Light Studio

Posted in April 24, 2010 ¬ 5:52 pmh.adminNo Comments »

Light Studio

Basic equipment needed to install a portrait studio

So you've played with the idea and now you want go ahead and start your own portrait studio. You may have been thinking that this is something that is beyond your reach. "I can not pay overhead of a studio or lighting equipment is too expensive. "Well, good news, wonderful photographs are possible to create from your home and you do not need as much material as you think you do.

A studio can easily be put place in your home or other small space. The first thing to remember when you configure your workspace to keep things simple. When you in a photo session that you want to be able to have your opinion on the client 90% of the time rather than waving your equipment.

Let's start with the camera. There are so many options when it comes to cameras. I recommend deciding what your budget is and then read reviews by other photographers to choose the best for you. Really, you do not need the best or top of the camera line to do the job. It are many cameras that are far enough and do the work you need, without burning a hole in your pocket.

Really when it comes to a camera your money should really be put into the goal. Your camera is only as good as the lens you attach to it. Again I recommend reading reviews on the lenses that you look. There are many forums and websites that reviewed the list of equipment for photography. Some who found very useful are fredmiranda.com, dpreview.com, digital-picture.com (this website reviews are specifically for Canon cameras and lenses).

When you buy a lens the length is a very important criterion for portrait photographers. You want to be sure to have a goal flatter your subject. In general, head and shoulder portraits the length of your lens should be twice the diagonal of the film plane or in the case these days the digital sensor. For example, the diagonal size of a lord is 45mm therefore your goal should be 90mm or more for portraits flattering. You probably want a larger goal of overall length or group portraits. However, if you're on a tight budget, you could probably get away with buying a lens that will fit all your immediate needs. Something around the range of 28-135mm or there about, which will give you the wide angle for large groups and also on TV for close-ups of individuals.

When you buy lenses be sure to buy at least one UV filter to protect the lens. There are all kinds of filters that each serves different purposes. If on a budget, other than the UV filter you not necessarily need filters. You may want a blur filter, because they are flattering in portraiture, however, you can add the effect of Following in Photoshop, if you do not filter.

Next we come to the workshop set up effectively. You'll need at least 2 lights: a main light and background light. It is best to use a soft box on the main light, as it will create a softer light than an umbrella. A background light or hair light is needed to create a separation between the background and the subject. Otherwise you photograph will look flat. If you can afford to have a background and a light hair is optimal, and adding another light as a light filling would be nice to fill shadows, however, a reflector will do the job. You can buy a reflector or you can make your own using a large piece Styrofoam or white cardboard. You do not have to spend a fortune to be on fire. You can find lighting kits reasonably priced in many photography supply stores.

In addition to lights, you will also pose stools, or at least something that you can sit your customers for their portraits, a light meter, and backgrounds with a stand or other means of hanging. There are all kinds of accessories out there, but no is needed immediately if you are limited. They can be acquired over time. Since a proper exposure is a clear need for portraits that you need to purchase a light meter. There are all kinds of light meters out there and they can be expensive. For portraits studio, you'll just need an incident meter (which measure the light falling on the subject. This will run you anywhere from 150 $ – $ 800.

Then we come to the media. This is an important piece to every portrait. The background is what sets the scene and helps create the overall feel of each portrait. A little advice for choosing a backdrop during a session is to choose a context that is similar to clothing your client. In this way, the clothing will blend with the decor and the focal point will be the face of your customers, rather than their sweater or the backdrop. The canvas background is there to improve your subject, not distract.

There are many different types of fabrics substantive example, stained, painted, computer printed, on paper, muslin, duck, and canvas. The cheapest is probably the paper. But you are very limited by paper and you should replace it often. muslin foundation is a great way to go when you start up your studio. It is affordable, durable and portable, easy to store, and even washable. If you have the money, it is definitely worth having a hand painted some canvases background in your collection. Hand painted on both circles muslin and canvas tend to have more dimension and are very beautiful. However, they are more expensive and usually are not washable. To determine this context is best for you, ask your self a few questions first. What kind of portraits you take? If you photograph children more often than you may want to lean towards dyed decorations because they are washable. If you shoot formal portraits, such as business headshots or wedding, you may want to go with hand-painted to look more rich. Will you travel with your background? Journey dyed and photography as well, even if they are slightly wrinkled. However, if you have a truck you can travel with the painted canvas rolled.

Some background basis that all studios should have: black, white for high key portraits, blue for general use, a deep brown is always good to have official portraits, as a bullet in the head of affairs, and possibly a pastel for children and weddings. Once again, you do not have to buy a ton at a time. Just have a solid foundation and the selection of your collection grow over time.

Please note that there no such thing as a bad back, just different for different purposes.You also need a basic position or some sort of system to fit your backdrop. The most versatile choice is probably to get your self a laptop stand back. They are very inexpensive, easy to configure, easy to travel including, where appropriate, and are compact when stored if you have a temporary studio. You can also purchase a roller system or a suspension system. It really all depends on space and your budget.

In addition to your workspace you also want a place to deal with customers. This could be a home office or even your kitchen table.

Remember, keep it simple and get plenty of time to practice and become familiar with your equipment and workspace so that each client session can go as easily as possible.

Good luck and enjoy your new studio!

About the Author

About The Author:
Corinne Beavers is the owner of www.aurabackdrops.com. To know more about the Christmas Muslin Photography Backdrops | Portrait Studio Canvas Backgrounds Props, Visit http://www.aurabackdrops.com.

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