I'm pretty new to DPC - I have learned a lot and I have been inspired to think more about "photography" rather than just "taking pictures". In particular, I want to do some photography under more controlled conditions - in what I imagine might be a "studio" setting. I would like to know what insights/suggestions the group might have about creating an improvised in-home studio. Any "must have" equipment? Any pitfalls to avoid?
Start slow and cheap. Studio photography may be something that's itching you at the moment, but make sure it's truely love before spending the bucks.
I'd go to a fabric store and hit the clearance section. Buy some backgrounds (black, white, maybe grey). Also, for $20 or so you can get a slave flash from Ritz Camera. Or many people (myself included) buy 500w work lights from Home Depot, but man they get hot :)
Google search things like "cheap home studio" - you'll be amazed at what you can do for very little money. Then decide from there if it's really something you want to get in to.
My advice is keep your lighting simple. If you are thinking about portraits, I would advise no more than two lights and a reflector. When you over complicate a lighting set up you just add problems.
Two of my favourite portraits, both using two lights only.
Thanks, hopper, good advice. You know, I think I have some of those worklights in the garage!
If you happen to have the right light, try using natural light as well. Many studio shots still use natural light in product/model photography. I happen to have a large, north facing dining room window that produces excellent soft fill light for studio type shots. My 550ex bounced off an nearby surface provides any other light I need.
Check out this old thread on soft boxes, and search for the PDF document "Tinker Tubes" which explains how to build all sorts of studio lightboxes and reflectors out of PVC. Dosen't look "pro" for clients, but the results might be good enough that you won't care. Studio lighting is only second to lens envy or yacht ownership as a money pit. Also the DPReview lighting talk forum has some good ideas.
