How To: Setup a Home Studio

"Let's take some pictures," she said.

"Where?" I asked.

"Here." She said.

So we moved the two ottomans, the coffee table, the side table, the recliner, and the entire couch to make room in our 700 sq. foot apartment. And, took pictures off the wall. Then, built a home photo studio - using everything from a bar stool to a six pack of TP and a punctuation book.

The studio: two Profoto B2 heads on light stands, a Glow EZ Lock 28"x39" Softbox as key, an umbrella, and a reflector (held in place by a wooden spoon). 

Building a home studio is simply about two things:

1. Use the gear you have in the space you have.

If you have a large bay window with late afternoon sunlight diffused through the tree in the yard. You have the photographer's dream. But, if you live in a basement apartment with virtually no natural light, look around. Do you have an exposed brick wall and a speed light? Amazing! Use it. Do you have garish yellow light exposed bulbs? Use it!

Of all seven of the walls in our little apartment, I picked a clean section with light grey paint. Then used it. It almost functions as a seamless backdrop, unless you get really close to the images. I then set up my lights to get the feel that I was looking for.

Easy-peasy. Until we had to move the couch back.

 

2. Get creative. 

No matter where you are, you can shape light, create contrast, and pose your subject to get the results you are looking for.

The Results:

Brad Kehr specializes in weddings, portraits, and events. He enjoys exploring life and sharing what he finds through the lens. You can catch his website at www.bradkehrphotography.com, follow him on Twitter (@bradkehrphoto), Instagram (@bradkehrphotography and @bradkehrphotography.landscapes) or find him on Facebook.