setting up a studio

[Lan-Lord]

I know you guys (myself included), primarily shoot, wildlife, landscapes, nature, and the great outdoors. However, recently I have been bent on sharpening my ability to control exposure (i.e. the 'zone system'), which has led to an interest in better portraits, product shots, and other controlled indoor situations.

So I am on a tight budget to turn one of my spare bedrooms into a studio. I'm going to try to keep it simple and cheap, but I won't rule out some nice umbrellas, or slave flashes either (I know, that money should be spent on good/big glass and accessories!!) But the nice thing about all aspects of photography, is you will almost always get back what you put into it (eg time and $$) so if you are young.. like me (reletively speaking) I have a long time to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

So anyways, if anyone else has taken on a studio pursuit, I'd be intersted in hearing from you, I'll probably have some questions (and dumb ones at that!)

If you guys are interested in learning along with me, I'll try to keep you updated on my decisions, things I learn, and the results.

Currently I'm off to a fabric store to buy some muslin, which is a good fabric typically used for back drops. It is non-reflective, and doesn't collect much dust (so I've read).

I'll let you know what I find.

 

[Ernie_C]

My wife has a studio and does a variety of portrait work. I can ramble for a while on what you should do and NOT do. She had done event photography (weddings, reunions, & etc) for years before she decided to open a studio. It is a another world working in the studio. You were right that better equipment will pay for itself in the long run. Research and ask other photographers (most will be helpful). Check on a state organization (I prefer the state level to national ones). The Professional Photographers Association is great, along with other similar groups, but we have learned more from our state association than anywhere. Most times you can attend events without being a member (you just pay a little more). Also check on neighboring states (if they are close). Most have an annual school where they offer classes on variuos topics. A lot will have a basic photography class that teaches fundimentals and also talks about setting up a studio (lighting & such). You may have the fundalmentals down but it is helpful to see how others work in a studio environment. Learning to control light is the key. Outside you work with what you have and can change it somewhat but in the studio you are the sun. It took us a long time to understand that and really use the lights to our advantage (controlling them and not letting them control our shot). The number of lights and their posistion is key. You can work with one light or 5 lights and take great pictures either way once you learn to control it. Think about your space because when you add 3 or 4 lights to a room it eats up space. The stands are in the way and so are the cords. If you are going to use one wall for your background then consider mouting some of the lights in the ceiling. We have a track system for ours. Also think about depth, because you don't also want the background in focus. Professionals look for a seperation of the subject from the background that is created when the subject is in focus and the background is slightly out or maybe lit differently. If both are the same it is "flat" and they want that depth (3-d look almost). Also lighting the eyes is key...I guess you are going to take picture of people. The hardest shoot we had was taking pictures of cabinet doors for a company one time. It was hard to light the doors to show details of the wood work. I used shadows to show the detail and the owners sent them back because he didn't like the sahadows. I explained that is how you most effectly show detail and shot a flat one so he could understand (he got the point). If you have specific questions let me know because I could be here all day giving advice.

 

[copilot]

Lan-lord,
I highly recommend the set up that we have for our home studio. This is by far the best deal for the money that I've found. It took me over a year to decide and this has paid itself off in the first two months.

Britek 5000

 

[copilot]

One thig I forgot is that you have to purchase a sinc cord for your make of camera separate. I have the Nikon one which works for my d-70 and my 35mm Nikon. Approx 60.00-65.00 extra.

 

[Lan-Lord]

great feed back guys.. I didnt realize such great resources resided here!

 

[Ernie_C]

Copilot mentioned getting a sync cord to fire the strobes, my wife felt very limited with the cord. I got her a Pocket Wizard kit that is a radio transmitter and receiver unit. This way she can go anywhere with out worring about the cord and can put receivers on all the lights to make sure they fire. Most lights have a built in slaves (triggered by another flash) or a port to plug one in but if you get lights at a bad angle then the slave may not see the flash (from the main light) and won't fire. Even if a flash has a built in slave, you may still need to buy a plug in type as it will give a better range (see flashes at better angles).

As far as lights, we use Photogenic strobes older 750's and a couple of new 1250's that have more precise light adjustments. They are not the best but they have been very dependable for us. Look at what you will be photographing (subject and lighting needs) and compare flash capability to that. Look at cycle time and other featurs that will effect you after the first shot.

There are a thousand things to consider with this and as with most of life's challanges you will learn as you go. Just take your time and research the products. I would suggest starting out as simple as possible and add equipment as a need arises.

 

[foulshot]

So, did you ever pull the trigger on this?

 

[Lan-Lord]

No, I have the items and material to set it up, I just havent had time to do it yet. I'm still interested in doing it, I just need some free time.

 

[foulshot]

I'm thinking of getting one of those little light tents. Something to do product style shots. Still thinking though.

I know setting up a studio for protrait has got to be a lot of work, something I'm not ready for yet....