Home Photography Studio

Who wouldn’t love a studio at the comfort of their home? Every photographer dreams of having a home studio. If you have a passion for photography and want to start earning a living from home, then this is for you. All you need is a space-vital for a studio. Aside from a camera, flash and tripod you already have, you may want to invest on some extra props and proper lighting for that perfect shot.

Whether you have a medium format camera, digital or a conventional film SLR, (single lens reflex) taking portraits should have lighting. After all, photography depends on lighting, without it , well, no pictures. Photography means painting with light. You have undoubtedly seen pictures taken by professionals. If you have an interest in paintings you notice that pictures and painting has its similarities like composition, depth of field, center spot, rule of third and leading lines. How interesting!

Here’s a few tips on setting up a Home Studio:

Lighting – a flash may not be sufficient when taking studio shot portraits. You will need soft boxes and diffusers to spoften the picture and reduce shadows, although shadows are important in portraits. Choose those equipment that you can put away if you don’t have an extra space.
The Studio should be painted white. Any color tone will disturb the effect you want on a picture. The ceiling should be at least 9 feet in height and should be painted white as well so that if you choose to bounce light from the ceiling it should work. It also should be wide enough to allow lighting and background to be in an appropriate distance.
Tripod – tripods are essential for some photographers who have shivery hands. It should keep the lense steady and the image clear.
Props – props are things used to enhance an image. With the right props they add color and it makes the picture complete. They can help fill some empty spaces and create moods. Some even have coats, boa feathers, all sorts of hats. You can bring in chairs and other furnitures, pottery and some lanterns if the subject wants that oriental effect. Costumes and other intersting props.
Background – Be creative. Make your own background with several cotton cloth. Use complimentary colors so that it will blend with the image. The colors should be darker in the outer edges and lighter in the rest of the background. It should be wide enough to allow several angles of the subject to be covered. Use a cloth paint with a sponge and allow them to dry. Some of the backgrounds are suspended and some are framed with stand, while some are willing to invest on some expensive digital backgrounds. Oh don’t forget the music to liven up the place and encourage mood settings.

Every photographer knows that their subject should first be comfortable. Have a chat or coffee before the shoot. Results can be worth a thousand words.

Marketing

The appeal of earning a living at home creates a realistic prospect both for customers and the photographer. Home studio charge is minimal, you only pay for professional fee and processing of pictures not to mention some ROI (return on Investment). Still, a picture taken professionally at home or in a fancy studio is just as good.

Attach yourself with wedding planners because they can arrange a special photo session for you. You might want to try advertising to a local newspaper or tell your friends to help you find clients. The word of mouth strategy is still the best way to advertise and don’t forget to give out business cards.