How to Set Up a Photo Studio

By eHow Electronics Editor

How to Set Up a Photo Studio How to Set Up a Photo Studio

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Creating a studio can be a simple or complex task depending on the desired results, but in either case a few simple rules apply. You need sufficient space, a lot of electrical outlets, the ability to shut out light when necessary etc.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

  • Brushes
  • Reflector Boards
  • Cupboards
  • Full-length Mirrors
  • Paint Rollers With Extension Pole
  • Studio Lighting
  • Air Conditioners Or Ventilator
  • Dressing Room Curtains
  • 9-foot-wide Paper Rolls
  • Cameras
  • Flash Meters
  • Tripods
  • Electrical Outlets
  • Stepladders
  • White, matte interior paints

Choosing the Room

Step1
Find a room that's 15 to 18 feet long to allow for at least 12 feet between the camera and the background, as well as room for lighting equipment.
Step2
Select a room that's at least half as wide as it is long.
Step3
Opt for a room with a simple shape for greatest versatility and a high ceiling to allow for soft, even lighting and high camera viewpoints.
Step4
Paint the walls and ceiling with a washable, white, matte finish.
Step5
Box in or take out fireplaces, alcoves and baseboards to streamline the shape of the room.
Step6
Install numerous electrical outlets or a single heavy-duty outlet with a distribution box on a long cable. Choose the walls you'll use as backgrounds before installing electrical outlets.
Step7
Install a ventilator or air conditioner to reduce the stifling effect of the lighting.

Arranging the Studio

Step1
Decide which walls will serve as backdrops and set up your camera opposite.
Step2
Construct or buy reflector boards (6-foot-tall boards with a white surface on one side) to use for reflecting light into shadow areas.
Step3
Collect a range of props and tools. Build a cupboard to store them in, as well as a dressing room with a full-length mirror if you plan to use models.
Step4
Set up your lighting.

Tips & Warnings

  • Color finishes on walls and ceiling will create an unwanted cast in color photographs.
  • Make sure the lighting you'll be using will not overload the circuit. To figure out the number of amps drawn by your equipment, divide the lamp wattage by the supply voltage.
  • Use a 9-foot-wide paper roll mounted on poles or a wall bracket to provide an ideal backdrop when the floor is part of the shot. It can be pulled out to a length covering both the wall and the floor in front of it with a curved transition between the two instead of a sharp angle.

Comments

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Feminist

Feminist said

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on 8/31/2008 I am trying to se how with Illstrations Etc. hot to place lights reflectors in relation to where LF Camera and subject all I get is buy this or that sites until I know how to srt it up and wher to place each item in FT. I am lost where do I go to find this information?
or email me at MissHeidiMae@msn.com
Heidi

Feminist

Feminist said

Flag This Comment

on 8/31/2008 I am trying to se how with Illstrations Etc. hot to place lights reflectors in relation to where LF Camera and subject all I get is buy this or that sites until I know how to srt it up and wher to place each item in FT. I am lost where do I go to find this information?
or email me at MissHeidiMae@msn.com
Heidi

Feminist

Feminist said

Flag This Comment

on 8/31/2008 I am trying to se how with Illstrations Etc. hot to place lights reflectors in relation to where LF Camera and subject all I get is buy this or that sites until I know how to srt it up and wher to place each item in FT. I am lost where do I go to find this information?
or email me at MissHeidiMae@msn.com
Heidi

Feminist

Feminist said

Flag This Comment

on 8/31/2008 I am trying to se how with Illstrations Etc. hot to place lights reflectors in relation to where LF Camera and subject all I get is buy this or that sites until I know how to srt it up and wher to place each item in FT. I am lost where do I go to find this information?
or email me at MissHeidiMae@msn.com
Heidi

Winhar

Winhar said

Flag This Comment

on 8/15/2008 What about the flooring? I had thought carpet but figured the backdrops would rinkle. Would you go linoleum? If so, what color?

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eHow Article: How to Set Up a Photo Studio

eHow Electronics Editor

eHow Electronics Editor

Category: Electronics

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