The most important aspect of a homemade portrait studio is the ability to satisfy your clients. There is no specific number of backdrops or props needed, but remember that you will attract more business and create more satisfied clients if they have more say in how their portraits will look.
Instructions
1. Find or create a space large enough to comfortably contain several people, plus room to move around lighting and camera equipment.
2. Hang backdrops on a wall or use backdrop stands to support them. A studio wall can also be painted to use as a backdrop.
3. Position lights to adequately illuminate the area in front of the backdrops. Use a main light to illuminate the subject. A fill light is usually positioned opposite the main light to reduce or remove heavy shadows. A back light, which illuminates the area between the subject and the backdrop, provides depth and controls shadow behind the subject.
4. Set a tripod up in your studio to support any camera you might want to use. Lighting techniques for portraits sometimes require that your camera is stable, in order to prevent blurring in situations where low light or slow shutter speed may be needed.
5. Make several props available for clients to use in their portraits. Props vary, depending on the age of the subject and reason for the portrait, but normally include chairs and objects for support, as well as theme-based props, such as sports equipment and seasonal or holiday-related objects.
6. Keep an assortment of toys for younger children. Diversions will keep them calm, as well as prevent stress for both the photographer and the family. Stuffed animals work as comfort objects and puppets can be used by a photographer to attract an infant's attention at the time the photo is taken.
Tags: main light, their portraits
