Photo Gear: Everything You Need to Build Your Own Photography Studio
Figuring out what you need to build your own photography studio can be a little daunting. Let me make it easier for you. Here is everything you need to build your own photo studio.
Let me go ahead and be clear–there are much cheaper solutions than what I use; however, I have used what I've recommended for many years now without failure. Like most other things, you get what you pay for.
Above all else, I encourage you to invest in what you can afford and be conscious of your purchasing decisions and thinking long term whenever possible.
BUILDING THE BACKGROUND
You’ll want to put your subject against something to photograph.
Background Stands
The foundation for your background. You’ll need two. I choose to use Autopoles because they provide two points of contact (the floor and the ceiling) and therefore offer you peace of mind that everything is secure.
Super Clamps
The Super Clamp is a very versatile tool and it holds just about anything: cameras, lights, umbrellas, hooks, shelves, plate glass, crossbars, even other Super Clamps.
U-Hook Crossbar Holders
U-hooks lock into a Super Clamp socket. You’ll need them to hold the background crossbar that I have listed below.
Background Crossbar
A background crossbar allows you to either mount your background to light stands or dedicated background stands.
Backgrounds
There are two backgrounds to use in a studio if you don’t have a set already built, seamless paper or canvas. Each has its place, and you’ll find a variety of versatile ways to use them.
Seamless Paper
Seamless paper is a must-have for most studio photographers. It's made of paper, and pretty cheap to invest in. On average, you can assume you'll use about one seamless roll per three full-length shoots you do if you scrap it every single time.
Canvas
A canvas backdrop is a backdrop made from canvas. If you’re interested in capturing backgrounds with beautiful textures and different tones, I cannot recommend these enough.
LIGHTING.
What is photography, but the art of capturing light?
Strobes
Strobes produce bright light, much like on-camera flash. They differ in that they have more power, and provide shorter bursts of light and can recharge much quickly. Strobes ( aka Monolights), are available in power ranges from 100 watts up to about 1,000 watts.
WANT TO LEARN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STROBES AND SPEEDLIGHTS? CLICK HERE
Light Stands
Light stands hold lights and other equipment. I advise not skimping on your light stand. But the best that you can afford. It is after all the only thing holding up your light from hitting the floor.
Light Meter
In photography, a light meter is used to determine the proper exposure for a photograph.
Everything Else.
There are plenty of other things that’ll make your life easier as a photographer. Here are just a few.
Tripod
A tripod is a three-legged stand used to hold up your camera. If you don't have a steady hand or shoot product photography, I can't recommend one enough!
Grey Card & Color Checker
When used with the included software, a grey card and color checker can help you capture the correct color and white balance in your image.
WANT TO LEARN HOW TO USE A COLOR CHECKER? CLICK HERE
Gaffer Tape
Gaffer tape is a heavy cotton cloth tape with strong adhesive properties. It's used in photography, theatre and film sets.
Boom Arm
A boom arm makes it easier to position light sources exactly where you want them. It telescopes your light out from your light stand at the angle, height, and direction you’re looking for.
