Hi everyone, I am new to photography in general and am really enjoying getting to know my camera. I have taken a lot of landscape shots and although these are interested I am finding that I am enjoying portrait and people shots much more.

I would like to progress on this and look at setting up some sort of home studio to photograph friends, family and maybe more. Can anybody advise of where and what starter studio kit to look at and why. I do not have a big budget as I am currently travelling and therefore not working.

Thanks in advance everyone

Be good to know what sort of budget you have. I am in a similar position. I brought a two light set up from a company called Elemental studios. www.studio-flash.com. Have a chat with them; they are very helpful if you can explain what sort of images you are trying to acheive.

Cheers,
Anil.

Manager

I think you have to consider a few things first..

Firstly, do you have the room for a studio? If its cramped or 'just fits', then your photography, and ability to learn may suffer.

Please remember you need backdrops too! So you'll need about 10-12foot of width space, and at least that in length space.

To get a basic set up of lights, backdrops, triggers, backdrop stands, you're looking at least £400-500.

And you'll out grow a basic set up very quickly, so I'd suggest investing that money in studio time instead.

Studios have far more equipment, better quality equipment, more space and normally a knowledgeable owner who would be more than happy to 'show you the ropes'.

That's just my personal advice.

James

I appreciate the advice guys. Sounds like I would not have the space or budget for a studio at home.

Does anybody know of any studios for rent in the Middlesbrough area?

Regards
Carl

Try googling or visiting www.studiosforhire.com
They have an extensive listing by city location.
Its not cheap however and you will need some set up knowledge. If your still want to go in this direction I would recommend you to join some workshops and also group shoots before you think about personal hiring.

Hey Carl

I've got 2 studio lights and no studio.I take them everywhere and use them in the house too.It's been a great investment for me and I've learned lots about lighting.I don't think you need a studio all the time-you can do lots with lights and a careful background and Photoshop the rest.

Hi Carl all though i agree with whats been said above have you considered the other option of becomming a strobist?..you could get two flash units for around £100 and possibly pick up a couple of stands from off ebay for around £20/30 just to get you going try looking at these on ebay ive broughtt wo myself and im also using their own trigger system which also doubles as i reciever/trigger.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/YONGNUO-YN-560-Flash-Canon-1000D-550D-500D-7D-5D-/270754552274...

Manager

Thats a good idea, Fabiano, I hadn't thought of that.

Going down the strobist route is probably the best option, it gives you lots of flexibility and is probably the most cost effective way.

I experimented with the off-camera flash/strobist set up for a while, mainly using 2 flashes and wireless triggers. I mainly focused on some location shoots and also mountain biking shots and got some great results with the same set up as fabiano .

James