Essential Photo
Experiences & Reviews
Essential Photo is a specialised retailer of photographic and video equipment, focussing on lighting, studio accessories and camera support. The company supplies both individual items and multi‑item kits and operates an online ordering system alongside customer support channels. Consumers researching Essential Photo commonly look for product range, delivery reliability, warranty coverage and staff expertise.
Overview & Key Metrics
Our Analysis
Service quality
Most reviewers describe prompt delivery and helpful staff; a minority report difficult order handling, delayed refunds and disappointing service follow‑up.
Value for money
Several customers mention good or competitive pricing and reasonable value; mentions are limited so the evidence base is small and cautious interpretation advised.
User experience
Customers frequently report an easy online experience, clear website navigation, smooth pick‑up and straightforward transactions; some also note delays when items are out of stock.
Product quality
Most product comments are positive, citing solid build, good packaging and reliable performance; one review flagged a broken modelling bulb and a misfitted dome.
Communication
Many reviewers praise clear, timely communications and helpful live chat; a smaller group report poor updates or long waits for order status information.
Overall experience
Overall impressions are largely positive with repeat buyers recommending the shop; several customers however report late or missing deliveries affecting their experience.
Our Independent Methodology
How we analyse customer reviews without bias
Data Collection
We analyse public reviews from verified platforms like Google, Trustpilot, and Facebook.
AI Analysis
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Updated regularly with the latest reviews and customer feedback.
Featured Customer Experiences
Representative examples from 21 verified reviews (December 2021 – September 2025).
Honey comb grid set, storm 600w flash heads
"
A honeycomb grid set and two Storm 600w flash heads were sold to me by Essential Photos.
According to their customer service, shipment takes 3-4 days. After a week, I received an email saying they were out of stock.
I had enough and demanded a refund.
But I'm confident they were simply not paying attention because I had other difficulties with the 400, including a modeling bulb that shattered after only two minutes of operation and an incorrectly fitted glass dome.
So I returned it and requested a 600 to replace it. They advised I bend the metal components that keep the dome in place.
A month later, no compensation or replacement light.
My services have been the worst this year.
"
I didn’t receive my order
"I didn’t receive my order. I have waited more..."
Excellent
"Great range of products, clear and easy to navigate website, slick ordering process and ultra fast delivery; wha..."
Multiple Item Order
"Some of the kit I was ordering was not in stock, therefore had to pre order. The lead time was 7 - 10 days. However I was notified after a bout 5 that..."
All Customer Reviews
Filtered, experience-based customer reviews from public sources; vague and duplicate submissions removed.
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All Customer Reviews
Sources: Trustpilot (20) · Collected.reviews (1) · Quotes shortened · As of: September 2025
Easy to order and my pick up was…
Easy to order and my pick up was s...
Very helpful and informative staff
I ordered a couple of big kits which turned out to be pre orders due to certain components not being in stock but the staff were really helpful when I...
I didn’t receive my order
I didn’t receive my order. I have waited more...
Great service
Quick delivery and...
Great customer service!
Great service had to email as I accidentally pre-ordered and staff were...
Good communication
Haven’t received my product yet as it wasn’t in stock (this was clearly advertised...
Quick delivery and good communication…
Quick delivery and good communication from the t...
Excellent
Great range of products, clear and easy to navigate website, slick ordering process and ultra fast delivery; wha...
First class service
First class service - directed me to exactly what I needed. Ordered online, prom...
Easy to make purchase
Easy to make purchase, great delivery and an awesome product. Managed to overcome the install of my Insta360x4 to the boom on my Supernova racing/sail...
Multiple Item Order
Some of the kit I was ordering was not in stock, therefore had to pre order. The lead time was 7 - 10 days. However I was notified after a bout 5 that...
Knowledge and Experienced team
I had a few queries ahead of my purchase and the knowledge and experience bet...
Fast delivery
Fast delivery, great website...
GREAT SERVICE AND WIDE RANGE OF…
GREAT SERVICE AND WIDE RANGE OF...
Disappointing customer service
I placed a large order not all items in stock but feedback and contacting customer service was difficult and disappointing My order was placed on 4/8/...
Great products from a great store
Range of products and price point were excellent. Not everything was in stock (which was made clear at point of o...
Excellent price for amazing gear
Excellent price for an amazing bit of kit. Proces...
Great first time buy
I ordered the 2.8x3m Background Stand, the X3 (Xnano) Flash Trigger for Sony, and the AD200PROII Baby Photography Lighting Kit and I’m really happy wi...
Excellent service and fast delivery.
Excellent service...
Stress free easy transaction.
...
Conclusion
Reviews show a pattern of generally positive customer experiences: fast delivery, clear website navigation and knowledgeable, helpful staff are frequently mentioned. Communication and live chat are often praised, especially around pre‑orders and stock updates. However, some customers report delayed or missing deliveries and at least one report describes a faulty product and unsatisfactory follow‑up. If you are purchasing items that may be on pre‑order, check stock status and tracked delivery options; consider using available guarantees or contacting support before and after purchase.