My Home Studio... Am I on the right track?

johno

With a few willing subjects... Well, $2 an hour is the going rate for using your kids as willing models subjects... I've been working on taking some "studio" shots.

It's not much of a studio... It's my dining room, small dining room with the table moved of course. I'm trying to work on this stuff as much as I can to get a handle on it... I just read on dgrin "My first week as a studio photographer" by Redhawk and it looks like I might have a lot to learn.

So, any pointers? I wanted to post something on the whipping post, but alas, I am a wimp and have more than one pic.

So here are my "real" efforts at studio shots. Current set-up: I'm using a canon 430ex on camera with bounce left, two 100 watt halog behind a white screen and a 100 watt light bulb lamp for the back light.

Kinda looks like this minus the small black light on the floor...


current set up shots.

Hannah, 11


Miriam, 7


Caleb, 4

Over all I'm pleased, but may need a reality check. Very little post work. Just a few punches to color here and there.

peace.
johno~

Scott_Quier

I have only one word for you. "D**n" Those are super!clap

Small nit - iron out the wrinkles on you backdrop.

johno

Thanks Scott... I, too, saw the wrinkle in the background... Bummer. I will fix that next time. I might have to head back to the fabric store for more backdrop fabric... $10 is not bad for a backdrop.

Anyone else?

peace.
johno~

ziggy53

I think I would suggest bringing the lights down just a bit, the eye sockets look a bit dark, but not too much because Miriam has that nice triangle of light on her cheek.

Well done and sweet kids. You are blessed.

ziggy53

lifesdisciple

Very nicely done. Great shots and beautiful children. The backdrop is a little distracting but not too much. Fabric is great for back drops. I tend to use thumb tacks in the corners out of lens capture. Keeps the wrinkles out. Just an idea. Keep up the great work.

Murphy66

Lots of people spend ten times as much and don't get half the quality you did! Well done!

johno

Thanks Murphy... I keep looking at what studio lights cost and it's crazy... Plus, I don't have a clue on what does what.

I love Shay's idea for a portable studio light set-up for under a $100... but that's still $100. Right now I'm not making money taking pictures of my own kids.

I hope to be able to expand... but I'm a bit timid. I'm not sure how many folks can fit into my dining room. Not sure my wife will let me transform it into a studio since it's in the middle of our house.

Anyhow, thanks again.

peace.
johno~

JimW

<<< $2 an hour is the going rate for using your kids as models >>>

I think you're good enough to charge them much more.


<<< the eye sockets look a bit dark >>>




<<< people spend ten times as much and don't get half the quality you did! >>>

saurora

I'm no expert in the lighting department yet, but these shots really appeal to me as portraits! You're definitely on the right track...you are capturing great (I mean really great!) expression. These photos are highly marketable to parents and grandparents!!!! Small adjustments in lighting (eyes) and you're there, I think!

ginger_55

I like them, and I like the wrinkled backdrop...... But then what do I know!
The only formal "portrait" shot I ever did was at midnight before a Daily, of my dogs. My backdrop was wrinkled, too.

My dogs work cheaper. Only treats........One per shot was the usual. But then again, your kids are darn cute!

ginger

(When I found out what the studios were charging (150.00 for just the sitting fee), I decided I would do portraits anywhere...........but my house, and I don't have a studio. Be Brave. I would buy those kids, uh photos like them of my grandkids, anytime!!! I decided my sitting fee would be something like 50.00, or 75.00 plus a profit on each picture. Am waiting for an opportunity!

I have no idea what you did for lights. I just used an on camera Sigma 500 whatever, plus Gary Fong, but that was for dogs.

You could do a Tute for "cheapest" light set up ever. Or cheapest studio, ever!!!

ginger_55

Where is Shay's 100.00 portable light set up??? I mean where is the tute?

ginger

frg

Excelent shots...........

johno

ginger_55 wrote:

Where is Shay's 100.00 portable light set up??? I mean where is the tute?

ginger

You can look Here for the Tutorial. This is the original post without the pic but the details on the items he used are also here.

Next time I set up my "studio", I'll take some pics and post them.

Good to hear from you G... Hope all is well with you.

peace.
johno~

christulk

Great shots!!

The shot of Caleb is a cracker!!!! Love it.

Cheers

Stacey L

Great job
What kind of fabric is that? It sure beats the $600+ for back drops at B&H.

johno wrote:

You can look Here for the Tutorial. This is the original post without the pic but the details on the items he used are also here.

Next time I set up my "studio", I'll take some pics and post them.

Good to hear from you G... Hope all is well with you.

peace.
johno~

johno

Stacey L wrote:

What kind of fabric is that? It sure beats the $600+ for back drops at B&H.

JoAnne's Fabrics or other fabric store...

Upholstery Fabrics rolls in the back... They're wider than most fabrics and they offer nice textures... This one was $10 a yard but they had a 50% off that day so I bought 2 yards... Small children.

I just went back to look in there close out which is reduced price + 50% off

You can also make your own back drop... Here is a DIY by Jay Bedingfield.

I haven't done this yet but, soon.

peace.
johno~

Stacey L

Thanks, John. I'll let you know how I make out...

johno wrote:

JoAnne's Fabrics or other fabric store...

Upholstery Fabrics rolls in the back... They're wider than most fabrics and they offer nice textures... This one was $10 a yard but they had a 50% off that day so I bought 2 yards... Small children.

I just went back to look in there close out which is reduced price + 50% off

You can also make your own back drop... Here is a DIY by Jay Bedingfield.

I haven't done this yet but, soon.

peace.
johno~

Scott_Quier

I've been looking for a source for inexpensive muslin. This led me down a very interesting path. I love this forum!!!

johno

Scott_Quier wrote:

I've been looking for a source for inexpensive muslin. This led me down a very interesting path. I love this forum!!!

I hear you Scott... A lot to be learned from the many Am's and Pros here at Dgrin.

I have learned almost everything I know from reading, sharing and posting here.

peace and Thanks to Dgrin.
johno~

Charla

Very nice shots Johno, and cute kids too!

Check out Ebay for inexpensive fabrics. I was able to reupholster a couch and 2 chairs in my RV for about $50. I've found a lot of nice upholstery fabrics for $2-$5 a yard that would normally run around $10-$15 a yard at a store like Joann's. I'll probably start looking for some backdrop fabrics now that I'm getting interested in portrait photography. Thanks for linking Shay's tute on cheap lighting, I'll have to check that out since cheap & even cheaper are all that I can afford.

photofreak

First, let me say love the quote you use...I use that one often on my site.
then let me say....I'm always looking for curtains on clearence....can work wonders!!!
I use my kitchen as my studio....less furniture to move around.
I bought one of the lighting kits from B&H Photo...I think I spent around 200.00. Not bad because I am able to haul them around to locations if need be. I've been lucky so far because the bulbs have not burned out...not sure what I will be looking at when they do (price wise)

With some of my photos people can not believe they were taken in my kitchen or their (I go to people alot...they are more comfortable in their own setting) living room...or where ever.
They are great shots and yes, with a little finessing I think you are on your way!!!
Keep it up and keep posting. DG is fantastic for help!!!!!!