Setting up in-house studio lighting

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Ange

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Hi everyone...I'm new to the forum :)

I'm after some advice please. The company I work for are interested in converting an unused room into a photography studio, as we have a Canon 400D and tripod sitting here. I would like to find out what we need in terms of lighting, backdrop, etc. We would only be using it for product shots and room sets (it's a paint company). I've looked on web but v confused! Got a budget of approx. £1000.

Hope someone can help!

Cheers, Ange
 
More info needed before you can get a useful reply.
Size of room?
Height of ceiling?
Is it an actual room or a roomset corner in a much larger space?
What will you be photographing in the roomsets - painted walls? People applying paint? Cans of paint?
The fact that you mentioned a camera and a tripod indicates to me that this is all very new to you - is that right?
Do you have any examples of the type of photos you want to produce?
 
It is an actual room, size approx. 3.6m x 4m, height 2.5m. It has 2 fluorescent strip lights but no windows - no natural light. Roomsets will be furniture in room (living/dining/bed etc) with painted walls or a piece of furniture that has been coated, like these 2.
claret_wine_PI.jpg

1196.jpg

I have same camera at work and at home, very experienced with camera on manual but only outdoor shots - my hobby. We've never been able to look into anything like this before at work as never had the space so no idea what lighting is needed for roomsets/product shots!
 
To be honest you'll need a MUCH bigger space than this. Even shooting corner to corner you won't have enough space for creative lighting, which will very definately be needed. Also, in that space you'll need to use a wide angle lens, which is the opposite of what you should be using to get pleasing perspective.
My own studio has a roomset corner measuring 24' x 20', the studio itself is about 40' x 60' and I NEED that amount of space when I'm shooting furniture. I also have a lot more height, essential for positioning lights virtually straight down when necessary.

If you can get the required amount of space, you'll need something like this kit from Lencarta to get you started. Then add a beauty dish, a couple of different honeycombs and a wall boom (this one is from Photomart, there are plenty available but IMO this is the best for your needs) + a flash meter.
 
40 x 60 is a truly ideal space but a comfort not afforded to many. Reading posts on the board there are a lot of peops who are working in a much smaller space.
 
Treesie said:
40 x 60 is a truly ideal space but a comfort not afforded to many. Reading posts on the board there are a lot of peops who are working in a much smaller space.
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True for many subjects - not for furniture
 
Ah, point taken there, room layouts, larger furniture you have a good point. :D

I'm interested as I am going to be working in much the same kind of space only longer. I've had a challenge working out the support system, gantry is out as I have a ceiling going from 8ft to 10ft. Have looked at a tailor maded system without the cross rails for the former reason.
 
My advice is to forget about any kind of overhead support system with a ceiling height of less than about 14'
 
I know what you mean but.... I have been working with a guy on a tailor made system that would give me side rails but no cross rails. Effectively I can than move along the length (up or down) but won't have the option to move inwards... which I won't do on that width anyway.
 
Agree with Garry. All studio photography seems to need about four times the amount of space you might think. Basic lights and a decent shooting distance takes up quite a lot, then when you add a background system and maybe some overhead light on a boom it suddenly gets huge.

You should be able to do smallish furniture items, then see how you get on. But not room sets.
 
So you'd go for the booms rather than my aforementioned rail system?
 
Treesie said:
So you'd go for the booms rather than my aforementioned rail system?
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Yes, + ordinary stands - far more freedom of movement than the rail system you're thinking about
 
Just been looking at the link you posted Garry, I'm thinking that unless the arm is folded pack on the wall I'm restricking more of my width that the rail system.
 
Treesie said:
Just been looking at the link you posted Garry, I'm thinking that unless the arm is folded pack on the wall I'm restricking more of my width that the rail system.
Click to expand...

Yes, but it just needs a gentle push to fold it flat against the wall.
And it can go higher, lower and extend forwards. It also has a worm drive, operated by the wheel at the wall end, to adjust the tilt exactly as you want it (not very clear from their terrible photos:'(
It may not be right for you, but I think it's well worth considering
 
Thanks Garry, the decisions are tough:gag:
I called Photomart and the minimum extrusion for the arms is 130cm. I realise it an be pushed back (or forward) to be against the wall but I'm worried it will need to stick out too far on the angle for my width.... or am I missing something?:thinking:
 
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