Photo Studio - What are all those gadgets for?

Have you ever considered a studio shoot but you're put off by all of those gadgets you've seen in images of photography studios before? I don't blame you! I mean, it looks like a 101x magnification of a dentist's office! 😃

Or maybe you have gone for a studio shoot before but you still have no idea what all of these things were there for!

I am going to give you a quick overview of the purpose of these 'gadgets' so that if you ever land up in a studio shoot (again?) you'll be 'educated' because you know that these 'gadgets' are actually your best friends!



Let's start off with 'what makes a studio image different from an image taken somewhere else' (whether with a cell phone or with a pro camera)?

Yes, you probably guessed right. 'Light'. Soft light. No sharp shadows (unless effort was specifically made to allow strong shadows for artistic purposes like the shot on the left. These are called 'low key' images).










Another characteristic of a studio image is the absence of strong brights (unless effort was made to over expose a scene for artistic purposes like the shot on the left. These are are called 'high key' images).

 




Opinions differ about exactly how much over / under exposure turns an image into a high / low key shot but these images will give you the idea.

Another characteristic of a studio image is 'perfect' backgrounds. Whether pure white / black, a mixture of patterns or whatever - it gives an image a beautiful background because the photographer has control over it. No 'photo bombers', flying objects or other clutter in the background.

These things (control over light and the background) is basically all that a photo studio is about. And that is exactly what these gadgets are for!

So, let's sum up what you'd see in a studio:

1. A backdrop



A backdrop may be 'clean' (smooth with single color) or it may have an artistic mixture of colors to complement a particular theme or color scheme. Sharp shadows (of the 'model') on a backdrop is a no-no and the photographer may use lighting specifically to eliminate it.


A color-mix backdrop was used in the image on the left in order to create an interesting background.




2. Octaboxes and beauty dishes


These are probably the most intimidating objects in a studio. Until you have seen what they do. Then you immediately fall in love with them. A beauty dish has earned its name - for a very good reason!

They spread light evenly across your face / body and eliminate strong shadows.

A beauty dish has a 'reflector dish' right in the middle (see the image on the left) that reflects the light source back onto the 'umbrella' section, which then in return reflects the light back to you. The light thus does not hit your face / body directly, causing a beautiful soft effect.

The octabox looks exactly like the beauty dish but it does not have the reflector dish in the middle. It might thus create a little stronger light which may be handy in specific situations, such as outdoor shoots.

Beauty dishes and octaboxes are covered by a fitted 'cloth' most of the time in order to soften the light even further. 

3. Other light sources.

Other than beauty dishes and octaboxes, she speedlite (sometimes spelled 'speedlight') is probably the most common light source in a studio.

They fulfill exactly the same role as your on-camera flash albeit with a much stronger (adjustable) light. They usually fulfill a supporting role, used to prevent strong shadows on the backdrop or to highlight certain areas on your face or body.

Speedlites are sometimes fitted with 'diffusers' of various forms and makes in order to diffuse light (i.e. to prevent strong shadows).


There are various types of other light sources (on stands and/or hanging from ceilings or walls), each fulfilling the roles as discussed above to various degrees - or roles very similar to it.

Reflectors

Reflectors are exactly that - reflectors. They come in various shapes, forms and sizes and are used by your photographer to reflect light. They may be positioned close to you or far from you. You may have to hold one on your lap - or an assistant may hold it in place. They are used to reflect light towards you - or certain parts of your face or body.

Summary

That just about sums it up! Quite simple, hey? So next time when you see these 'gadgets', accept that they are your best friends and appreciate them as you photographer moves them around to make you look like a super model! 😊

I have booked a Studio Shoot! Now what?

Have you ever considered booking a studio shoot? But you're scared of the unknown?

I totally understand! This is not something one does on a regular basis - or something anyone prepares you for, as far as family and friends are concerned! I mean, I'm a photographer myself and I booked my wife, my granddaughter and myself for a (first) studio shoot recently, just to know what it's like from an 'outsider's point of view! Ironically the one that enjoyed it most was my granddaughter because she jumped at the opportunity without any fears or preconceptions!

Let me quickly run you through a few important points (as I see them), just in case you consider a studio shoot soon!

Get there rather too early than just on time

• It gives you time to relax as you study the venue and to get used to the sounds and other activities around you.

Pack a smile

• Have fun! You have paid for this opportunity so make the most of it! A friendly attitude will help your photographer relax and come up with a few more ideas to make the shoot interesting!

Pack an extra dress and/or your favourite props

• Usually your studio photographer will specify that your studio shoot includes one or more dress changes. Unless you go to a theme-venue like Pretville where suitable clothing will be provided, remember to pack some clothing for your dress changes;
• Always wanted to pose with your grandma's 'funny hat'? Now this is the time - take it with! Very few photographers (if any at all) would refuse interesting ideas or poses!   

Pack your hair brush and your make-up

• Unless your shoot includes a make-up artist, remember to pack whatever is needed to make you feel clean and respectable. If you're unsure of your looks, the camera will highlight your uncertainty. 

Match your clothing styles if you get photographed with others

• If you're unsure about complementing / clashing colour schemes, feel welcome to discuss that with your photographer BEFORE pitching up for your shoot;
• Even more important: try to support a particular style. A wedding dress do not match a man's short pants and tekkies too well! 😄 Neither a lady's designer dress with a man's torn denim pants and rugged T-shirt! 😉 Common sense is a great virtue here!

Go with an open mind 

• Be a sport. Don't go with preconceived ideas about what you will and will not do (within ethical guidelines, of course!). Let your photographer guide you into specific poses but don't be shy to suggest some of your own.

Don't be shy to share a few ideas of your own

• Remember we're living in the digital age. If a photo does not work, you can simply delete it! Try out a few poses of your own. Grab a few of the studio's own props and enjoy yourself!
• Do your homework before the day of the shoot. If there's a particular pose or idea which you would like to try for yourself, take a snapshot with your mobile phone's camera and as your shoot nears its end, show it to your photographer and tell him/her 'I wanna try this! It may challenge him/her with something new for a change and he/she will thank you for it!

Summary

• This is your shoot! Enjoy every minute of it and make the most of it!

For a few samples of my own studio shoots, just click here!

If I have interested you in doing a shoot of your own (I hope I did), why not book one right now by clicking here?

7 Reasons why you HAVE to do a studio shoot!

Yes, you've read correctly! A studio shoot is an absolute MUST! Perhaps even more than once!

Take my word for it: as you get older you will start regretting the fact that you do not have more images of your loved ones! Friends who are not with you anymore (even a spouse or other loved one(s) - heaven forbid)!

One thing is a given as far as time is concerned: you can NEVER turn back the clock! If there is one thing that I regret then it is the fact that I've had my kids in the days before mobile phones (with built-in cameras) and digital cameras. We simply had to make the most of films with all of the challenges that accompanied it, such as forgotten spools on a shelve somewhere or overlapping shots when the camera did not advance correctly to the next empty spot after releasing the shutter! In short: lots of missed opportunities!

Anyhow - I'm digressing! "Yea but I can take my own shots now - with my mobile phone or with my own digital camera", I hear you thinking. Granted - you are right. But how do you include yourself meaningfully with a grandchild on your lap demanding attention while trying to grab and holding on to your photo making piece of equipment at the same time?

Let's look at 7 reasons to opt for a studio shoot:

1.      It forces you to commit to a date instead of realising with a shock that you have never taken that self-promised shot when you were together with your grandchild (or other loved one) two seasons earlier!

2.      You can relax. The poses, placement and editing of the digital images is someone else's problem;

3.      Your photographer uses state of the art lighting in a controlled environment where you do not have to worry about the weather or lighting conditions;

4.      Your photographer will ensure that all distracting elements are removed from the image - if not beforehand, then during post processing;

5.      Usually you will be allowed to go through one or more dress changes - a luxury you never grant yourself when taking snapshots somewhere else;

6.      Some studio shoots include the services of a makeup artist - not a luxury you have at your disposal when taking a selfie! 

7.      You can actually determine exactly what type of image(s) you would like to be taken of yourself and/or those with you (for example your favourite studio images or poses as spotted in a fashion magazine) and ask your studio photographer to do exactly the same.

These are just a few quick examples of why at least one studio shoot is an absolute must - and there are many more!

For a few samples of my own studio shoots, click here and if you like what you see and you have not done so yet - why not  click here to book a Studio Shoot RIGHT NOW?