photography studio lighting setup how to

photography studio lighting setup how to

Often a beginning professional photographer must do with a single large space to set up a new portrait studio. It must contain a reception and display area, a dressing room, an office, and of course, a camera room.

The camera room must be able to accommodate large families, various groups and the typical wedding party with bride and groom. These demands require a background wall of at least sixteen feet wide for a group portrait without wall shadows. The background wall can be covered with floor to ceiling drapes of a solid color in a muted shade. Colors that have worked well in the past are gray/green, light gray, blue/gray and wine red. The drapes should part in the middle to expose most of the back wall which will be artistically painted in tones of brown, gray, and beige with accents of apple green and rose red. The drapes should extend six feet along the left and right walls for extremely large groups. A curved bracket will eliminate the corner. If a rear exit exists in the back wall, a false wall can be built with a door to the extreme side for rear access. This door will be hidden by the drapes and the area behind the wall can be utilized for frames, ready orders and back up equipment.

Since the camera lens sweeps a triangular area, the dead spot to the left can be utilized for an office and the area to the right, a dressing room. Props can be stored on shelves along the wall and hung from the ceiling. The floor should be kept free as possible for lights and equipment. Walls should be painted in a bone white for use as a reflective surface with bounce lighting. The posing area may be carpeted with a loop type rug in a neutral solid color. The area used by the camera stand should be covered in cushioned tile or linoleum for easy rolling. Ideally, pulleys can be installed on the ceiling for raising and lowering muslin type backgrounds. It takes but a few minutes to attach two corners of a muslin and raise it to the ceiling and stretching it out to the edge of the rug. Several muslins can be stored in bags for easy access.

The reception and display area can utilize low couches and a cocktail table for showing albums. One area can be reserved for a computer terminal for displaying poses and another desk for taking orders and making reservations. Only sixteen by twenty and larger portraits should be displayed on the walls. Smaller sizes for selling purposes can be displayed on the desks.

The dressing room should incorporate a lighted mirror and dressing table with bench, hooks and hangers for clothing and a small lavatory. The office can double as a room for computer work, ordering supplies and customer calling. Your new efficient studio will be a pleasure to work in making for a happy photographer and satisfied customers.

Designers Edge L14SLED 1000-Watt Twin-Head Adjustable Work Light with Telescoping Tripod Stand, Halogen $35.54 This two-light 1000-watt halogen work light from Designers Edge Home comes equipped with a portable sled base and tripod base, making it ideal for any home or work job. The new comfort grip and heavy-duty handle mean transporting this work light is a breeze, and its adjustable extension leg allows for great results, even on uneven work surfaces. Incredibly easy to use, this work light telescopes f...

Fancierstudio 160 Dimmable LED Camera Light Led Camcorder Light Led Light Panel By Fancier FN160 $54.99 This super lightweight 160 LED video light panel great for video and photography. Item can be used in video taking, either for lights setup or supplement. Fully dimmable light panel able to go from 0-max. One of the best value on the market. Comes with 3 filter to soften light and change color temperature. Also this led panel able to take up to 5 different kind of batteries. -Compatible with five ...

Light It, Shoot It, Retouch It: Learn Step by Step How to Go from Empty Studio to Finished Image (Voices That Matter) $22.00 FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, YOU’LL LEARN ALL THREE ASPECTS OF WHAT IT TAKES TO CREATE STUNNING PORTRAITS(HINT: IT’S NOT JUST THE LIGHTING)Scott Kelby, the world’s #1 best-selling author of photography books, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Photoshop User magazine, and Publisher of the just-released Light It magazine, has reinvented how lighting books are written by finally reveali...

Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers $20.82 Time-tested lighting strategies that will improve the quality of a portrait are detailed in this book for beginning photographers. Terminology used by industry pros is explained, the equipment needed to create professional results is outlined, and the unique role that each element of the lighting setup plays in the studio is explored. Photographers learn how color, direction, form, and contrast af...

Light and Shoot 50 Fashion Photos $15.44 Amazon Exclusive: A Letter from Chris Gatcum, author of Light and Shoot 50 Fashion Photos Chris Gatcum Dear Amazon Readers, Fashion is one of photography's fastest moving genres, reflecting an industry that by its very nature needs to reinvent itself on a continual basis. As a result, fashion photography is also one of the most exciting and "open" genres, offeri...

CowboyStudio NPT-04, 4 Channel Wireless Hot Shoe Flash Trigger Receiver $22.45 This set is designed for photographic studio and on-location work to trigger various flash lights. The transmitter is attached on the hot shoe of the camera while the receiver is plugged into the studio flash. Each receiver works with one studio flash. Additional receivers are available to purchase . 4 channels to avoid interference The receiver has an on/off switch, and an LED to indicate trigge...

CowboyStudio Photography/Video Studio Triple Lighting Kit with 10ft x 12ft Black, White and Green Muslins Backdrops and Background Support System with Case $154.99 Complete photo studio easy set up, includes continuous triple lighting set, 3 muslin backdrops, and the portable support system. Daylight balanced bulbs: Do Not Be Fooled By the cheap bulbs, our bulbs have been serving U.S for almost 7 years. It is UL, CE listed and Energy Star. These high-output daylight balanced compact fluorescent bulbs are ideally suited for digital photography. They also have...

CowboyStudio Table Top Photo Studio Light Tent Kit in a Box - 1 Tent, 2 Light Set, 1 Stand, 1 Case $19.00 This kit is the perfect set up for web retailers or anyone wants to get high-quality shots without lots of hassle. This set includes everything you need to photography small products, with all the equipment inside one carry case, it is very easy to carry out and set up. Here, the system uses 5100k daylight bulbs give your shots the perfect look. The most impressive part of this set is the design o...

Deluxe Tabletop Lighted Photo Studio $69.95 Professional photo shoots... from your own home! Tabletop Lighted Photo Studio Kit! This portable Photo Studio provides pro-quality photos from your home, office or on-location. Just the thing for your home business or on-line store. 16 3/4" cube Diffusion Box delivers uniform illumination without glare or harsh shadows. Folds flat for easy storage; Switch-out light and dark backgrounds for best c...

CowboyStudio NPT-04, 4 Channel Wireless Hot Shoe Flash Trigger Receiver $22.45 This set is designed for photographic studio and on-location work to trigger various flash lights. The transmitter is attached on the hot shoe of the camera while the receiver is plugged into the studio flash. Each receiver works with one studio flash. Additional receivers are available to purchase . 4 channels to avoid interference The receiver has an on/off switch, and an LED to indicate trigge...

CowboyStudio Photography/Video Studio Triple Lighting Kit with 10ft x 12ft Black, White and Green Muslins Backdrops and Background Support System with Case $154.99 Complete photo studio easy set up, includes continuous triple lighting set, 3 muslin backdrops, and the portable support system. Daylight balanced bulbs: Do Not Be Fooled By the cheap bulbs, our bulbs have been serving U.S for almost 7 years. It is UL, CE listed and Energy Star. These high-output daylight balanced compact fluorescent bulbs are ideally suited for digital photography. They also have...

CowboyStudio Table Top Photo Studio Light Tent Kit in a Box - 1 Tent, 2 Light Set, 1 Stand, 1 Case $19.00 This kit is the perfect set up for web retailers or anyone wants to get high-quality shots without lots of hassle. This set includes everything you need to photography small products, with all the equipment inside one carry case, it is very easy to carry out and set up. Here, the system uses 5100k daylight bulbs give your shots the perfect look. The most impressive part of this set is the design o...

Designers Edge L14SLED 1000-Watt Twin-Head Adjustable Work Light with Telescoping Tripod Stand, Halogen $35.54 This two-light 1000-watt halogen work light from Designers Edge Home comes equipped with a portable sled base and tripod base, making it ideal for any home or work job. The new comfort grip and heavy-duty handle mean transporting this work light is a breeze, and its adjustable extension leg allows for great results, even on uneven work surfaces. Incredibly easy to use, this work light telescopes f...

Fancierstudio 160 Dimmable LED Camera Light Led Camcorder Light Led Light Panel By Fancier FN160 $54.99 This super lightweight 160 LED video light panel great for video and photography. Item can be used in video taking, either for lights setup or supplement. Fully dimmable light panel able to go from 0-max. One of the best value on the market. Comes with 3 filter to soften light and change color temperature. Also this led panel able to take up to 5 different kind of batteries. -Compatible with five ...

Light It, Shoot It, Retouch It: Learn Step by Step How to Go from Empty Studio to Finished Image (Voices That Matter) $22.00 FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, YOU’LL LEARN ALL THREE ASPECTS OF WHAT IT TAKES TO CREATE STUNNING PORTRAITS(HINT: IT’S NOT JUST THE LIGHTING)Scott Kelby, the world’s #1 best-selling author of photography books, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Photoshop User magazine, and Publisher of the just-released Light It magazine, has reinvented how lighting books are written by finally reveali...

Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers $20.82 Time-tested lighting strategies that will improve the quality of a portrait are detailed in this book for beginning photographers. Terminology used by industry pros is explained, the equipment needed to create professional results is outlined, and the unique role that each element of the lighting setup plays in the studio is explored. Photographers learn how color, direction, form, and contrast af...

Light and Shoot 50 Fashion Photos $15.44 Amazon Exclusive: A Letter from Chris Gatcum, author of Light and Shoot 50 Fashion Photos Chris Gatcum Dear Amazon Readers, Fashion is one of photography's fastest moving genres, reflecting an industry that by its very nature needs to reinvent itself on a continual basis. As a result, fashion photography is also one of the most exciting and "open" genres, offeri...

Deluxe Tabletop Lighted Photo Studio $69.95 Professional photo shoots... from your own home! Tabletop Lighted Photo Studio Kit! This portable Photo Studio provides pro-quality photos from your home, office or on-location. Just the thing for your home business or on-line store. 16 3/4" cube Diffusion Box delivers uniform illumination without glare or harsh shadows. Folds flat for easy storage; Switch-out light and dark backgrounds for best c...

Panda Wireless Network Setup $69.99 NEW! Panda Wireless Network Setup. Have a new wireless network device, but don't know how to set it up, or configure it so that your information is safe when using it?

Panda Wireless Network Setup $69.99 NEW! Panda Wireless Network Setup. Have a new wireless network device, but don't know how to set it up, or configure it so that your information is safe when using it?

Studio Floor Task Lamp by PLC Lighting $118 The Studio Floor Task Lamp by PLC Lighting is perfect for those spaces that need functional light. PLC Lighting's ongoing mission is to offer superb quality, exceptional styles, unmatched value, and unsurpassed service for residential and commercial needs. The Studio Floor Task Lamp by PLC Lighting features a Matte Silver finish. The Studio Floor Task Lamp by PLC Lighting provides task lighting. It utilizes one 60 Watt 120 Volt A-19 Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within three- to five business days. Dimensions: Base: Diameter 8.875 in., Height 32 in. Fixture: Reach adjustable to 33 in. Head: Lower Diameter 8 in.

Lace Pendant by Studio Italia Design $774 The Lace Pendant by Studio Italia Design is an illuminating suspension luminare featuring a transparent diffuser with a special application from Murano. Studio Italia Design is based in Italy and is a premier designer and producer of decorative lighting fixtures targeting the high end architectural and designer markets. The Lace Pendant by Studio Italia Design features a Chrome finish and Transparent diffuser. The Lace Pendant by Studio Italia Design provides diffused/direct lighting. It utilizes one 40 Watt E-14 Con Spot R50 lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within three- to five business days. Dimensions: Canopy: Diameter 5 in. Diffuser: Diameter 3.75 in. Suspension: Overall Length adjustable to 59.06 in.

Studio Sconce by Neidhardt $910 The Neidhardt Studio Sconce creates inviting, overall illumination in a successful, contemporary take on the classic candle-under-a-shade design. The Studio Sconce features handblown glass and is a part of the Studio family of lighting products. Neidhardt, headquartered in Redwood City, CA, focuses on quality and simplicity to develop lighting with a distinctive look and energy-preserving lamp solutions. The Neidhardt Studio Sconce is available with the following: Included Features: Clear Seeded Handblown Glass outer diffuser. Satin White Cased Glass inner diffuser. Metal body and backplate. UL Listed.Options: Finish: Satin Hairline Grey Anodized or Satin Hairline Silver Anodized. Lighting: One 100 Watt 120 Volt "A" Incandescent lamp (not included). Please note: This is a custom product, made-to-order. For information regarding return or cancellation of custom products, please see our Terms and Conditions. Shipping: This is a custom product and made to order. It usually ships within 2 to 4 weeks. We will provide an estimated shipping date within two business days. Dimensions: Height: 10.5 in. Width: 6 in. Depth: 9 in. Backplate: Height 7.125 in., Width 4.25 in.

Studio Chandelier 36 by Neidhardt $3850 The Neidhardt Studio Chandelier 36 transforms rooms with its intriguing layers of illumination and composed contemporary presentation. The Studio Chandelier 36 features a combination of glass and acrylic materials and is a part of the Studio family of lighting products. Neidhardt, headquartered in Redwood City, CA, focuses on quality and simplicity to develop lighting with a distinctive look and energy-preserving lamp solutions. The Neidhardt Studio Chandelier 36 is available with the following: Included Features: Orbital Sanded Acrylic outer shades. Clear Seeded Handblown Glass globe-shaped outer diffuser. Satin White Cased Glass cylinder-shaped inner diffuser. Ceiling canopy. Suspension cables. UL Listed.Options: Finish: Satin Hairline Grey Anodized or Satin Hairline Silver Anodized. Lamping: Compact Fluorescent or Incandescent.Lighting: Compact Fluorescent: One 13 Watt or 18 Watt or 26 Watt 120 Volt lamp (not included). Incandescent: One 100 Watt 120 Volt A lamp (not included).Please note: This is a custom product, made-to-order. For information regarding return or cancellation of custom products, please see our Terms and Conditions. Shipping: This is a custom product and made to order. It usually ships within 2 to 4 weeks. We will provide an estimated shipping date within two business days. Dimensions: Maximum Overall Length: 96 in. Overall Diameter: 36 in. Shade Height: 18 in. Ceiling Canopy: Diameter 12 in.

Studio Pendant Cylinder by Neidhardt $925 The Neidhardt Studio Pendant Cylinder creates welcome illumination in a composed design highlighted by visual texture and depth. The Studio Pendant Cylinder features handblown glass and is a part of the Studio family of lighting products. Neidhardt, headquartered in Redwood City, CA, focuses on quality and simplicity to develop lighting with a distinctive look and energy-preserving lamp solutions. The Neidhardt Studio Pendant Cylinder is available with the following: Included Features: Clear Seeded Handblown Glass outer diffuser. Satin White Cased Glass inner diffuser. Ceiling canopy. Suspension cable. UL Listed.Options: Finish: Satin Hairline Grey Anodized or Satin Hairline Silver Anodized. Lamping: Compact Fluorescent or Incandescent.Lighting: Compact Fluorescent: One 13 Watt or 18 Watt or 26 Watt 120 Volt lamp (not included). Incandescent: One 100 Watt 120 Volt A lamp (not included).Please note: This is a custom product, made-to-order. For information regarding return or cancellation of custom products, please see our Terms and Conditions. Shipping: This is a custom product and made to order. It usually ships within 2 to 4 weeks. We will provide an estimated shipping date within two business days. Dimensions: Maximum Overall Length: 72 in. Overall Diameter: 6 in. Outer Diffuser: Height 12 in. Inner Diffuser: Diameter 2.75 in. Ceiling Canopy: Diameter 4.5 in.

Studio Pendant Orb by Neidhardt $1350 The Neidhardt Studio Pendant Orb transforms rooms with inviting illumination in a design highlighted by visual texture and depth. The Studio Pendant Orb features handblown glass and is a part of the Studio family of lighting products. Neidhardt, headquartered in Redwood City, CA, focuses on quality and simplicity to develop lighting with a distinctive look and energy-preserving lamp solutions. The Neidhardt Studio Pendant Orb is available with the following: Included Features: Clear Seeded Handblown Glass outer diffuser. Satin White Cased Glass inner diffuser. Ceiling canopy. Suspension cable. UL Listed.Options: Finish: Satin Hairline Grey Anodized or Satin Hairline Silver Anodized. Lamping: Compact Fluorescent or Incandescent.Lighting: Compact Fluorescent: One 13 Watt or 18 Watt or 26 Watt 120 Volt lamp (not included). Incandescent: One 100 Watt 120 Volt A lamp (not included).Please note: This is a custom product, made-to-order. For information regarding return or cancellation of custom products, please see our Terms and Conditions. Shipping: This is a custom product and made to order. It usually ships within 2 to 4 weeks. We will provide an estimated shipping date within two business days. Dimensions: Maximum Overall Length: 72 in. Globe Diffuser: Diameter 12 in., Height 12 in. Inner Diffuser: Diameter 2.75 in. Ceiling Canopy: Diameter 4.5 in.

Studio Table Lamp by Dimond $538.2 The surveyor's tripod has a refined nature, reinterpreted here as the Dimond Studio Table Lamp. The base is made up of chrome-finished zinc alloy and stainless steel complemented by black wood, giving the piece a handsome contrast with its pure white woven linen shade. Adjust the height as needed. From their headquarters in Nesquehoning, PA, Dimond Lighting creates lighting fixtures that truly become "Jewelry for the Home." Their numerous lighting collections are made with distinctive quality, value and exquisite detailing that will enhance the decor of any home. Dimond Lighting is a division of ELK Lighting. The Dimond Studio Table Lamp is available with the following: Details:Flared Pure White Woven linen shadeWooden, zinc alloy and stainless steel baseChrome and Black finishOn-off switchAdjustable heightUL ListedLighting: One 100 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 5-7 days. Dimensions: Shade: Overall Diameter 16 In., Height 11 In. Fixture: Width 16 In., Height Adjustable from 28 In. to 35 In.

Studio Line Voltage PAR20 Track Head by WAC Lighting $80.91 The WAC Lighting Studio Line Voltage PAR20 Track Head is ideal where a high level of ambient or accent lighting is required. Features 350-degree horizontal rotation and 90-degree vertical aiming with built-in degree scales on fixture. Two aiming screws (one on each side of the fixture) allow for locking of the fixture aiming angle. WAC Lighting, founded in 1984, has developed a strong reputation for high quality decorative and task lighting. Based in Garden City, New York, WAC Lighting is a leading manufacturer of low voltage, line voltage and LED lighting, including track systems, transformers, lamps, cabinet lighting and recessed downlights. The WAC Lighting Studio Line Voltage PAR20 Track Head is available with the following: Details:Aluminum shadeDie-cast aluminum supportsOval ceiling canopyVersatile luminaire used with a range of lenses and louvers350 degree horizontal rotation and 90 degree vertical aimingFront loading for convenient re-lampingUL ListedOptions:Finish: Black, or White.Track System: H, J, or L.Track System Details:H Track Head: Compatible with Halo Track Systems.J Track Head: Compatible with Juno Track Systems.L Track Head: Compatible with Lightolier Track Systems.Lighting: One 50 Watt 120 Volt PAR20 Medium Base Halogen lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within five business days. Dimensions: Head: Width 3.63 In., Height 5 In. Ceiling Canopy: Height 1.88 In., Depth 1.5 In., Width 3.63 In. Fixture: Height Adjustable from 7.88 In. to 9.63 In.

Studio lights can be two types – so-called ‘hot’ lights which are continuously lit, or studio strobes which are flashes that only go off when the shutter is pressed. Strobes often have a modelling light which is a light that is on all the time (except when the flash goes off) so that the photographer can see where the light is falling & position his/her lights accordingly to get the desired result.

Also you can use camera ‘hotshoe’ flashes as studio strobes or for outdoor location work. These are smaller and less powerful than a studio strobe, but are more portable and lightweight.

All the types of light (continuous and flash lights) can be modified to allow the photographer to direct the light. Light modifiers which spread and soften the light more are things like umbrellas and softboxes. They are usually mounted onto the front of the flash head so that the light fires through them and effectively makes the light source larger compared to the model – this produces soft lighting and soft or no shadows.
A snoot is a modifier that does the opposite effect – it is a tube that is fitted onto the front of a flash head that restricts the spread of light. This produces a small, intense light source, with little spread of light and produces harsh, angular shadows – good for low key, moody, edgy lighting.

Lights can be fired from the camera using a connecting cord (a sync cord) or wirelessly using optical or radio triggers.

I strongly recommend you have a look at David Hobby’s Strobist site (start with Lighting 101)

http://strobist.blogspot.com/

Its geared towards using hotshoe flashes off camera, but the same lighting principles apply as to whether you’re using studio strobes, hotshoe flashes or continuous lighting. Hot Shoe Diaries is good too but is exclusively about Nikon hotshoe flashes (speedlights).

Edit This handy little link;

http://www.bron.ch/vt_pd_lg_sc_en/index.php

will show you the differences lightmodifiers make to a model (its for Bron products, but obviously the same applies to all types). Soloflex is their version of a softbox, the rest should be self explanatory, or you can look at their prodcut catalogue to check what each one looks like.