Setting up a studio with minimal space

I'm curious what some of you guys have done. I live in NYC and my apartment is pretty much a shoebox. I have very little space in the living room (like 9'x9'x9' but I have furniture) and I don't really think it is ideal to set up a studio there. So for someone in my situation what do you guys usually do? Do you:

- Go out and rent a studio (I'm assuming this won't be cheap)?
- Ask to borrow friend's/family's space for a one-off studio setup?
- Mainly keep most of your shots outside (does this require a permit)?

I'm still very new at this but I just want to see what direction I should take before I purchase any studio equipment. I was checking out on the AB digibee packages ($599) but would appreciate other suggestions. My goal right now is just to take shots of friends and hopefully later on move onto models on Model Mayhem type sites. Trying to accomplish this sometime in the next 4-6 months. Thanks!

You could hang background rolls from the ceiling (as opposed to using bulky background stands) and use umbrella/strobes that can easily be stashed when not in use. You can use most of this gear later on location if you want to move in that direction while you play and learn now.

You can also shoot on location (NYC is a fun place for that!) which doesn't require a permit (you're not shooting a movie, blocking traffic, etc.). But it's a good chunk of gear to haul about; a rolling case would be a really good idea, IMO.

Depends on what you want to shoot, really. You could go the "Strobist" route also.

I use a Lastolite Hi-Lite and an Elinchrom D-Lite 4 kit to shoot in different locations and it all fits in three small bags and assembles to this

That's a nice setup boarderfox but honestly I'm not sure I have enough room for that.

I guess for now I'll pretty much have to shoot on location. So I probably need something relatively compact for that too I guess. What are the basics that I will need if I don't have an assistant? Umbrella/strobe and maybe just the flash to use as a fill?

Double Negative, you seem like an experienced photog in NYC. Do you know if it is easy to sort of find assistant gigs for other NYC photogs who shoots portraits/glamour? Just wanted to see if I can find an opportunity to learn firsthand.

If you don't have a speedlite try one of those first. I bought one and the off camera cord and then did the DIY to extend the cord while retaining ettl and it works great. Changes everything about photography for me...

lmulderi wrote in post #5836334
If you don't have a speedlite try one of those first. I bought one and the off camera cord and then did the DIY to extend the cord while retaining ettl and it works great. Changes everything about photography for me...

I have a speedlite (580EXII). Definitely thinking about buying a sync cord so I don't have to be forced to used it on the hot shoe.

Sync cords get the job done, but you lose E-TTL and you're now tethered. Go with a RadioPopper, or ST-E2 or such. Both wireless and maintain E-TTL. If you can live without E-TTL (which isn't a bad thing really) you can go with cheaper slave devices.

I have a Website that I used to go through for creative spots in NYC, but don't have it handy - I'll have to see if I can dig it up at home. You could always peruse the craigslist site under "gigs" here:

creative
event
adult

Yeah if you could dig it up that would be great. I'm always a little sketched out by CL but I'll definitely give that a look. Thanks!

I dug it up... It was called the New York New Media Assoc. (NYNMA), but apparently they shut down. Their Website is defunct and the fat lady is singin' on this one. Dang. Sorry, man.