 Beth Huling |
Studio Dimensions and Props What is an adequate amount of space to create a portrait studio? Does it need to be 15 to 18 feet in length with around 19-foot ceilings? Also, where is the best place to find nice props? Thankful for advice.
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Beth, Certainly I would like to have a large studio, my last one was about 24X30 foot with a 10-foot ceiling. I am in a smaller space currently. The first thing I did to make the smaller space work was paint the walls a dark neutral gray. If I had white walls, the reflections would be uncontrollable. I think that if you do not have 12 feet in width you will be limited in the size background and subject you can use. If you had a little more length, that would be good. If the ceiling is dark, you can work with a low ceiling, even 10 feet - it could work for most subjects. You want to make arrangements to hold a reflector on the ceiling, and you will want them for the sides of the shot, some of the time. Check out this article: www.siskinphoto.com/magazine4b.html Studio Specialties (www.superiorstudio.com) makes a range of props, also backdrops. You should also check out thrift stores for bargain furniture. Thanks, John Siskin
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Bruce A. Dart |
Hi Beth, John has lots of good info here. Every photographer wants MORE space but we often have to work with what we have. I wanted a larger space until I crunched some numbers to realize what it would cost and how much more money I would have to generate just to break even. My studio for the past 30 years certainly has limitations but it is workable. I have a 11-1/2 foot by 22 foot camera room with 8 - 1/2 foot ceilings. With larger family groups I have to work on location. I have photographed groups of 11 or 12 in my small space -- with a lot of extra effort. I had to move everything else out of view, hang a 10x20 muslin background horizontally and extend it to the side walls and put another matching background on the floor in order to keep everything in the frame. And then I sometimes have to extend backgrounds in Photoshop where I have run off. Time consuming to be sure. Some folks are amazed at the photos I produce in my "small" space. Check out my gallery at www.photosbydart.com Much like the purchase of camera equipment, get the best you can afford and work with it. When you outgrow it, you will have to upgrade. Generally, every few years you can replace or upgrade some things without buying everything all at once and each time. Good luck. Bruce Dart
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Debby A. Tabb |
Hi Beth, I have worked in a office type space as small as 10x9 , you can make most anything work if you want it to. As far as Props, you can find them anywhere. The good will is great for bags of pearl type beads. 6 pieces of moding can make a nice french window frame, for background use in nursery sceanes, teens looking through or a child looking out of in frount of a snow sceane backdrop during the holidays. a old laundry basket is great for kids & pets. Look on Ebay as well. Try the Studio Threads for more: PART1: http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=17534 This thread will let you see into the development of several Studios at thier start.
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Beth Huling |
Thank-you for the great advice! You are all so helpful! John I checked out and printed the link you suggested. Bruce I will absolutely check out your site and it is good to know that others put so much work into their photographs too! Debby ooh I never thought about, well really any of the props you describe! Thanks for the input and I will look into the threads! :)
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Beth, Good luck with the studio! Learn how to make your space work for you. Thanks, John
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