Digital Photography Technology

What is a studio photographer? This is where a photographer does his photography in a totally controlled environment. He never has to worry about weather, lighting changes, to hot or to cold, rain, schedules, forgetting something or being concerned about anyone or anything. Everything is in total comfort.

In a photography studio, everything that you need is always readily available. Everything you do is created by you in the studio. It is not like going out and taking pictures that are already created, and taking them at the right moment, such as a parade, sunset, or sports event.

To start your studio, use a room in your home. The rent is right, although you be limited by the size of the object that you will be photographing. You will need working room, and the ability to have more than one set up at a time, if possible. Keep out all outside light. Paint the ceiling black to keep down reflections. If you rent a building, have high ceiling, this will also help. A drive in door for larger jobs, such as an automobile, will not limit you to small jobs.

Back drops are totally up to the imagination and the need of the job. Material is easy to work with, and can be found in a variety of places. Long lengths of paper are available up to 12 feet in width.

There are many other features that are desirable, but all depend on the studio photographer and the type of work he does.

Equipment required for a photography studio is up to the photographer, and what he is comfortable with. Digital cameras are probably being used more now because of the ability to look at the picture as soon as it taken. Some still might prefer large format, such a 4×5 or 8×10 view camera. These would be used where large enlargements would be required.

Lenses are all fixed focus from 28mm to 105mm. No zoom lenses. Occasionally a longer lens is required, but not often. Sturdy tripods are a definite requirement with the ability to hold a camera at floor level then up to the ceiling if possible.

Studio lighting at one time used all tungsten lighting. There were advantages as you could see the effects of the lights on what you were taking a picture of. The disadvantages were tremendous heat, and the color temperature of the light changed with the age of the lamp.

As strobe lights appeared, they started to be preferred over the tungsten lamps. There is no heat, extremely fast light duration, color temperature stays constant, adjustable light output, and thousands of flashes per bulb with out any degradation of color temperature. Tungsten bulbs are still used with modeling lamps, and also if some motion would be required.

Other items used for lighting are a variety of reflectors which help direct the light. Other necessary items are diffusers, umbrellas, reflectors cards, soft boxes and all the hardware necessary to support the lighting equipment.

Light and composition of a subject will be discussed in another page. Studying this in school will give you the basics, but every time you take a picture, the subject will not be the same and will require different lighting. The same goes for composition, one subject, 5 photographers, 5 different photos with different lighting. This is where your imagination and techniques that you develop with start to work.

Now that you are to become a studio photographer, start by going to the library and reading some books. Try getting a job with a professional studio as this will be a good learning experience. Start building a portfolio so a prospective client can see your work. Take any opportunity to show your work to others.

Pricing will depend on the area you are in, and the difficulty in doing the job. Don’t give our work away, but do not try for the top dollar when you start. Get some experience and go from there.