Good lighting is needed for a photo studio
Though photographers are the ultimate "one-man (or woman) shows" who can pick up their camera and go to the job, shooting in a studio allows you to be in control of the scene, the lighting and your subject.
You don't need a specially-built photography studio to take professional photos. Any room or garage can be converted to studio use. Even more important, proper lighting needed in a studio can be achieved without having to buy expensive photography lights.
Your Space
Before you choose a space to set up your studio, make sure you have enough space to have good amount of distance between the backdrop and the subject and between the camera and subject.
Make sure you have room around the area where your subjects will be photographed and around and behind the camera. Studio lights are often big and bulky, which means a wide room will work better than a narrow space. In addition, you need to have flashes, reflectors and other equipment behind you.
If your space has windows, place blackout curtains or blinds to eliminate outside light. Walls and floors should white if possible to help achieve the right lighting effects.
Basic Equipment
If your budget allows, buy an all-in-one studio lighting kit that includes three lights, an umbrella to soften and reflect light, a lighting stand, a softbox for creating soft light, a spill-kill (basic reflector that directs the spread of light, colored gels and different mountable reflectors such as "barn doors," (movable flaps for restricting the spread of light) and diffusers.
A must for your studio is a wireless or removable flash unit for your camera. This allows you to clamp or hold the flash off-camera to direct light where you need it.
But if your budget doesn't allow the purchase of bigger professional photography studio lights, you can find what you need at your local hardware store.
Types of light
LED---light-emitting diodes: Though LEDs emit low intensity light, they are energy efficient and last longer than any other light. You can attach Velcro strips to a string of small LEDs (think Christmas lights on a string) and use as a band of light or even wrap together to create a light ring.
Halogen: Look for "work lights" that already have clamps or a stand. Add a white or silver around the light to create a reflector. The drawback is that these lights tend to get hot fast; use caution when touching them to adjust your light.
Florescent lights and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL): These lights are affordable and run cooler than Halogen lights. Find lamps that can be used with clamps or mounted to an adjustable stand.
Handy to have on hand when creating your own studio lights: duct tape, Velcro (with a stick-on side,) white foam board, black cardboard or foam board (to create a barn door).
If you can't afford a studio umbrella, invest in a white or silver rain umbrella, and create your own scrim (another light reflector) by? stretching white gauze over a thin plastic or wood frame.
Tags: your studio, foam board, lighting needed, need your, photography studio
