Build my studio!

ok guys after convincing my parents I'll be the next celebrity photographer, they've allowed me to convert the guest bedroom into my personal studio.

Dimension are kinda small though =( ... 12ft x 13ft and 8ft ceiling (3.7m x 4m and 2.4m high ceiling) and camera is a 350D.

so inspired by weka2000's Lets build a studio thread, I've decided to post some pictures of my room and have you guys help me choose a lighting set up to take people portraits. My budget is $800-$1,000 but of course less is better.

Before the pictures, I should ask -will a studio be possible in such a small space?

I went to walmart and got a bunch of black fabric I could hang wall to wall to prevent light from bouncing off everywhere and perhaps using 53" (135cm) seamless paper for backdrop? I'm thinking 50mm for waist up portraits and using my 10-22 wide angle for creative full body shots?

Here's the room (taken at 10mm –so it's even smaller than it appears):

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Congratulations Dude on convincing your parents. Mind you if my son announced he was going to start up glamour photography in the spare room I think I'd be pretty enthusiastic. (Unlikely at the moment as he is 10).

Please bare in mind I know nothing, but I might be more inclined to shoot the other way as:-

1. Backdrop will cover the cupboard doors (looks nicer)
2. More use of available window light
3. Model can see the shots on the PC if you shoot tethered
4 More available width to place lights, props etc. as desk isn't in the way.

Good subject! I'd like to hear more, and see what kind of lighting, etc etc, and what/where to buy

dude, good luck with your future setup, and welcome to the forum!

I, too, know NOTHING when it comes to lighting, so your guess is as good as mine

whats your budget?

canonboy wrote in post #2658874
whats your budget?

He said in his post between 800-1000 dollars, which is probably what I'd spend.

And is this just on lighting and accesories or does this include props? tbh that budget *400 - 500 pounds* aint a lot, cos by time u brought lighting you wont have much left unless you go second hand.

DWMC-

This is a small space, but it will probably get you started. Here's a list of key items and some bonus items on the cheap side. In the long run, you will do more of your shooting at a location or outside, so don't spend to much on studio background systems.

-Scott

2 AB800 Strobes
2 10' light stands
1 Large Photoflex Softbox
2 umbrellas
I Multi reflector/diffuser
Ebay radio trigger
Backround paper system hung on wall
Canon 50/f1.8 lens

Bonus-
2 additional AB800
ABR800 ringlight
Vagabond battery

I think in that size room, he could get away with B400 lights, saving him at least a good $100. I'd second hanging the paper on the wall with brackets found at any hardware store, to save you another 100+ bucks on a background support system. Agreed on the nifty fifty, it'll be great for head and shoulder shots in that room.

One thing to remember is that there's no way you're gonna get the recommended subject/background separation (6-8'), so plan on that with your light setup.

Two AB800 will work in such small room? It's not too much? Or it's possible to adjust two AB800 - controlling power intensity, using softboxes, umbrellas and so on - in such way to get total control of light intensity in such space? And four AB800?

It's possible to arrange the photographer, the model, a large soft-box (or two), an umbrella and a reflector in such space?

And what about the distance from camera to the subject? This distance it's not too short for an 50mm in a cropped body?

Finally, what about full body shots in this room?


_

sspellman wrote in post #2659738
DWMC-

This is a small space, but it will probably get you started. Here's a list of key items and some bonus items on the cheap side. In the long run, you will do more of your shooting at a location or outside, so don't spend to much on studio background systems.

-Scott

2 AB800 Strobes
2 10' light stands
1 Large Photoflex Softbox
2 umbrellas
I Multi reflector/diffuser
Ebay radio trigger
Backround paper system hung on wall
Canon 50/f1.8 lens

Bonus-
2 additional AB800
ABR800 ringlight
Vagabond battery

good setup although id take my f/1.4 against the f/1.8 anyday and would get some barn doors for fill light

AB400's would work fine in that room. AB800 easily work. I call AlienBees, they deal with these questions all the time. They are great and will work something out for you. Ditto on bracket the background seamless paper on the wall. Get the AB800 if you shoot outdoors, or any any other biger enviorment. If your restricted to that room, then AB400 will work, but I would call AB still, they are great.

I don't me to be an old classics kind of guy, but I'm an old classics kind of guy You've got that beautiful light coming in for free. Take down the blinds put up some cheap sheer white fabric just to smooth it out and get some white, silver, and gold foam core as reflectors and some black as gobo/flags and "Bob's your uncle". Unless you're only going to shoot at night.

Bobs your uncle! Thats awesome! I really like that idea!

What about a light or two from the ceiling for fill light?