Set Up a Home Portrait Studio
Whether you are making the jump to full time photography or simply want to take a great family portrait, setting up a home portrait studio gives you a great creative space in which to work.
Instructions
1. Mark out a space to use. The space should be large enough to move freely without tripping over equipment and cords; there should be enough room to maneuver around a camera and tripod. A space that is too small can cost you time and money due to equipment accidents.
2. Paint the walls a neutral color. This avoids a color cast being reflected back onto your subject. White is an ideal color which allows you to bounce light off of a subject and also allows your walls to double as a flat white background perfect for portrait work.
3. Select your lighting. A small space will require less lighting equipment, where a large space may need more lights to appropriately illuminate your subject. Having an assortment of lighting equipment will allow you to change lighting styles easily. The minimum equipment necessary for a portrait is a main light, a fill light, and a background or hair light. You may also want to select lighting tools such as softboxes, reflectors, and umbrellas for adjusting the lighting conditions. The lights may be stationary or mounted on movable tripods.
4. Select props and backgrounds. While a painted wall makes a great background, it does not provide a great deal of versatility. Having a selection of backgrounds available will allow you to change the theme and mood of your portraits.
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