Hiring a Studio - what should I expect?

A bit of background first. When my daughter was about one we had a photoset of her taken by a professional photographer (http://www.desifontain​e.co.uk/) . Since then, we've had a son and it's almost his first birthday. My wife would like some photos of him taken as well. I've been taking pictures of the children for the last 6-9 months and as I have got better, so my number of keepers has increased.

It's got to the point where my wife has suggested hiring a studio for a session to see if I can take some photos of the children. If this does not work out (she doesn't like the results) then we'll go the professional photographer route. I'm keen to give this a go, but am unsure about how to approach this and what to expect. Regarding equipment, do studios provide lighting/backdrops/etc as a matter of course? If they provide lighting, do I have to concern my self with syncing to the camera? I'm coming to this totally cold and have no idea what I’m letting myself in for.

I have a 350D, 70-200 2.8 IS L, 50 1.8, Sigma 24-70 2.8, Tokina 12-24, the kit lens and 550EX flash which should be more than enough.

The types of shot's I'd like to take are mainly portraiture, similar to those of Desi, and perhaps some "action" shots with props.

I’m based on the SW London area, so any recommendations would also be appreciated.

If you have the 350D, you will need a hot sync to use the studio lights. Depending on the studio lights you are using will determine if you can use a $20 hot sync or if you need the $60 one to protect the camera. The hot sync goes on top of the camera.

I know that some studios provide lights, some have them for rent and the rest are bring your own - so check with studio.

A studio should have backdrops, that is kind of the point of renting/hiring a studio.

Look for a studio with a changing room for last minute hair/makeup adjustments.

That is all the help I can provide other then in my local area the rates run from $100 a day to $100 an hour. From a budget perspective plan on at least 2-3 hours for set up and picture taking if not a whole day.

Thanks Longwatcher, I've corrected the lens error.

I guessed I would need at least 1/2 a day to take the photos. I don't think the children will last any longer. I've looked at a few studios and some seem to have extra backdrops to rent, others don't mention anything. I'll have to do my homework.

Why rent a studio? You would be better off just renting the lighting equipment from a camera shop and do the shots at home. It is simple enough to rig up a make shift background on the cheap with sheets, paper or perhaps a wall in your home might work? You will save some money, be able to play with the lights over night or over a weekend which will afford you the time to get the light just right. Also the kids will be in their own environment and be more relaxed and natural. Just my two cents.

kkent25 wrote in post #2137947
Why rent a studio? You would be better off just renting the lighting equipment from a camera shop and do the shots at home. It is simple enough to rig up a make shift background on the cheap with sheets, paper or perhaps a wall in your home might work? You will save some money, be able to play with the lights over night or over a weekend which will afford you the time to get the light just right. Also the kids will be in their own environment and be more relaxed and natural. Just my two cents.

I agree. I rent elinchromes are 20 bucks a piece for the day and experiment with that.

VERY simple "outdoor studio"
It doesn't get any easier than this.

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