It can be really challenging to take photographs in a studio for the first time, especially if you are used to working with natural light. It can be a really nerve-wracking experience to film for the first time in a studio if you do not have access to a space where you can practice and experiment with artificial lighting.
The following are some helpful hints that will make your first visit to the studio a much more relaxing, delightful, and pleasurable experience for you.
Keep it simple: if this is your first time shooting in a studio, you shouldn’t try to recreate those intricate lighting setups that you’ve seen demonstrated in YouTube tutorials. You’ll get there in the end, but for the time being, just make things as straightforward as possible. Start with a single light, and believe me when I say there are a lot of things you can accomplish with just that one light!
The maxim “keep things simple” applies to more than just the lighting in a space. For instance, if you have no idea how to shoot tethered, you don’t have to become an expert on the technique before you perform your first studio session. Just remember to keep everything as straightforward as possible and to focus on the skills you already possess. You will eventually learn new and more difficult things, but for the time being, you should focus on improving your photography skills.
Use a versatile modifier: this piece of advice is connected to the one that came before it. If you are only going to be working with one light, you should make sure to employ a versatile modifier so that you can get the most out of the lighting you have. For instance, you may use an octabox. Removing the diffuser or adding a grid would cause a change in the lighting, which will give you more creative possibilities to work with.
Be safe – Remember to exercise caution; the safety of both you and the model is an additional factor to take into account. It’s possible that you’ll become so preoccupied with the planning of the shoot that you’ll overlook the “safety gear,” so to speak. Remember to make use of sandbags in order to maintain the light stands’ stability. Pay attention to any cables that may be present, and take precautions to avoid tripping over them. You might also attach them to the ground using tape. Last but not least, before you put the caps on the lights and pack them away, you need to check that they have completely cooled down.
Use a posing reference mood board – When you already have a lot going through your head, making use of a posing reference mood board will help you relax and feel more confident. Additionally, if you are moving from shooting on location to shooting in a totally new environment, such as a studio, this will make it a lot simpler for you to give directions to the model you are working with.
Utilize reflectors, V-flats, etc. – this is the final but not the least piece of advice, and it relates to the first one. Even though you only have one source of illumination, that does not imply you have to put all of your faith in it. In spite of this, if you feel as though adding one or two more lights would be too much for the space, keep in mind that you can use various tools, such as V-flats or reflectors, to reflect some of the light back, or flags to block it.
This will be both informative and reassuring to me as a complete beginner in the art of studio photography. And I intend to return to it whenever I make the decision to try my luck in the studio on my own rather than alongside a photographer with more experience. I really hope that it was of some use to you as well! Leave a comment below and let us know if you have any suggestions for first-time studio visitors that you would like to share.
Learn more: 8 Zoo Photography Tips