Finding portrait space (pref Central/East London)

[archstanton]

Hi folks, how do you find somewhere to practice portraits and lighting with flash?

Does anyone have any suggestions for free space in London (central/east) you can use that let you set up flashes on stands?

I want to learn more about taking portraits and lighting, have a friend that's happy to model but nowhere suitable (read uncluttered!) at home and the office is just the wrong place to do that!

 

[GHP]

Hi Malc.
Have you thought about looking for a meet-up group near you?
I live in Hornchurch, and have been on a few meetups at studios which have all the gear, provide a model, all you need to do is turn up with your camera and use it!
It's a good way to learn different techniques and learn from others' experience.
Google "meetup" and you'll find the website.
Hope this helps,
Gary.

 

[alexam]

Hi Malc, you really don't need studio space for portraiture. You can take portraits at home with a table lamp if you wish. An additional flash unit on a stand will give you a second light to move about, but remember that its not the amount of light, but how you position it and use the shadows in the best way,
If you google 'using flash lighting' or portrait lighting', you should find several video's to help.

Good luck.

Malcolm

 

[archstanton]

Thanks for the advice folks and sorry for the gap - I've been away for a while and just got back from holiday. I'll take a look for meetup - I think it's probably the same site I use for Java programming meetups!
Good advice Alex, I know I just need to get out somewhere and play about with angles/lighting etc - but it's coooold and soggy out at the moment. I figured my friend would be more comfortable somewhere indoors while I gurn at the camera trying to work out why the photos look pants! Sarcasm there, I know a big part of this is making the person in front of the camera comfortable too...that's something I'm going to find tricky as I'm always over-critical of stuff I do.