ideal studio size

[SezzySue]

What is your ideal studio size? Make sure to account for light stands, room to move. Nothing big enough for vehicles but a portrait studio.

[yogestee]

Sarah,,whats important in a studio is room to move and ceiling height.. Nothing is worse than being crammed into a small studio with subject and a pile of flashes, stands, reflectors etc..

Whats important also is a space between the subject and backdrop for placing back lights, hairlights and getting the subject far enough from the backdrop so it doesn't cast a shadow..

Portraits are best shot using a short tele lens to flatter the subject so you need a bit of room behind you so at the least you can shoot a 3/4 using a short tele lens.. What about group shots??

Width,, room to place your stands etc so you get perfect lighting control, and ceiling height to shoot above the subject if needed and to full extend your stands with a brolly etc mounted..

In short,, the bigger the better..The minimum size for me would be around 6 metres by 4 metres with 4 metre ceiling..

[kjtw73]

My former studio space (I miss it) was about 20 feet long, 15 feet wide and had a 15 foot ceiling. The only thing that I would change would be to expand the width a few feet. Also, there was an annoying jet right in the middle where a wall used to be (couldn't knock out the entire wall because it was structural...LoL...I said to the contractor, "so, it is annoying"). So, that would be MY ideal for a potrait studio.

As far as what is needed, well, enough room to setup and shoot. I have a makeshift studio setup in my living room. The only thing that I wish was different was the flooring (carpet sucks). The living room has enough space to setup my bg and lights and has a vaulted ceiling, so plenty of room there. I actually shoot from the kitchen into the living room, so plenty of space that way. The dimensions you ask? My living room is 14' wide by 15' deep. I shoot from about 19' from the back wall (and the bg is about 2' from there, so about 17' from the bg). So, I guess I have a decent size space...if the dang bar wasn't right in the way...

[SezzySue]

wow 20x15x15 that is awesome.

I am in a spare room in my house and its only 10x12 and its too small but its all I have. I can't wait to have a place just for photos that has space for all its accessories.

[AdrianeCale]

My current studio is 21.5ftx15ft with10.5ft high ceilings. My viewing room/office is 15x15, and is right off the studio.

But I've shot in a 10x5 foot room before, and had a family of 4 and my assistant in the room with me, and believe me, it's not comfortable.

The more space the better, but work with what you've got, and don't break the bank trying to get something bigger.

[kjtw73]

My current studio is 21.5ftx15ft with10.5ft high ceilings. My viewing room/office is 15x15, and is right off the studio.

But I've shot in a 10x5 foot room before, and had a family of 4 and my assistant in the room with me, and believe me, it's not comfortable.

The more space the better, but work with what you've got, and don't break the bank trying to get something bigger.


I agree...also, I have moved my studio outdoors...do most of my portraits on location now...

[superstes]

Me and a business partner have just hired a factory unit, 1300 square meters, I think my studio will be a little lost in there.

I think making it 6x8 meters with a 4 meter ceiling should be OK, I can extend it too 8x10 meters, but not sure if there is a need, what do you guys think, would 6X8 be enough, it will be for full body and group shots up to 6 people.

we can also get cars and vans in there too :D

Steve

[Wilt]

What is your ideal studio size? Make sure to account for light stands, room to move. Nothing big enough for vehicles but a portrait studio.


10-12' ceiling Height first!

Then for shooting Length...
~ 2-3' for the background and stands
~ 5-6' for subject separation from b/g
~ 2' for subject standing or sitting
~ 7-10' for camera-to-subject
~ 3' for tripod space
~ 3' for photographer to walk behind camera

That adds up to 22' - 24' length

Then for Width...
...assuming softbox usage
...assuming the space to accomodate family groups 4-6 people (up to 4 across, so two rows)
...assuming 30mm FL at 10' distance to subject, provides for a 3/4 length standing shot

~ 6-8' laterally for lights, hairlight booms, etc. and space to walk around to adjust
~ 6-8' for the subject width
~ 6' additional background width needed to fill FOV of 30mm lens 16' away

That takes up to 15-20'

Notice how the 24' x 20' x 12' 'minimum' compares well to Adriane's studio size and the desire for just a bit more space.