BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Studio, Still, & Personal Portraiture Photography

First Studio Set-Up for Preschool Shoot

I'm shooting a preschool next month. I've been doing some extensive research and have gotten some excellent advice from this site and from a major distributer of studio equipment. This is what has been recommended and I'd love to hear from all of you to see if you agree...
Keep in mind that I'm just starting out...

A Minolta AutoMeter IVF and a SP 1600 Excalibur lighting kit (which includes a stand and umbrella.) And, I plan to just go out and buy some fabric to tape up for the backdrop. What do you think?

I obviously want this to be as professional as possible, but it doesn't have to be state of the art right now. I had planned to buy a pro backdrop system, but wasn't aware of how much the flash meter would set me back.

I'd love to hear what you all think... I need to place this order soon so I have time to practice before I shoot.

Thanks!

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August 27, 2001

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August 28, 2001

Just one light, unfortunately, but I think it will be okay since this isn't a "real" professional shoot.

Absolutely would love pointers on making backdrops!!!

Thanks, again!

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August 28, 2001

I just did a shoot of a 30-year high school reunion. In addition to doing some digital shots for their Web site, they allowed me to set up a portable studio in a corner. I charge people for portraits, had a great time, and made good money... anyway...

First, you can rent a light meter. I did this for many years and the 10 bucks or so is much more manageable than the high price of buying one. Once you know you like doing this kind of photography, I highly recommend that Minolta AutoMeter IV F - I love mine.

Even though this is not as professional or formal, get as prepared as you can and treat it like a pro shoot. I can't tell you how much I recommend at least two lights. One light will look way worse, unless you have an assistant with a reflector (and this is much trickier than simply using two lights). Again, if you can, consider renting the second light.

Lastly, go for muslin as a nice backdrop material. You can dye it if you would like a little color. Then hem the edges and sew a loop into the top end. You can then stick this through a pole to hang it. Many backdrop support systems use such a pole - it will look a lot better than taping or pining it to the wall. You can also get white seamless paper and tape that to the wall but I am weary of recommending it considering your subject. The kids will likely be very active and they could easily wreck a paper backdrop in a matter of minutes. (Gotta love the little tickers...)

By the way, I also rented my backdrop support system - $10 for the weekend from Glazer's in Seattle. Calumet, Samy's in LA, and Gassers in SF also rent.

Hope that helps!

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August 30, 2001

Couple of questions... First of all, where can I find someone to rent met his equipment? I've looked online, but it seems most companys rent locally, and I don't believe there are any equipment rentals where I live...

As for the lighting... how would I position the lights and why would I need two? Also, could you recommend a lighting kit?

Backdrops... this may be a stupid question, but where would I hang it? I'm shooting at a preschool and I'm not sure where they're going to have me...

Thank you so much for your input... it was greatly needed and appreciated. I really need to place my equipment order next week so I have time to practice...

Amber

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August 31, 2001

I wish I could get more into it with you but another project is on the front burner.

Those are tough problems that come up each photo shoot. While the rental shops do mostly rent local, I seem to remember Glazer's in Seattle shipping out an order from time to time. It all depends on where you live.

I really like the PhotoGenic lighting kits - great strobes at a good price.

The backdrop is a tough one that only you can scope out. But address it you must if they want that kind of picture. If they are just after a group portrait, the classroom as the background may be fine. But if they want individual portraits, I would set up my backdrop in some corner or just outside the room (it does take up a lot of space...). Even if they say "any old background is fine," I shoot with the backdrop - they always like the results better than a cluttered, distracting background. And you are the expert, after all...

Read my article on Digital Studio Techniques for more. It's geared around the digital but a lot of it will help you with film-based shooting, too.

Cheers,

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September 06, 2001