Home studio photography can be an economical solution for photographers seeking to reduce overhead expenses, while simultaneously creating stunning visual content! With just a little creativity and talent, this method can produce results you won’t forget!
Sophie Fisk works from her home to capture stunning brand lifestyle images for Creatively Squared clients using basic equipment in a small space – and achieves outstanding results!
Lighting
Lighting is an integral element of any successful studio. From portraiture to product photography, finding the appropriate lighting will make all the difference in results. On a budget, start searching your home for natural light sources – windows with reflective surfaces can serve as natural sources that provide sufficient illumination. To add depth, try placing fill lights off-axis from your primary light, such as above or behind subjects for more elaborate setups.
Artificial lighting will prove more versatile than natural sunlight, with adjustable power output, color temperature and brightness settings that are infinitely customizable. Strobes and continuous lights are among the more affordable choices; there are even speedlights from brands like Yongnuo or Neewer that may fit the bill!
These lighting tools can be enhanced with accessories to give the look and feel of a professional studio. Gaffer tape and A-clamps are essential pieces of equipment in any home studio; inexpensive but useful tools in creating sturdy yet professional sets. You may also find collapsible backgrounds such as muslin backdrops or white studio floors for additional versatility.
Do not forget to invest in some modifiers to soften and direct the direction of your lights, softboxes and umbrellas are great tools for softening harsh shadows while gels add an interesting flair to your shots.
Working from home has become more prevalent since the pandemic and can be an excellent way to maintain client relations and expand your business, but it can be challenging – particularly for photographers accustomed to working within a studio environment with team support.
However, with some creativity and some basic equipment it’s easy to transform any room into your home photography studio. Working from home can save on overhead costs as well as reduce travel time when renting or owning space elsewhere.
Props
There are various props used in photography studio settings. From simple pieces like plain white backdrops and pieces of wood to more complex features such as lights or light modifiers. Reflectors and diffusers are essential in controlling lighting in studio environments while textiles, flowers and animals may add interest. While some photographers choose not to utilize props at all; other photographers find they essential.
Before investing in equipment for your studio, it is crucial that you decide the type of studio you will have. This will allow you to determine how much space is necessary, what types of props may be necessary (if taking food photos, for instance). A home photography studio is also an effective solution during a pandemic as it eliminates travel time and rental fees as a professional studio would cost more).
If you plan on using your home studio for commercial photography purposes, investing in professional-quality equipment is recommended for optimal results. Furthermore, having access to a robust editing program will help ensure that images look their best.
As part of your selection process for props, it is essential to think about how the colors you plan to incorporate will play out in your shoot. A bold blue beret, for instance, can add a splash of hue in an otherwise neutral scene. Another way of adding hue is through gels attached to flashes – these inexpensive pieces of colored acetate that fasten directly onto their front can enhance lighting on subjects by tinting its intensity.
Building your own photo studio may cost some upfront money, but its long-term savings make up for it in spades. Not only can it save rental fees and transportation expenses; you also gain the freedom of working without being dependent upon an outside studio for inspiration or productivity.
Backgrounds
A backdrop is one of the key components in any studio setting, serving to both manage lighting and color within the shooting space and set the atmosphere for each shoot. A good background can make or break a portrait session; therefore, investing in high-quality options is vital.
Home photography studios tend to be located in spare rooms, basements or garages; as such many photographers opt for collapsible backdrops that can easily be stored when not in use. Lastolite’s rolled seamless backgrounds are one such solution. Other reusable options like vinyl may also work; for more durable options consider fabrics like muslin and velvet that need steaming before every use in order to reduce wrinkles.
Backdrops come in all sizes and colors imaginable, from seamless paper backdrops that can be found for less than $10 to hand-painted canvas backdrops from GravityBackdrops that give a unique feel. For an enhanced professional image, consider investing in an 8ft tall by 4ft long background; these sizes make a statement when photographed for headshots or 3/4 length portraits.
Vinyl backdrops are another popular option, providing a solid surface without shadows on the subject. For a more natural-looking background, consider painting one wall of your studio in neutral hues for better contrast between subject and background; busy scenes should be avoided as these could distract from subject and create mergers.
When selecting a home photography studio backdrop, take into account both the type of subjects you typically shoot as well as your budget. If you primarily photograph food or products, investing in vinyl backdrops which provide realistic textures without incurring extra costs such as those associated with canvas.
Your choice of backdrop depends entirely upon the type of images you wish to capture; there are various options available that should meet any need. If budget is an issue, portable backdrop support systems featuring pole pockets and spring clamps might be best as they keep backdrops taut without creasing and shadowing issues. These affordable tools can be found at most hardware stores and will hold taut without creating unwanted creases and shadows in photos.
Editing
Home photo studios may lack some of the amenities found in larger commercial studios, but that doesn’t make them any less productive or versatile. Home studios may even provide photographers with a more relaxed workspace who prefer working from home rather than having to pack up and transport all their gear each time they shoot.
As part of your initial steps in home photography, consider which kind of photography you intend to practice at home and the kind of space and equipment requirements this will necessitate. Product photography generally requires less space than portraiture but may need more specialized props; lighting needs will vary; natural sunlight through windows is one option while more advanced lights such as LED or strobes may also be essential depending on your home studio setup.
Home studio photography also requires post-processing images, often called post-editing. You have various software programs at your disposal for editing purposes – Photoshop and Lightroom among them – that allow for improved quality outputs. Finding one suitable to your needs and enabling you to produce the highest-quality pictures possible should be your goal.
Storage solutions for equipment and props should also be prioritized, and can include any room of your home that could serve as an ideal storage location or an inexpensive unit capable of holding all of them.
Alongside these essentials, having a quality camera is also key when setting up your home photo studio. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a high-resolution sensor will produce optimal results; also make sure that you purchase an assortment of lenses to accommodate various forms of photography. A tripod may help keep the camera steady so your hands are freed for editing photos later on.