Any ideas without a studio?

[danameless]

I have a question for those who do studio portraits/glamour/fashion/nudes/etc.

I am new to photography and been learning and practicing for the past few months and want to build a portfolio. However, I don't have the space/money for a studio right now and having difficulty finding models to shoot a session without a studio. I have no problem finding models to work with, but once I mention that I do not have a studio, they are no longer interested.

So my question is how did you guys start out? Any ideas/tips/recommendations when I don't have an access to a studio? Did you run into this problem and if so, how did you get around it?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

EDIT: Mods, not sure where to put this so please move if this doesn't belong here.

[Karl Johnston]

Don't shoot stupid models :D just kidding..first question is how are you approaching people about doing a photoshoot? Lots of photogs have rented spaces or home studios, or shoot on location. Myself I rent an empty space. This is generally all you need - typically you will need a good 15x20' and at least 8 foot-12 foot ceilings (ideally, though many people work with far less...I like to have the space).

A spare bedroom or your own basement with a studio set up, a garage...a lot of people do this (professionals too). Some convert a part of their homes into a space. I'm willing to bet that over 90% of portrait photographers do not have brick and mortar studios so the 2nd thing that comes up is where are you shopping for models?

[Patrick]

Honestly, some of the best shots I've seen on this forum are location shoots.
All of the portrait work I do is location shooting.
I do have plans for a studio when ever I get around to putting the addition on to the house.

[badgerdid]

Cant you hire a local hall, village hall school hall etc for a couple of hours there usually cheap to rent.

[Biffbradford]

Don't know where you live, but do you have a half dozen or more locations scoped out ahead of time? Then I suppose it's all about how you present your 'proposition'. "Oh, I *LOVE* that place! Yeah, let's shoot there!"

[JayCee Images]

You dont need an actual studio to take outstanding studio style shots. A simple backdrop stand(Calumet sells a decent one for about 100 dollars), some different backdrops(muslin, sheets, seamless paper, etc), some seating(benches, couches, stools, etc) and a couple speed or mono lights and your set.

For years, i set mine up in my living room or garage. Most experienced models will be quite comfortable in just about any setting as long as they know you can deliver good quality images in the end. Put an ad on Craigslist expressing your interest in shooting models but explain in your ad that you are trying to venture into this business so the shoots might be "budget oriented"...i did this to build my portfolio and had litterally hundreds of responses in a couple days with models that would have been thrilled to just have their picture taken. Offer to free prints(inexpensive ones of course) made for their time. I would usually give an 8x10 or a couple 5x7's and a sheet of wallets of the better shots for their time with the option to buy more if they wanted.

Its all in how you market yourself...come across as a professional and your clients really wont care if your shooting in a basement with a P&S or a full blown studio with the latest and greatest gear. Most of them havent a clue or care what good gear looks like anyway... :p

[NeverFollow]

Some places rent out their studios

[danameless]

Don't shoot stupid models :D just kidding..first question is how are you approaching people about doing a photoshoot? Lots of photogs have rented spaces or home studios, or shoot on location. Myself I rent an empty space. This is generally all you need - typically you will need a good 15x20' and at least 8 foot-12 foot ceilings (ideally, though many people work with far less...I like to have the space).

A spare bedroom or your own basement with a studio set up, a garage...a lot of people do this (professionals too). Some convert a part of their homes into a space. I'm willing to bet that over 90% of portrait photographers do not have brick and mortar studios so the 2nd thing that comes up is where are you shopping for models?

I live in a 1-bedroom apartment so unfortunately, I don't have the space to really set up a make-shift studio. Trust me, I've thought about it and in the end, just was not feasible. As for the models, I've approached mainly through craigslist and MM.

Don't know where you live, but do you have a half dozen or more locations scoped out ahead of time? Then I suppose it's all about how you present your 'proposition'. "Oh, I *LOVE* that place! Yeah, let's shoot there!"

I'm in NYC. Yup, I have a few ideas I want to do on location and have thrown the idea out, but no luck yet. Maybe NYC has more weirdos that other cities LOL!

You dont need an actual studio to take outstanding studio style shots. A simple backdrop stand(Calumet sells a decent one for about 100 dollars), some different backdrops(muslin, sheets, seamless paper, etc), some seating(benches, couches, stools, etc) and a couple speed or mono lights and your set.

For years, i set mine up in my living room or garage. Most experienced models will be quite comfortable in just about any setting as long as they know you can deliver good quality images in the end. Put an ad on Craigslist expressing your interest in shooting models but explain in your ad that you are trying to venture into this business so the shoots might be "budget oriented"...i did this to build my portfolio and had litterally hundreds of responses in a couple days with models that would have been thrilled to just have their picture taken. Offer to free prints(inexpensive ones of course) made for their time. I would usually give an 8x10 or a couple 5x7's and a sheet of wallets of the better shots for their time with the option to buy more if they wanted.

Its all in how you market yourself...come across as a professional and your clients really wont care if your shooting in a basement with a P&S or a full blown studio with the latest and greatest gear. Most of them havent a clue or care what good gear looks like anyway... :p

I don't think it's a problem with my approach or how I try to market, but the responses generally stop once I mention that I did not have a studio. As I've noted, getting a response or interest isn't the problem, it's actually setting up a session once I am upfront about not having a studio.

Some places rent out their studios

I've thought about it and already checked - there are plenty of places that rent out studios (or studio-like spaces), but I was hoping to get some experience and build up some-what of a portfolio before I started renting out spaces. Since I am still very new to the game, I was hoping to get more shooting under my belt first. Also, the places I seen here required a 2 or 3hr minimum time, starting at $100-$150/an hour so it can get pretty expensive.

[Karl Johnston]

I live in a 1-bedroom apartment so unfortunately, I don't have the space to really set up a make-shift studio. Trust me, I've thought about it and in the end, just was not feasible. As for the models, I've approached mainly through craigslist

There's the issue right there.

[JayCee Images]

There's the issue right there.

Whats wrong with CL? Ive had TONS of work come from there...

[danameless]

There's the issue right there.

Well, I said I've used craigslist AND MM - what other resources do you recommend then?

Whats wrong with CL? Ive had TONS of work come from there...

Same here. I've gotten a few jobs before through craigslist like a baby shower, birthday parties, engagement session, etc. Is there something wrong with using CL as a resource?

[Karl Johnston]

Nothing but scams and lowballers on CL.

[jra]

MM has always been a good resource for me. Check out local parks and rec centers for location use. Find newer models who are just getting started on building a portfolio...they usually won't be as picky about having a studio...on the other hand, they won't usually be as talented as a seasoned model.
When it comes to talking with potential models, don't come right out and say that you don't have a studio....say something more along the lines "I have several locations where I shoot....." and go on to describe them (of course you'll need to scout out some locations).

[JayCee Images]

Nothing but scams and lowballers on CL.

Sorry, but thats BS and couldnt be further from the truth... :rolleyes:

[Karl Johnston]

Suit yourself
lowballers...
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/crs/1498841785.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/crs/1500162987.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/crs/1499496175.html

just a bit weird..
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/bar/1496190046.html

everyone i talk to who ever tried to get a rented place on CL ended up getting scammed..myself included, nearly.

[PhotosGuy]

I have no problem finding models to work with, but once I mention that I do not have a studio, they are no longer interested.
Try to get some shots to show them so that a studio isn't an issue anymore?
VERY simple "outdoor studio" (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=122297) It doesn't get any easier than this.

Angeline outdoors (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=483975)

[aroundlsu]

I have a moderate sized studio and access to very large sound stages, however I rarely use them for photography. I much prefer to go out and shoot on location. Sure it's nice to have the model come by for a visit and show her around a nice studio but I got by for a long time without any kind of studio at all.

The one thing that will get you a parade of never ending free models is a Model Mayhem portfolio of nice pictures. And by nice I mean, NICE. Professional hair, makeup, a few unique locations, excellent lighting, etc.

The other thing that will work if you don't have a portfolio yet is offering to pay them.