Why Operate a Home Studio?
So you are considering investing in a home photography studio. You aren’t alone, with the home photography studio a dream of many photographers no matter the skill level. This is a significant investment that could solidify the position you have as a professional photographer. By moving the work you do into a home studio, you build a more professional image as a photographer which could lead to an increase in bookings. A photography studio also has the benefit of reducing studio rental costs in the long run.
It can be difficult to know where to start in this process, with so many factors to consider. This article will break down some considerations that you should make before assembling a dream home photography studio, before highlighting some of the necessary equipment that you will need to assemble an ideal studio space.
Size and Space
It is a common misconception that you need vast amounts of space in order to get into studio photography. Any kind of spare room or space within the home can be converted for the purpose. It can even be seen as an advantage, allowing you to build skills as a photographer in tricky situations that require a great deal of creative input. Because of the nature of home studio equipment, you also won’t find the gear taking up vast amounts of space.
It is however important to consider the nature of the business that you are in. If you find yourself being booked to do large group shots like those found in wedding photography, it is obviously advisable that you find an area with a great amount of space. On the other hand, smaller scale shoots like product photography or portraits will command a smaller need for space that lend themselves to tighter environments.
Fixed or Portable?
You should consider the role you have as a professional photographer, and the types of clients that you find yourself working with. Think about the way that you work. For instance, do you find that you spend lots of time out in ‘the field’ shooting pictures in multiple locations? Or do you find yourself sticking to the same familiar spaces when shooting? If you find yourself using the same location repeatedly, shooting often, you may see the most benefit from a fixed home photography studio.
Of course, the choice isn’t really as simple as this. It could be recommended that you invest in as many portable elements as possible to achieve as many applications for use as possible. Portable fixtures can take pride of place within a permanent studio location ready to be dismantled and moved if you obtain a commission that requires it. Having the ability to move gear to any desired location can increase the diversity of the bookings that you attract, which can help to build a portfolio and ultimately make greater amounts of money.
Equipment – Photography & Everyday
A first consideration for the home studio should be lighting. It is considered acceptable for beginners to have a light and a reflector, but in order to achieve the best results at least three lights would be desired. An ideal option is found in the Godox speedlight found here:
Almost as important as the light is the stand on which it is positioned. Heavier lights demand sturdier stands, and this is not an area in which you should compromise. Accidents in the studio can be incredibly expensive if not highly dangerous. A combination of tall and short stands is ideal as this combination can allow for alternate options during shoots. Stands are often sold in pairs, as seen in this listing for Emart adjustable stands:
Lighting modifiers are an essential addition to the home studio environment. Examples of commonly identified modifiers are reflectors and umbrellas. Reflectors are relatively inexpensive and conveniently packable. Umbrellas, while less easily stored, are highly affordable and can make substantial improvements to the lighting of a shot.
An ideal basic umbrella is found here:
Some items may not be immediately relevant to photography yet they can still contribute to shoots. For instance, the incorporation of props that can compliment the subject of the image. Another consideration is furniture. If you wish to photograph people it is expected that you have some chairs or stools that work with the subjects. For the photographer, elements like ladders can allow for the modification of angle and perspective. This can go a long way to achieving creativity in the final shot. Similarly, using fixtures like fans can contribute motion to an image.
We hope this article has illustrated the value afforded by operating a home photography studio, and the considerations a photographer must have when evaluating size, portability, and necessary equipment.
