations. Their continued trust is a testament to our professionalism, reliability, and creative standards.
Our mission is to build a creator‑friendly environment where photographers, videographers, musicians, and artists can work comfortably and efficiently. We offer fully equipped spaces for commercial, personal, community, and NGO-driven projects, ensuring flexibility for every type of production.
Beyond studio hire, we also create hand‑painted canvas backdrops, available for purchase, rental, or custom order — ideal for both artistic and commercial photo or video work.
For many years, we have supported the local music and arts community by organising intimate gigs, jam sessions, and video interviews with artists working across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We also curate exhibitions featuring local creators and community-driven projects developed in collaboration with NGOs.
Our founder continues to work on documentary projects across Europe and Africa, supporting organisations engaged in community-focused initiatives.
Alongside our studio services, we provide professional photography, audio recording, video production, and post‑production. Our packages are tailored for individuals, small businesses, and corporate clients. We have contributed to numerous large and small productions, including work for Siemens, Belfast City Council, and many others.
OUR SERVICES
Between Pictures Project provides a wide array of professional services to cater to all creative needs:
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Photo & Video Studios Rental: A fully equipped, spacious studio with a versatile setup ideal for photography, video production, music videos, and creative projects.
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Hand-Painted Canvas Backdrops: Unique, custom-made backdrops designed to add an artistic touch to any project.
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Photography services: Tailored solutions for events, portraits, promotional content, and more.
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Photography & Giclée Printing Services: High-quality, archival prints tailored for exhibitions, collectors, and personal projects.
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Backdrop Rentals: Convenient rental options for both studio and on-location shoots.
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Photography Workshops: Educational programs tailored to all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals and NGOs.
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Voluntary Work with NGOs & Charities: Using photography to empower communities and raise awareness for social causes.
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Gallery Space: Art Exhibitions, jam sessions and music performances.
MEET THE TEAM
Mariusz Śmiejek
Founder - Project Manager - Volunteer
Melani Mennella
Project Coordinator - Volunteer
Régina Monfort
Exhibition Curator and Photo Editor
- Volunteer
Julia Pawlikowska
Former Team Member - Volunteer
Ataa Lartey
Former Team Member
Gosia Golygowska
Team Member - Volunteer
Ewelina Ruminska
Team Member - Volunteer
Orla Wallace
Former Team Member - Volunteer
Our large photo, audio and video studios are creative haven located in the heart of Belfast. It offers:
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Spacious Design: High ceilings and large windows provide a bright and inspiring environment.
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Natural & Controlled Lighting: Perfect for those who enjoy natural light, with options to adjust for professional lighting needs.
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Versatility: Ideal for projects ranging from photo shoots and video interviews to live music gigs, small exhibitions, and artist performances.
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Comprehensive Amenities: Includes a fully equipped makeup and changing area, a comfortable sitting area, and a capacity to accommodate groups of up to 30 people.
Our versatile studios are the perfect spaces to bring your creative visions to life.
At Between Pictures Project, we specialize in crafting hand-painted photographic backdrops that are widely recognized for their artistic appeal and high quality.
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Customization: Each backdrop is meticulously hand-painted by skilled artists.
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Applications: Perfect for portrait photography, fashion shoots, product photography, video interviews, and editorial projects.
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Global Reach: Our backdrops are trusted by leading photographers and have been featured in publications such as Condé Nast, Vanity Fair, and campaigns for global brands.
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Rental Options: For those in Northern Ireland, we provide flexible rental options.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, our professional photography services in Belfast are tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals, businesses, and organizations. Specializing in personal portraits, editorials, commercial photography, e-commerce, portfolio shoots, and events, we deliver stunning visuals that capture the essence of every project.
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Personal Portraits: Elegant and meaningful portraits that highlight personality and style.
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Editorial Photography: Compelling visuals for magazines, blogs, and publications.
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Commercial Photography: Professional imagery for branding, marketing, and advertising campaigns.
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E-Commerce Photography: High-quality product photography designed to enhance online sales.
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Portfolio Shoots: Perfect for models, actors, and professionals looking to showcase their talents.
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Event Photography: Capturing the energy and emotion of corporate and private events.
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Head-shots: Perfect for professionals and artists looking for portraits for websites and social media profiles.
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Custom Commissions: Tailored solutions for unique projects and creative collaborations.
Our fine art and photography printing services are designed to meet the highest industry standards:
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Photography Prints: Available in sizes from 10x12” to 96x48” using top-tier materials and expert color correction techniques.
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Giclée Fine Art Prints: Produced with archival inks on premium papers, ideal for exhibitions and limited edition collections.
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Expert Guidance: Our experienced technicians ensure that each print reflects the artist’s vision with precision and care.
We provide personalized consultations to help you select the best printing methods and materials to enhance your work.
Between Pictures Project has a rich history of using art to make a difference. From 2019 to 2022, we conducted voluntary photography workshops for children in Ghana, culminating in the impactful project “Ghana Through Children’s Eyes.”
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Empowering Youth: We collaborated with schools and shelters to teach photography skills to underprivileged children.
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Exhibition & Fundraising: The children’s work was showcased in exhibitions in the UK and Ghana, raising funds for education and school meals.
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Community Impact: The proceeds supported street children, orphans, and rescued youth from the Volta Lake region.
This non-profit initiative was self-funded, and its success was made possible through the generous support of individuals and organizations.
We are open to collaborations with NGOs, charities, schools, and cultural centers to expand our impact and inspire creativity worldwide. Future projects include:
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Documentary Work: Partnering with organizations to raise awareness about critical issues.
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Expanded Workshops: Offering new educational programs for underprivileged youth.
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Exhibitions & Lectures: Sharing stories and fostering community engagement.
If you’re interested in partnering with us, please get in touch.
Who We Work With
Between 2019 and 2022, we collaborated with several primary schools in Accra and shelters in the Volta Region of Ghana.
For future similar projects, we are seeking support from various sources, including:
- Private sponsors, philanthropists, and businesses,
- Photo book printing,
- Camera manufacturers for equipment support,
- Galleries, cafes, cultural and community centers, NGOs, and schools for exhibition space and lectures.
Non Profit Projects Media Support and Publications
Project sponsors
1G1 Studio ART HUB is more than a creative space—it’s a platform for innovation, learning, and positive change. Whether you’re a professional artist, an aspiring photographer, or a philanthropist looking to make a difference, there’s a place for you here.
Explore our services, connect with our community, and help us continue to inspire through art and education. Contact us today and be part of our story.
