Home Studio?

[Doemasters]

just wondering if any have one or have any ideas on what all i would need to take portraits of people. I have been getting a ton of requests lately from people and i thought i should give it a shot

Hope everyone is doing well

 

[Lan-Lord]

I looked into doing a home studio once, and I still want to do it, but I just havent had time to do it. I actually went out and bought some white muslin to use as a backdrop. I have a spare bedroom that I was going to set up... still want to do it, just havent been motivated to do it yet.

 

[Doemasters]

i know what you mean, i have been wanting to do it for years just for fun but now i have people wanting pictures and mostly friends but who knows.

 

[foulshot]

I've got a basement that is just waiting for me to do something with. I've been looking at the "show your studio" thread at FM, lots of ideas there.

 

[billkay]

I have a pair of portable Lumedynes that I can use in a "traditional" studio set-up, or with the battery pack, a mile from the nearest outlet. I think the most important factor in a studio is having enough distance between the subject and the camera. Here's an example of the Lumes outdoors.

 

[Lan-Lord]

Nice work bill. Do you still shoot professionally?
And, what do you mean by "enough distance" between the subject and camera?

 

[billkay]

Yes, I do it professionally. 20 years as a photog at a Chicago newspaper. Also do sidework for several companies in the outdoor industry, ie Alpen Optics. Wide angle lenses distort images. To get a good flattering portrait, you need to use a flatter/longer lens. An 80mm is a good start. Being able to do full length or 3/4 pix with this length lens requires you to have room to back up. Having a lot of room also allows you to position lites better to make the best use of the softbox, umbrella, grid or whatever.

 

[foulshot]

I've heard the 85L is a great portrait lens, and I know a guy who uses his 70-200 f/2.8L very regularly.

Bill, do you have a pic of your studio?

 

[billkay]

No, no pix. My studio is totally portable. I can set up in my house for table top stuff, rent out a hall in town for more room or take everything way off road. I use 2 lumedyne lites. 1-1600ws White Lightning mono light, and 2 Balcar Mini Blocs. I do use the studio at the office which has 12 foot ceilings, and is about 12x24. Pocket Wizzards are also a great item to have. Here's another Alpen shot with the Lumedynes.

 

[clutchkiller]

For anyone thinking of building a home studio, you might find some helpful tips here http://www.diyphotography.net/