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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> what can I use for a homemade studio?
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 11/09/2005 09:29:02 PM · #1

I have an empty room in my house and I want to turn it into a studio. I need to know the basics on what I would need?
 11/09/2005 09:29:57 PM · #2
lights, strobes, backgrounds (sheets, large papers, etc)
 11/09/2005 10:04:49 PM · #3
9 foot ceilings at least.
 11/09/2005 10:04:53 PM · #4
wrinkled up bedsheets and halogens from home depot. and get a few fans, some for the lights and some for your model.
 11/09/2005 10:10:24 PM · #5
Originally posted by art-inept:
wrinkled up bedsheets and halogens from home depot. and get a few fans, some for the lights and some for your model.


..and don't forget the thumbtacks to hang your backdrops
 11/09/2005 10:18:14 PM · #6
What I learned from a recent portrait studio class is that you'll need a basic bright light, some background bouncers like car windshield reflectors, some extra lights, clamps to put your lights in place, and overhead light, powder or a fan for the models from all the lights.

Best of luck to you!
 11/09/2005 10:29:45 PM · #7
I've been using a set of halogen work lights from Home Depot for years... both heads combined put out 1000 watts... sometimes I place a white umbrella in front of the heads for a softer light, sometimes I use a white garbage bag draped in front of them suspended on a clothes hanger. Aluminum foil glued to several sheets of poster paper for a reflector. And, ofcourse sheets for a backdrop. Just white balance your digital camera under the lights and you're ready to shoot.

Message edited by author 2005-11-09 22:31:21.
 11/09/2005 10:31:12 PM · #8
Fire extinguisher :)
 11/09/2005 10:50:28 PM · #9
Most important of all, A camera or two
 11/09/2005 10:51:58 PM · #10
Originally posted by perryn:
Most important of all, A camera or two


Ooooh, a camera. Now that is a great idea ;o)
 11/09/2005 11:03:57 PM · #11
Originally posted by Dlove:
I have an empty room in my house and I want to turn it into a studio. I need to know the basics on what I would need?


Before I bought my backdrop holder, this is what I used to hang my muslins:
-2 large bicyle hooks like these placed about 8ft apart.
-Clamps like theseto hold the backdrops on
-A long piece of 1.5" or so PVC pipe, resting on the bicycle hooks.

Worked great. I still use those clamps with my background stand, I love them. I had the PVC pipe up on my wall in the living room for a good year...LOL

Also, look for posts on dying your own muslin. You can buy the muslin cheap at Wal-Mart.

Jenn
 11/09/2005 11:09:31 PM · #12
Originally posted by JRalston:
Before I bought my backdrop holder, this is what I used to hang my muslins:
-2 large bicyle hooks like these placed about 8ft apart.
-Clamps like theseto hold the backdrops on
-A long piece of 1.5" or so PVC pipe, resting on the bicycle hooks.
Jenn


Wow, how come I never thought of the bicycle hooks.... I should have taken a pic of my thumbtacks for the "garbage" challenge :-)
 11/09/2005 11:37:37 PM · #13
Don't forget the duct tape! :) (I don't have a studio, but if I did, I'm sure duct tape would find its way into it...)
 11/09/2005 11:46:21 PM · #14
Originally posted by GentleSoul:
Don't forget the duct tape! :) (I don't have a studio, but if I did, I'm sure duct tape would find its way into it...)


Duct Tape (Duck Tape, I'm from Alabama) is a given. I keep a roll in my gear bag.
 11/09/2005 11:48:11 PM · #15
Originally posted by GentleSoul:
Don't forget the duct tape! :) (I don't have a studio, but if I did, I'm sure duct tape would find its way into it...)


Duct tape is awful in the studio, it leaves goop all over everything. Try using gaffers tape instead.
 11/10/2005 12:02:44 AM · #16
What's wrong with goo ... lol
 11/10/2005 12:11:58 AM · #17
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
What's wrong with goo ... lol


Depends entirely on whose goo it is and where it goes.....

I prefer to remain goo free.
 11/10/2005 12:27:36 AM · #18
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Originally posted by GentleSoul:
Don't forget the duct tape! :) (I don't have a studio, but if I did, I'm sure duct tape would find its way into it...)


Duct tape is awful in the studio, it leaves goop all over everything. Try using gaffers tape instead.


You mean the 365 uses for duct tape calendar doesn't have a photo studio use for it? :) (just joking about the duct tape - yeah, you're right, the goo would probably find a way to wreak havok somewhere in the studio)
 11/10/2005 09:55:15 AM · #19
I used to refer to my set-up as "redneck photography." Between the worklights and the PVC pipe on the wall....it was looking real nice. LOL It did the job, though, until I got some real studio lights.
 11/10/2005 11:53:02 PM · #20
Originally posted by Dlove:
I have an empty room in my house and I want to turn it into a studio. I need to know the basics on what I would need?


Determine your budget and what you are going to shoot first. Then we will have a good idea what you will need.
 11/11/2005 12:14:23 AM · #21
I have used two 500-watt halogen lights from Home Depot, but I'll tell you this, one bounce flash (like a 420ex) can do 100x better for lighting. The halogens a) put off a wicked yellow light b) cause squinting in all but the most adept adult and c) cast harsh shadows. The bounce flash provides an easily corrected nice soft light with no heat or squint.

I still use my halogens for dramatic shadow as in this shot:


but I don't light models with them anymore.
 11/11/2005 12:34:35 AM · #22
It is up to you what you want, can afford or have room for.

You can paint a wall and use that as a backdrop, or make a BG form a sheet or other fabric, or buy pre-made backdrops. I have done the sheet thing, wall thing, and am trying to make a muslin backdrop now.
wall as backdrop.
black sheet as BG (walmart under $3)

Lighting: flash was used in the child's pic above. Bought on ebay over the past year, misc items. This is NOT the cheapest way to go, but is by far and away the best. To have enough flash and toys (sofbox, barndoors, etc) to play well, figure 2 grand. you can start for a lot less though.

I also have this hot light. On sale at sears is $20. I use a $3 walmart white sheet as a diffuers, or as a reflector. Color of the light is not an issue as long as you stay with ONE kind of light. You can WB to any light.
Hot light shots:


I have hooks in my ceiling (basement) and hange the sheets etc from that with closeline and clothespins.

I have seen a roll of white vinyl flooring used as a BG also.
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