Question about choosing a loft studio to rent (North or South facing)

[ariadnesnoose]

I shoot headshots for actors in Los Angeles and I'm looking for a live/work loft to rent. My lighting scheme has typically been comprised of large north facing windows, reflectors and I sometimes use a 580 exII for the background. I love the quality of light that I get from the north. However, I am constantly having to shoot at higher ISO's than I would like (400-800 typically) especially on cloudy/overcast days. I shoot with the original 5D, which is very good at high ISO but I would love to have more light to work with so as to have more flexibility with aperature/shutter speed/ISO. Regarding lenses, I typically shoot with either the 135L F2 or the 85 1.8.

So here is my question: If I were to rent a studio with large South facing windows (much more light) would I be able to easily replicate the "quality of light" that I get from the north by using diffusion, feathering, reflectors etc...or will I forever be fighting an uphill battle? By quality of light from a north-facing window, I think that I am referring to the very diffuse, wrapping, yet directional light that creates open shadows, 3D looking contours, mellow highlights etc...

I ask the question about South light and not West or East because I want to have relatively constant light quality throughout the day so as to minimize my studio work while maximizing my shooting time...I guess that leaves me with the options of North or South windows.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Curtis N]

A north window is an awesome way to light a portrait, when the weather cooperates. The first softboxes introduced were called "Northlights", and were sold as a way to simulate that type of lighting.

There is one studio in my area that claims to have the only studio with a north facing window in town.

Which is mostly advertising hype, since a good photographer can simulate window light pretty well with either a large softbox or diffusion screen and strobe. You can do pretty well just bouncing light off a white wall. Heck, hang up a white sheet and blast a strobe into it.

You can diffuse direct sunlight in a south window the same way, but you'll still be at the mercy of the weather.

When you learn to create your own light, you won't need to worry about mother nature's constantly changing conditions. You can even work after sundown!

Note: If you live south of the tropic of capricorn, replace the word "north" with the word "south" in the preceeding message.

[Titus213]

The first thing my wife noted when she walked in to our living room - north light for my studio. And that's where the studio is - she's a painter. I shoot in the garage and actually prefer no windows.