Sun Studios Sydney closes doors

Sun Studios Sydney has closed its doors after more than 16 years in operation, in another blow for the Australian photo community. 

Sun Studios, located in Alexandria, was the main social hub for Sydney photographers and over the years had filled the roles of a photographic studio and gallery space, but also a hub for photographic equipment sales and rentals; fine art printing; workshops; catering and a cafe; and the home of Canon Professional Services (CPS).

In a statement on its website, the company described the closure as a 'difficult decision'.

"We know SUNSTUDIOS is more than just studios and a rental business, for many people it is a broader community of like-minded creatives, and we fully intend to continue to invest in and foster this community moving forward. You’ll hear more from us on that soon," the statement said. 

"More than just a building, SUNSTUDIOS Sydney has been the product of every creative who has worked (or partied) there and its walls can tell the story of so many careers."

Originally, Sun Studios was a merger between Pioneer Studios at Broadway and Baltronics in Artarmon. At the time, the concept was to merge a sales showroom with a studio space.

Initially the plan was to have four large studios but that soon expanded to seven. In the early days there was also a digital retouching department, and lambda photographic print facilities, however these were disbanded after the first few years of operation.

In April 2014 Sun Studios had reportedly run into financial troubles, and was bought by Canon Australia in April 2014. At the time, Canon brought its CPS unit with it. 

Sources told Capture that changes with Canon consumer marketing, along with roof refurbishment issues and rent increases may have been the turning point on the disbandment of operations.

However, in more positive news, Sun Studios Melbourne will continue operations. 

Going forward, CPS and professional sales will continue at a new space at Unit 4B, 1 Joynton Avenue, Zetland. Business will resume service on Thursday 4 July 2024.

Capture reached out to Sun Studios for comment.

You can read the official announcement from Sun Studios here.

If you want a trip down memory lane, the Sun Studios Facebook page has many images showcasing its history in the Sydney location. You can see them here.