Not all of us have the luxury of an expansive studio space that we can fill with equipment and in which we can endlessly experiment. This great video shows to make the most of a very small studio space to light and shoot highly professional portraits.
Coming to you from Jeff Rojas, this great video shows how he shoots portraits in his small studio space (60 square feet) in his apartment. Whether you're first starting out or you're a pro who simply doesn't have a large, dedicated studio space, it can seem frustratingly difficult to achieve professional results when you're using something like a spare bedroom or office space, which is why I appreciate Rojas' approach so much, as it shows that with the proper technical knowledge and some careful thought about how you're doing things, you can accomplish quite a bit. It's particularly well-timed for me, as I'll be shooting 50 headshots in a very small recording studio next month, and I will have to make the same sorts of considerations Rojas does, but even if you don't normally shoot in such a space, I recommend watching the video and trying it, as it'll really push your lighting skills.
Solid content. $195.99 for 2 sheets of foam core is a bit steep though...
Something else to consider when you're not shooting full body portraits is to get smaller sheets from a craft store and just clamp them to a couple of cheap light stands, which most people have lying around already. And if not, cheap light stands + smaller foam board is still cheaper than these, and potentially more versatile.
Hell that even seems steep. I can get 4'x'8 @ $17 sheet from a plastic supply company (ask local sign shops who their supplier is). Cheaper yet when in a full case of 25 ($14/sheet). They deliver once a week for free too.
Also Dodd Pro is my P1 dealer, and I really like them, but $90/sheet is BS unless your are getting some super thick foam core.
If you have a Menards in your area (or possibly similar big box hardware store)
"Expanded Polystyrene Foam Insulation 2" x 4' x 8' R-8"
$11/sheet, comes thinner too. Poly board paints very well.
I'm going to assume that both of you have cars? I'm still trying to figure out how to carry four 4'x8' panels on my Harley. lol
Very cool. Very nice of him to make these.
Thank you kindly! Giving back to the community that gave me so much. :)
Jeff is very impressive when teaching/sharing stuffs.
Direct to the point, with solid results, keeps it simple, no effects, no ego
A great man!
You're extremely kind. Thank you. :)
I used to question this too... but then I started shopping for office space and you'd be surprised how many have 11+ ft ceilings but only 150sq/ft of floor in downtown areas.
I agree William - I can (and do) absolutely make do with a small footprint, but when that footprint exists in an area with 7.5' ceilings, light positioning and subject posing becomes a challenge!
Both of you are right. Shooting with low ceilings isn't ideal, but it's not IMPOSSIBLE. However, the principle of light is still the same; CONTROL is EVERYTHING. :)
small studio.. My whole apartment is 25 square meters with a studio. xD
Lol, I'm not far behind you. My last apartment was 37sqm, and the current one is 46sqm. You're in good company my friend.
Large window but low ceiling and tall subject, photography is a matter of compromise... thank you again for the kick in the a**