Studio space.../ how much do I need?

[Elizabeth44]

So, I am making the leap into studio photography. I have done mostly equestrian to this point.
I want to turn a room in my house into a studio. If I have a backdrop and basic lighting set up, how much space do I need. My office right now isn't that big.
Will it work? Anyone have some basic measurments they could give me?
Thanks so much in advance!

[DocFrankenstein]

You need room for your subjects, lights,the background and the camera with yourself in there.

[Elizabeth44]

Well, obviously...;) But since I have never seen how much room a bckdrop stand and light stands takes up and how far away I need to have them to the subject and how far away the subject is to the bckdrop etc. I was just looking for a general room size that would be "ideal".
Thanks again!:cool:

[DocFrankenstein]

It depends on the subject then, doesn't it?

[ssim]

Most home offices tend to be an extra bedroom convertered. If this is what you are using and it is standard sized you might get away with enough space to do single portraits and this might only be head and shoulders.

The space that I have is 22'X13' and I sometimes find it not quite wide enough. I like to be able to move my lighting back on the sides and this doesn't allow it for a group larger than 3 or 4. The larger space also allows for greater control of the lighting. In a smaller space you will get the light bouncing off of all the walls and is sometimes more difficult to control it if you don't want this. This can also work to your advantage as well in this area.

You can get away with alot less space than I have. You want to feel comfortable. You don't want to have to shoot your subjects with a wide angle lens which puts you up "in their face". It makes your subject feel uncomfortable not to mention the potential for lens distortion.

I tried one other room in my house which was 15x11 and it worked ok but I still had trouble doing full length shots with the focal length I wanted.

I hope that this is of some assistance to you. What is the size of the room that you are considering?

[PhotosGuy]

how much space do I need. At least one horse wide? :D

OK, one important factor is height so you have some room to work with. Ideally at least 9-10', but more would be better. (Bigger is always better.)
OTOH, this basement was only 6' 2" & worked OK for one person.
Simple 2 Light Portrait Set-up (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=128857)

[Elizabeth44]

Thanks Sheldon, that really helps me to figure out which room I should be using.
LOL Frank, that's a measurement I can relate to!
The room I wanted to use is going to be way too small. It's just that my house is more open concept. The bedroom's are filled with children, so that's not an option. So I've decided the best room I have is one that I have 22 feet in width and 19 feet in length. The ceiling is cathedral, 15ft. I really like this room as it has a ton of natural light. Will this ever work against me? Do I need to consider getting blinds?
I can't wait to get started. I have alot to learn but I'm looking forward to it.
Cheers!

[PhotosGuy]

Will this ever work against me? Do I need to consider getting blinds? Blinds are a good idea, even if it faces north. Canada get's the same lovely weather that we do, which means sun/clouds/rain/sun/clouds... all in the same 2 hour period, & you may not want overcast WB light seeping in on things you decide to use incandescent light on. Best to have full control.
15' should work out great, too.