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.
Examples from available reviews (Dec 2021 – Feb 2026).
Seller delayed shipment, sold faulty lights, and failed to refund or replace.
“a modeling bulb that shattered after only two minutes of operation”
The reviewer did not receive their order and had no updates.
“I didn’t receive my order.”
Wide product range, easy website, slick ordering and ultra-fast delivery.
“Great range of products, clear and easy to navigate website”
Some items were pre-ordered but communication was excellent and delivery secure.
“Communication is excellent.”
Most reviewers describe prompt delivery and helpful staff; a minority report difficult order handling, delayed refunds and disappointing service follow‑up.
Several customers mention good or competitive pricing and reasonable value; mentions are limited so the evidence base is small and cautious interpretation advised.
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.
Most product comments are positive, citing solid build, good packaging and reliable performance; one review flagged a broken modelling bulb and a misfitted dome.
Many reviewers praise clear, timely communications and helpful live chat; a smaller group report poor updates or long waits for order status information.
Overall impressions are largely positive with repeat buyers recommending the shop; several customers however report late or missing deliveries affecting their experience.
For each review, the core experience based on original source reviews.
Sources: Trustpilot (40) · Collected.reviews (1) · Quotes shortened · As of: February 2026
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.
This page combines submitted experiences with public reviews from platforms such as Google, Trustpilot, etc. Recurring points are summarised without changing the content of 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.