Photographers can be put off using photographic studios – do we really need them?

Photographic studios can be quite intimidating at times, there is an awful lot of equipment in there that we may not be familiar with, so the trepidation is quite understandable. These studios do offer great facilities to act out and photograph our ideas, but sometimes do we need all that space, all that equipment – can we make do with less?

I have generated quite a few images in quite small areas, such as at home or at camera clubs or another limited spaces. All we really need is the space to be able to erect a backdrop, put a couple of lights up on stands and have room to move. I have quite a few images now that I’ve done quite well for me in clubs salons and National competitions that were created in such limited spaces, below are a few…

The above image entitled ‘The Cleric’ was shot in a village hall at a camera club. I simply set up a simple table top and place some items to add some interest and context then asked my subject to sit behind it and shut away. This image, recently won a PAGB gold medal at the Smethwick international salon.
A ‘Behind the scenes‘ video can be seen here on Youtube.

The above image of dancer, Emily was shot in the church hall, again, a simple backdrop, two lights which took 10 minutes to set up. I grabbed a handful of shots in less than five minutes, which I was more than happy with.

Another image that was shot in a church hall with Olga in front of a table with a few Halloween type artefacts, a black sheet draped down onto the floor and some dead flowers scattered about the place.

Finally, a shot of Dean as the Demon Barber – Sweeney Todd, again shot in a small hall. Set up was a simple backdrop, one light to the left and a few ideas in my head. Again, a very quick session where I grabbed half a dozen images.

It could also be argued that you don’t need professional models for your shoots! Maybe you know somebody with a great look, that with a bit of thought, could create some interesting images. Often it’s our imagination that holds us back, so keep things simple, keep them small and let your imagination run away with itself. Have fun.