Making A Photo Studio
Dec 23, 2012 08:33:17 #
philb wrote:
After the New Year comes and goes I will be cleani... (show quote)
If you need 2-D/3-D plans, I.E. Space Planning or just to see if your equipment fits, bathroom, changing room, equipment storage... layouts etc. etc.... PM me and we can discuss.
Dec 23, 2012 09:10:37 #
Dec 23, 2012 09:25:51 #
You have alot to decide on before you go ahead. The coolest small studio I have seen was in a garage of simular size. They had a different themed setup on three of the walls and a fourth of the backside of the big door. You might need a changing room for the models to change and do makeup. use floor drops and snap together wood floor and carpet tiles at each back drop as they can be changed easy. It is nice to have electrical plugs in the ceiling for all those wires from the lights or at least a hanger system to keep them off the floor. Make panels that will blackout the exsisting windows. Tempature control will be important. Music system to keep everyone relaxed. Get a rolling cart to hold your camera stuff and a laptop computer so you can tether your camera and check the images as you take them. Its nice to have a second monitor pointing towards your model so they can see the images and then they can see the poses or changes in pose you want.
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Dec 23, 2012 10:40:11 #
Even with plenty of outlets, one problem is cords running all over the place -- for lights, computers etc. Invest in extension cords that are in cord reels. I have four 30 ft. units and find them most valuable. They can be mounted at the ceiling, pulled down for use and then with a tug they retract into the reel. Also not all equipment has to be expensive. I have a 3' x 6' light panel made from pvc tubing and parachute nylon -- works great to diffuse a light source. For backgrounds go to a fabric store. I find bargan fabric in great shades of gray, blue and even some patterns work well. You can also get muslin in widths up to 108" and make your own backdrops.
Good luck with your studio. Post some shots when you start firing!
Good luck with your studio. Post some shots when you start firing!
Dec 23, 2012 12:08:23 #
Xantoz
Loc: Delaware
Make a ceiling mount backdrop system In several places. You can get a nice set with remote control and not have to worry about the chain pulls. Invest in a few basic white. Black. Smoky grey backdrops. Go to good fabric store for secondary material for additional drapes over the basic drops to add interest. Get some great chairs. Small sofas and tables. These can make interesting props along with interesting lace and illusion fabric and you have some interesting possibilities. Don't forget the reflector disc. Paint walls and ceilings Matt black or charcoal. Oh and a beautiful full length mirror. Good luck!
Dec 23, 2012 12:40:35 #
I don't think anyone has suggested a dressing room, you will need one. Along with a large mirror and a makeup table with a mirror and proper lighting. Girls like changing into different outfits. You will sell more portraits by giving them that option.
Dec 23, 2012 13:09:09 #
Xantoz
Loc: Delaware
The Watcher wrote:
I don't think anyone has suggested a dressing room, you will need one. Along with a large mirror and a makeup table with a mirror and proper lighting. Girls like changing into different outfits. You will sell more portraits by giving them that option.
I totally agree with you. I have about 5 beautiful kimonos and a few pair of killer stilettos in my studio dressing room.some long hair clip ons and some bling. It's a nice way to add on a boudoir shot or 2 while your client is relaxed and feeling good about herself.
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Dec 23, 2012 14:09:51 #
littlebug
Loc: woburn ma
cockney greg wrote:
A fridge for plenty beer,a small lead panel area to wander into when the Mrs. phones (to create a poor signal)a noticeboard for important numbers (pizza delivery,fried chicken,beer delivery,taxi when you've finished them) and a mixture of the above.
THIS IS THE BEST
Dec 23, 2012 14:18:36 #
Xantoz
Loc: Delaware
littlebug wrote:
THIS IS THE BEST
cockney greg wrote:
A fridge for plenty beer,a small lead panel area to wander into when the Mrs. phones (to create a poor signal)a noticeboard for important numbers (pizza delivery,fried chicken,beer delivery,taxi when you've finished them) and a mixture of the above.
THIS IS THE BEST
So! Your the guy my grandmother warned me about ;-) come to my studio I will make you a model! I love it. And it goes both ways. I always have Guinness in the fridge!
Dec 23, 2012 14:33:19 #
I just finished such a project. Which ever wall your use for the backdrop wall watch your width. My room is 14' x 29', but I have a staircase introduing (as it's upstairs) in the width narrowing it somewhat.....this has given me a problem in shooting groups. I can only shoot 5 people wide. This causes problems in shooting family portraits. I you have the capability to plan AC recpticals be sure to put where you estimate your constant/strobes will be placed as this will keep you from having to run cord across the floor or use extension cords which can be trip hazards. Use either
white ceiling or very dark to keep color reflections down when shooting. If you shoot teathered or use a laptop in the center of the floor where your camera will be place to do your shooting plan for an electrical outlet in the floor there too. see attachment of my room. Hope this is of help.
white ceiling or very dark to keep color reflections down when shooting. If you shoot teathered or use a laptop in the center of the floor where your camera will be place to do your shooting plan for an electrical outlet in the floor there too. see attachment of my room. Hope this is of help.
Dec 23, 2012 17:34:13 #
PHOTOBILL71 wrote:
I just finished such a project. Which ever wall y... (show quote)
Just a question: Why don't you reverse the shooting room so that you have the wider part of the room available for larger groups and shoot from the stairs end of the room?
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Dec 23, 2012 17:48:07 #
I installed a track system across the 14' wide section with a 90degree turn to the left side of the room to park all my backdrops when not in use....thus i'm stuck with using the one end of the room.
Dec 23, 2012 18:13:54 #
Xantoz
Loc: Delaware
PHOTOBILL71 wrote:
I installed a track system across the 14' wide section with a 90degree turn to the left side of the room to park all my backdrops when not in use....thus i'm stuck with using the one end of the room.
Very very clever idea! Small spaces are truly the mother of invention!
Dec 23, 2012 19:38:39 #
PhotoGator
Loc: Florida
philb wrote:
After the New Year comes and goes I will be cleani... (show quote)
In the studio portion make the ceiling white to serve you as a reflector.
Dec 23, 2012 20:11:23 #
I used white walls and ceiling, and black fire retardant muslin on wires to darken when needed my shooting area was 14' 9" x 30 plus more behind for prop storage and sitting area. dressing room off to one side.
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