How does one build a smart affordable home studio?

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jbaker75@gmail.com - 29 Oct 2006 04:30 GMT

My wife and I recently had a baby girl! and my father in law (who is a
wonderful photographer) gave his Sony DSC-F717 to me as a gift (as he
upgraded some time ago). I am not new to taking digital photos, but I
would like to become more serious. I know the DSC-F717 is a bit old,
but it seems it is still a great camera.

In particular I would like to buy some lighting and equipment to set up
a simple home studio. I am clueless where to start and what resources I
should look into (lighting, backdrops, etc.) I would appreciate any
links, advice, help. I am not looking to set up an ultimate system, but
something for taking great photos using the camera that I can share
with family and friends, i.e. I don't have a large budget and would
prefer smart affordable solutions.

Also I am interested in any links, resources specific to the DSC-F717
that would be of interest.

Thank you for any advice.

Jeff

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Little Green Eyed Dragon - 29 Oct 2006 05:02 GMT

> I am clueless where to start and I don't have a large budget.

Save time and money pay someone :^)

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Chris Dubea - 31 Oct 2006 15:55 GMT

>> I am clueless where to start and I don't have a large budget.
>
>Save time and money pay someone :^)

Are you ALWAYS this helpful?
===========================================================================
Chris

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Stewy - 29 Oct 2006 11:08 GMT

> My wife and I recently had a baby girl! and my father in law (who is a
> wonderful photographer) gave his Sony DSC-F717 to me as a gift (as he
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Also I am interested in any links, resources specific to the DSC-F717
> that would be of interest.

The room should be long rather than square. set up a roller for the
background papers at one end. Incandescent lights are cheap to start
with, and an umbrella flash is probably very useful. Remember that
successful portraits means there is no shadow on the background paper -
you need at least 1 meter from the background. Plain papers as well as a
darker mottled look makes great backgrounds. These papers are expensive
but it's well worth the cost.

Enroll at a local evening class, preferably at an art college so they
have a studio that you can examine to see what you need. This will also
familiarise yourself with basic lighting techniques.

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bugbear - 30 Oct 2006 15:07 GMT

> My wife and I recently had a baby girl! and my father in law (who is a
> wonderful photographer) gave his Sony DSC-F717 to me as a gift (as he
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> In particular I would like to buy some lighting and equipment to set up
> a simple home studio.

There seems little point. A studio (in the sense you're using)
is only good for a limited range of studio shots.

Pro photographers use such studios to make a small
number of fairly-non-varying shots of a large
number of subjects.

Whereas your requirment is a large number
of varied (and hopefully interesting) shots
of a small number of subjects.

I'd would (assumption alert!) assume that your
father would prefer shots of his beloved grandson in
a wide range of environments and contexts; garden, beach,
feeding the cat, first cycle ride etc.

Studios are not a pre-requisite of "good" photography;
e.g. many famous protraits are done in the sitters home.

BugBear

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Bill K - 31 Oct 2006 18:01 GMT

> My wife and I recently had a baby girl! and my father in law (who is a
> wonderful photographer) gave his Sony DSC-F717 to me as a gift (as he
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>
> Jeff

Mr. Baker,
You can do a lot with incandescent light, natural light and reflectors.
Sheets can make excellent backdrops. Check out
http://www.calumetphoto.com and http://www.bhphotovideo.com.

Good luck and have fun

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Bill

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