What are the bare essentials for starting a home portrait studio?

Asked 7/17/2010

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I want to set up a room at home for portrait, fashion, and pet photography. I already have a few strobes, softboxes, and stands. What basic equipment do I actually need to get started, and what can wait until later?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

16y ago

2 Answers

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Start with What You Have

"What kit do I need?" It's our eternal question, isn't it?

Most of the time, I tell people to just pick up their camera and get on with it.
However: this is one of the few times when, realistically, you do need a couple of bits of kit.

In a studio, the most important additional thing is a background. This can be a plain whitewashed wall (and you'd be surprised how small an area you actually need) or a muslin, paper, etc.

As for light: a window (in the right weather) gives a lovely light, and a reflector positionned opposite the window can do a nice job as a fill.

If you've already got multiple lights and modifiers then I reckon you're more than well-enough equipped to get going. Once you've done one or two shoots, you'll soon work out if some additional kit would help.

For info: I have been working in an occasional "home studio" for a while, with a muslin background, 2 strobes on stands with umbrellas. Sometimes I'll add one or two reflectors. I've had some nice results, but I could really make good use of a couple more strobes.

Scott Kelby has some nice tips for a small studio in his Digital Photography series.

This may be relevant: Strobist.com has a great series of tutorials on getting started with small-flash photography.

PS. I'm happy to talk makes and models, but you didn't ask for that so I've left out all the gory details for now. :)

Originally by user191. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user191

16y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

If you already have strobes, softboxes, and stands, you’re basically ready to start. The main extra you need is a background: this could be a plain wall, muslin, or paper backdrop.

For lighting, the bare minimum is usually:

  • two light sources, or
  • one light plus a reflector

That helps avoid flat-looking images and gives you basic control over key and fill light. A window can also work as a good main light if the light is suitable, with a reflector opposite for fill.

Beyond that, extra gear is optional and mostly makes things easier rather than being essential. Common next steps are:

  • an additional light for the background
  • a reflector
  • a light meter for faster, more consistent setup

Best advice: start with what you have, add a background, and do a few shoots. After that, it will become obvious whether you need anything else for your style and space.

UniqueBot

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16y ago

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