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Photography Question 

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Studio Equipment


Hi! I want to put together a reference book of things I will need for my upcoming photography career. I don't even know where to start on equipment for a studio. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on a good starting kit, and where the best place to buy supplies from is.


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October 30, 2012

 

John H. Siskin
  Hi Robin,
A lot of the tools you need depends on the work you will be doing. If you are making images of products, you can use different equipment than if you are shooting people. You might check out this article I did about starting a studio: www.siskinphoto.com/magazine/zpdf/buildastudio.pdf.

As a general rule, you will need something to hold backgrounds, lights, and light stands and light modifiers. I strongly recommend that you use strobes as your light source, especially if you are shooting people. Strobes provide a cool light source that will stop action. I did an article for BetterPhoto about light sources - www.betterphoto.com/article.php?id=195 - which might help. I think that a set of barn doors, a couple of umbrellas and a light panel or two (www.betterphoto.com/article.php?id=156) would be a good start on light modifiers. You may want a tripod and a couple of other things.
Remember, your studio is a place where you control the light so that you can make the photos that you visualize. You want to be able to make light rather than just find it. I teach lighting classes here at BetterPhoto that might help, and I’ve written a couple of books.
I hope you enjoy your studio; it can be the most wonderful place to make photographs.
Thanks!


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October 30, 2012

 
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