Room enough for Studio setup

[Dare1325]

I want to setup a small studio in my spare room. I've saved some money for studio lighting and backdrops and perhaps another lens. My big concern before I make that investment is the size of the room: 12' x 13' with an 8' ceiling. What are your thoughts regarding that room size and what lighting equipment would you recommend. I've a 20D with 17-40L and 50 1.8. By the way, the room is painted white with dark green carpet. Thanks!

[Mike Panic]

your gonna be extremely cramped, to say the least, unless you plan on doing small scale product shots or macro work

if you intend on shooting people...get a friend or family member in there and hvae them stand about a foot away from the wall, now you stand as far away as you can and look at them thru your viewfinder... you'll prob find your shooting between 17-24mm or so on your lens. lighting will also be a huge issue since shadows are bound to hit nearly every surface

[JohnEBongo]

I think it depends on what kind of photography you are going to be doing. I just finished my space which is only a little bigger than yours. See it here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=57943
I also had carpet, but replaced it with Pergo. I am planning on doing mostly kid photography and portraits. Some full lenth and group work would be difficult for me. I think if you know what you want to do and work within the size limitations of the space you will be fine.'

John

[Dare1325]

Thanks for the info. Would you guys recommend I paint the walls a dark color? John, is the pergo on the floor only for convenience? I want to shoot children and perhaps small family groups, portraits, maybe seniors. But I can see that full length might be difficult.

[JohnEBongo]

I went with the Pergo mainly because I am using paper backdrops and I wanted a smooth, solid surface under it to keep wrinkles, holes etc from damaging the paper.

[w10d]

Would you guys recommend I paint the walls a dark color? .

Probably. But before you do, have a good play around with lighting, especially if you're lucky enough to have good daylight. I sometimes test models in my flat, using a room that's painted white. It's great for soft beauty lighting, but much harder to use with very controlled light - it just wants to bounce everywhere! But if you paint the walls dark, you may then find you use more & more reflectors. Try to find what suits your style before you open the paint tins.

The reason I mentioned daylight is that good daylight studios are generally painted white; when you've got good natural daylight in a space you normally don't want to dampen it with dark walls.

HTH

[Avalonthas]

i dont think it will suit any type of medilling. However macro would be accomplishable.

[dlhedg]

I am in the process ofbuilding a studio and also need help I have a 18x24 room. I need ideas on lighting and also colors can you all please help.

thanks
dan h

[Mike Panic]

dan - get 2, preferably 3 strobes, a backdrop stand or fasten a way to hang paper from the wall or ceiling... and you've got the goods :)

one strobe for front, one for hair and one for background illumination

[cactusclay]

One main light (key) one fill light and or background /hair light.

[w10d]

I am in the process ofbuilding a studio and also need help I have a 18x24 room. I need ideas on lighting and also colors can you all please help.


What type of photography are you most interested in doing in the studio?
Do you have the chance to use daylight?

[dlhedg]

what brand of lighting would you all prefer something not very expensive. But not cheap either. I am planning on senior pictures. and family portraits

thanks
for all the help
dan h

[w10d]

Can't help you much with brands, what's available depends where you are & we're not on the same continent.

Over here Elinchrom were selling the 500 monoblocs with a basic kit at very good prices, as the design was very old and still in production despite newer ranges being available.

[Mike Panic]

brand - alienbees - b800's are $279 - if you are a student (of any kind, at any school) and have a valid photo id they will give you a 10% discount