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
16
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
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.
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