Show me your set up

[Keith]

I am starting to be intrigued in doing studio work and portraits, would luv if you would post your set up to help give me ideas and the space you work with :)

[davespix]

OMG I have to look for space, I am selling house and rebuilding. All my lights are crammed in an 8-10 room. Hehe, I was going to studio my loft in the barn 12ft ceiling 40x28 hip roof.
Saddley I cant show what I have not built. But next house LOL. Studio's just keep clicking my heels.

[Jeff JTPhoto]

OK here is the set up... It can all be set up in a 12x14' space with room to work. It is also totally portable. We have been know to put 4 of these set ups side by side on a school stage.. Only draw back is, its limited to single, group of 2 or a tight group of three or four.

http://jtphoto.ca/webimages/Oct07/studiost%20setup.jpg

And here is the result Keith.

http://jtphoto.ca/webimages/nov07/eric.jpg

And if worst comes to worst, with consistent lighting you can create a family portrait from 6 single images as I have done here...

http://jtphoto.ca/webimages/dec07/Familyport.jpg

[Jeff JTPhoto]

Of course my idea of a full studio would be a room the size of a school gym.

[Keith]

Excellent Jeff, 122 reads and you come to my rescue :D , still waiting for a few more goodies to arrive but going to give a kick at the cat rolleyes; , thank you, very informative!!

[Jeff JTPhoto]

I have one more basic set up for you but must diagram it first. Its a basic 2 umbrella set up with a background strobe. Again another very portable set up that can be used in as small a space as 10x12'.

[Jeff JTPhoto]

Here is your basic two umbrella set up..

http://jtphoto.ca/webimages/dec07/basicSetup.jpg

[davespix]

I like the hanging the hair light like that but do you find it hard to get to the front of the hair.
I understand the back light effect in that case also. I guess a boom would get kinda cramped.
I will have to try that thanks.

[Jeff JTPhoto]

Depending what you use as the hair light. A small slaved strobe can be hung on an extension arm attached to the background. A softbox may require a boom or at least a sturdy clamp. The hair light should be shining from behind, pointed slightly forward and should output the same as the Main light for best effect...

[davespix]

Not to jack this thread and this should be my last question on this thread, if you had a choice.
I am designing a studio in a sense, should I be 11 to 12 ft ceiling run track off of it with a body size soft box, or would you go with twin strobes off the track. I quess it all could be changed up if one wanted. I guess its here nor there, you could get the same effects in a smaller setup.
But I need elbow room. I may incorperate the studio the next house I build. What would be the formula, besides the wet bar.

[Carlton]

Here is my humble little set-up......
12'W X 20'L X 10'H
http://www.styronphotographydesign.com/photos/249441588-L.jpg

And the other side
http://www.styronphotographydesign.com/photos/249441758-L.jpg

[Carlton]

Not to jack this thread and this should be my last question on this thread, if you had a choice.
I am designing a studio in a sense, should I be 11 to 12 ft ceiling run track off of it with a body size soft box, or would you go with twin strobes off the track. I quess it all could be changed up if one wanted. I guess its here nor there, you could get the same effects in a smaller setup.
But I need elbow room. I may incorperate the studio the next house I build. What would be the formula, besides the wet bar.

Dave,
Either way like you said will work and it sounds like you have a good plan.
I'm use to working in tight spaces, however, a studio can never be large enough.

[Carlton]

Pretty sad, huh?

[Rudi]

LOL, no, it's not sad. :) Quite nice the way you made do with the space you have available - I like it!

[davespix]

Hey you work with what you have , that looks great, the brick wall could be used also.

[Carlton]

Thanks guys,
Yep, I've learned to work with what I have. If I have a large group,
there is a commons area that I can set-up. The thing is I don't really
use the studio that much, mostly used as an office. The bulk of my stuff
is on location.

[Rudi]

Hey Carlton, how large is that Octabox you have there? Who makes it? It looks a little like the Elinchrom Rotalux Deep Throat (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496994-REG/Elinchrom_EL_26185_Rotalux_OctaBox.html), but smaller...

[Carlton]

Hey Carlton, how large is that Octabox you have there? Who makes it? It looks a little like the Elinchrom Rotalux Deep Throat (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496994-REG/Elinchrom_EL_26185_Rotalux_OctaBox.html), but smaller...

Rudy,
It's a 35". It was purchased from Paul Buff "White Lighting".
It appears that they don't make this one anymore, it has been
replaced with a spring loaded, foldable type softbox. The type
I have, has to be assembled, piece by piece. The new version
I would think work better. The material that is is made of has
held up very well. The really nice thing is the price. Heres a link...

http://www.white-lightning.com/foldable_detail.html

[Rudi]

Hmmm... I see they have a 47" version, too! I just ordered a 53" Elinchrom Octa, I'm just intrigued by their Deep Throat version (that only comes in 39"). Anyway, I'll hold off from buying any more light shapers for a while, just like I promised myself. :) I saw a 7-foot white (bounce) umbrella today, and was tempted... until I asked them how much. It actually worked out more expensive than the Elinchrom 74" Octa Bank! (the Beauty Light)

EDIT: My bad, it was a 98" umbrella (2.5m), and you can see it here: http://dragonimage.com.au/product.asp?id=639 Damn impressive! (Their sample image is less impressive...).