Need opinion/advice on home studio

[sarah kruger]

Hi, I am new to this site and I really need some honest opinions and/or advice. I have been doing on-location shooting for about 5 years now and while I love still doing that for natural light shots, I'm starting to find it very painful with studio because of having to take all my equipment with me. I would absolutely love to have a home studio, and I do have the space. Here's the catch. The space I have is in my basement, which is unfinished. I am currently moving my office down there, and was wanting to get people's opinions in using the space for a studio as well. We really don't have the money right now to finish the basement off, and don't foresee when we will. Do you think it would be unprofessional to have a studio in an unfinished basement? Is there anyone who has done this and what has the response been from paying customers?Thanks,
Sarah

[Gary_Evans]

So long as its clean and tidy I dont think you will have too much problem. Maybe paint all the walls and ceiling white to make it look brighter and cleaner - will help with your lighting too!

fwiw, I use the back of my office if I have to shoot a portrait and no-one has ever passed comment. They might have thought it, but never said anything!! :lol::lol:

[John Mireles]

I'd say work with what you've got. Try it and see! What do you have to lose?

John

[NFRs2000NYC]

You dont have to finish it with a nice floor tile, but a couple of sheets of drywall and 2 gallons of paint wont set you back that much. Like others said, it will help with your lighting, and make it look more professional. Total cost would be $200 to paint/drywall a 12'x12' area.

[PhotosGuy]

Welcome to POTN!

You don't say what the studio would be for. If for products, it would probably be OK, but for people, I don't think you'll have enough height for people to stand & get the lights where you need them. You can see what I mean here: Simple 2 Light Portrait Set-up (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=128857)