Building an in-house photo studio
Our article on the Swiss Watch and a number of other references
to our in-house photography studio has promped a wave of inquiries from readers.
Since Dennis Curtin is presenting an elegant presentation on digital photography
for us, it seemed only fitting that we share some of our experiences down here in
the trenches.
__ For years we've done
our own in-house photography when it came to small objects, products or details within
the scope of our home-made studio. Early on I learned many tricks while working with
Master Photographer Hubert Gentry -- whom I still rely on once the job goes
beyond 35mm format. Sometimes I need a particularly spectacular results that I just
can't get this side of New York -- so I call Hubert.
__ An In-house studio,
or "Desktop Studio" is not difficult to set up, nor should it cost you
very much. Don't think for a minute that this is the complete and full story. It's
only meant to give you the basics that I know will work for you. There are hundreds
of variations on this subject and I expect to hear from those of you who have similar
studios. Let's
hear your tips too!
Four rules for an in-house photo studio:
- Don't bite off more than you can chew. Set up to handle only that which will fit comfortably onto a tabletop. Once you leave the realm of objects larger than about 2-feet cube you're asking for trouble or a huge expense in equipment. For many of our clients who manufacture small objects the tabletop is perfect. For larger objects, furniture, people, automobiles and elephants we urge you to hire a professional, you won't be sorry.
- Plan to be mobile. You won't want the rig hanging around all the time -- unless you have hundreds of shots to do. We've used hooks and various pulleys attached to the ceiling over our 4' x 8' work table as the staging area. Lights, reflectors, and tents can all be suspended and adjusted from the ceiling.
- Test, test, test. (Then go back and test again!) Let me make a sober note at this point. From the first shot in your new in-house photo studio keep a notebook. Note the object, its distance from the backdrop, where the lights are and what combinations of reflectors you used. This info will come in very handy once your name gets around and the big clients start knocking on your door.
- Repeat after me: "Lighting is everything." With the right lighting even some of the lower cost cameras will do a surprising job. Say it again: "Lighting is everything."
Okay... let's build an in-house studio.
You'll need a good, sturdy tripod, extension cords and a switch box to run the
lights remotely. You'll also want an assortment of various clamps, some clay, and
don't forget the Duct Tape.
__ You may also want to pull up the Diagram in a second window and keep it handy. We'll be referring
to it throughout the piece. Additionally there's a bill
of materials in case you get serious about this project.
You'll need a lot of other stuff ... like lights.
| Introduction | Diffusers & Reflectors | Building the photo studio |
| Lighting & Snoots | Backdrops | Okay... now we're ready to shoot. |
... please continue
 |
Note: following this story is a series of photo shoots with examples of our in-house studio techniques. We've placed pages with a shot, but the articles aren't done (as of 9805) so you'll want to return. Be sure to catch the Design & Publishing Center Newsletter mailings for announcements. And, be sure to check out Dennis Curtin's Short Course on Digital Photography.
__ Over the past 20 or so years here at Showker Graphic Arts & Design, probably 30% of 7,000+ completed projects have involved studio model or product photography. We have three filing cabinets filled with samples waiting to pass them along to you over the months to come.
