This week is Photographer's Choice in the blog circle.
I thought I would give you a tour of the studio and share some of the things I do to maximize space and storage in my quest to have things on hand, but not taking up too much space.
If you have followed this blog in the past, you probably have seen one or two photos of the outside of the studio.
I thought I would give you a tour of the studio and share some of the things I do to maximize space and storage in my quest to have things on hand, but not taking up too much space.
If you have followed this blog in the past, you probably have seen one or two photos of the outside of the studio.
The above photo was taken in the early Spring timeframe, when things are starting to bloom around the grounds of the studio.
Let me take you inside and share some tips on how I use my compact space to maximize storage and access to materials I need every day.
TIP #1: Keep Storage Neat and Off the Ground
Let me take you inside and share some tips on how I use my compact space to maximize storage and access to materials I need every day.
TIP #1: Keep Storage Neat and Off the Ground
Backdrop storage can be a real problem in small studios. I do have a storage space in the main house for some items, but I always try to keep things at my finger tips in the studio, so that I don't have to run back and forth when setting up for a client session.
Pinterest was very helpful in providing a model for a great DIY (do it yourself) wall backdrop storage unit. My husband built it in less than 3 hours. Cost: Approximately $50.00. It houses my smaller backdrops (5-7 feet wide).
Since most of my clients revolve around pet photography, keeping things off the ground is important for pet safety and movement while in the studio.
Pinterest was very helpful in providing a model for a great DIY (do it yourself) wall backdrop storage unit. My husband built it in less than 3 hours. Cost: Approximately $50.00. It houses my smaller backdrops (5-7 feet wide).
Since most of my clients revolve around pet photography, keeping things off the ground is important for pet safety and movement while in the studio.
Compact and creative storage in small photography studio space.
Another small, stackable storage unit holds some display items, larger folded backdrops, minor equipment needs, batteries and chargers, and festive dress up paraphernalia (think Santa hats, bunny ears, etc.). I also keep a tool kit in one of the basket drawers.
This unit was easy to put together. The bottom was purchased through Wayfair, the top cube storage came from Target. It fit perfectly in the space between window and door.
TIP #2: Keep Dual Purpose Items in the Studio
This unit was easy to put together. The bottom was purchased through Wayfair, the top cube storage came from Target. It fit perfectly in the space between window and door.
TIP #2: Keep Dual Purpose Items in the Studio
Red antique cabinet doubles as storage space in smaller studio.
Everything has a dual purpose in the studio.
A red, antique finished cabinet, not only stores angel wings, sample albums, and crowns, but can also act as a background element or set piece in a photograph.
The comfy striped chair has been pulled out onto the studio deck for summer photos, but is also a good spot for clients to relax while having a cup of coffee and letting their dog or cat acclimate to the studio setting.
Basically, if it's in the studio, there's a reason for it--and probably TWO reasons for it--to be there.
TIP #3: Refine Your Lighting Needs
A red, antique finished cabinet, not only stores angel wings, sample albums, and crowns, but can also act as a background element or set piece in a photograph.
The comfy striped chair has been pulled out onto the studio deck for summer photos, but is also a good spot for clients to relax while having a cup of coffee and letting their dog or cat acclimate to the studio setting.
Basically, if it's in the studio, there's a reason for it--and probably TWO reasons for it--to be there.
TIP #3: Refine Your Lighting Needs
It's really important to decide, based on your style, what lighting (and modifiers) will work for your space.
As you can see in the photo above, I use lights and modifiers that can easily be broken down and moved out of the way when not in use. White umbrellas are easy to work with and provide the kind of light I need in the smaller shooting space of the studio.
I also use a 36" Wescott Rapid Box with a speedlight insert. Another 60" octabox is stored in my house storage space until needed, as it takes up too much room in the studio.
My lighting is simple and consists of two Alien Bees (800 and 400), a Godox RS600p, and two Yongnuo 568EX III speedlights. When and how I use them depends on the subject I am photographing at the time.
They take up very little room, especially the speedlights, which I store under a display table when not in use.
Although you can't see it, there is a platform being stored behind the backdrop.
Final Thoughts About Compact Studio Space
The studio is 15x24, which is perfect for the type of photography work I do regularly.
We have upgraded our gardens, and in the Spring we have beautiful flowering bushes and plants for outside photographs just beyond the studio doors.
With a bit of creativity and planning, smaller spaces CAN accommodate everything you need to make clients happy and have an enjoyable photographic experience!
As you can see in the photo above, I use lights and modifiers that can easily be broken down and moved out of the way when not in use. White umbrellas are easy to work with and provide the kind of light I need in the smaller shooting space of the studio.
I also use a 36" Wescott Rapid Box with a speedlight insert. Another 60" octabox is stored in my house storage space until needed, as it takes up too much room in the studio.
My lighting is simple and consists of two Alien Bees (800 and 400), a Godox RS600p, and two Yongnuo 568EX III speedlights. When and how I use them depends on the subject I am photographing at the time.
They take up very little room, especially the speedlights, which I store under a display table when not in use.
Although you can't see it, there is a platform being stored behind the backdrop.
Final Thoughts About Compact Studio Space
The studio is 15x24, which is perfect for the type of photography work I do regularly.
We have upgraded our gardens, and in the Spring we have beautiful flowering bushes and plants for outside photographs just beyond the studio doors.
With a bit of creativity and planning, smaller spaces CAN accommodate everything you need to make clients happy and have an enjoyable photographic experience!
Client pet posing in Spring gardens outside the studio.
Click Into the Circle
I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography, DFW's award winning pet photographer, as she shares images from a recent dog breeder program session of adorable golden doodle puppies that are pretty in pink. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.
Have a great weekend. Enjoy!
I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography, DFW's award winning pet photographer, as she shares images from a recent dog breeder program session of adorable golden doodle puppies that are pretty in pink. Then find the link at the end of each blog to click to the next photographer.
Have a great weekend. Enjoy!
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