How to Build a Photographer's Studio
A photographer's studio offers a highly controllable environment in which to work; lighting, backgrounds and props can all be easily modified before or during a shoot to fit the subject and project. Though many professional studio photographers shoot in a rented commercial studio, it is possible to build a photography studio in a house or rental space.
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Things You'll Need
- Neutral wall coverings (paint, wallpaper, curtains or hanging backdrops)
- Window coverings (if needed)
- Lighting system (optional)
- Props (optional)
- Backdrop system (optional)
Instructions
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Create the Basic Studio Environment
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Choose an area. Though a dedicated room or garage would be best, a section of a large room can be partitioned off for the studio. You will need enough space to hang a backdrop, pose your model or subject and to move around while shooting.
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Cover the walls in a neutral tone, such as off-white or gray. Vivid or bright colors will affect skin tones, giving them an unnatural cast. Dark colors will not reflect enough light to adequately illuminate the subject with soft light. If you are unable to paint or wallpaper the walls, hang sheets or curtains to cover them.
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Cover any windows, especially if shooting during the day. If you wish to use sunlight in your shoots, a thin curtain will help diffuse the light, so as to not cause harsh shadows on your subject.
Add Studio Extras
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Invest in a lighting system. Cheap lamps, floodlights, light stands and umbrellas can be purchased from a hardware store and used in a simple photography studio. More advanced lighting equipment, such as strobes and reflectors can also be used.
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Add props to the studio. Furniture, decorations and other miscellaneous handheld items will give the photographer more options when posing the model.
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Install an interchangeable backdrop system. Home-made systems can be fashioned out of PVC and will hold up multiple backgrounds or green screens.
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Tips & Warnings
Add ventilation to the studio; floodlights and strobes can raise the temperature of a small, enclosed space and cause discomfort to both photographer and model. Standing fans or air conditioning units will help cool the studio.
References
- The Business of Studio Photography: How to Start and Run a Successful Photography Studio; Edward Lilley; 2002
- Basic Studio Lighting: The Photographer's Complete Guide to Professional Techniques; Tony Corbell; 2001
- Photo.net; Studio Photography; Philip Greenspun; February 2000
Resources
- Digital Photography School; Creating a Home Photography Studio on a Budget; Kimberly Gauthier;
- Life Is a Prayer; DIY: Greenscreens and Backdrop or Background Stands; Jeff Geerling
- Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers; Christopher Grey; 2004
- StudioLighting.net; Setting Up a Home Studio for Portraiture; March 2005
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
