Welcome To My Studio - UPDATED

[princer7]

Finally have the muslins and seamless paper hung. The space is starting to be more usable. Still not pretty but it will hopefully get better over time. I look forward to some company if you are ever in the Austin area.


IMG_7737-Edit-1024.jpg by princer7, on Flickr

Muslins moved to the side for storage. A U-Haul box works wonders to stuff the extra muslin background in (for now).

IMG_7677-Edit-1024.jpg by princer7, on Flickr

Muslin stretched out and ready for use. The side window is blacked out with seamless paper for now until a better solution is found.

IMG_7719-Edit-1024.jpg by princer7, on Flickr

Cubicle / Ceiling Track mounted 18" from the wall. Expan drive kit 3" from the wall. Plenty of room for sliding the muslins on the track or hanging the seamless paper rolls. A small clamp is placed on the track to help keep the muslin stretched while in use.

IMG_7779-Edit-1024.jpg by princer7, on Flickr

The back wall. Not the prettiest yet but functional. It will get better with time.

IMG_7754-Edit-1024.jpg by princer7, on Flickr

Zoey loves to help pull the backgrounds down. Isn't she cute! Third time she got a time-out in the crate.

IMG_7769-Edit-1024.jpg by princer7, on Flickr

[therest]

Looks like you have a nice start there! If I'm ever there, can I visit?? :D

[princer7]

Anytime, Eliud. Would be a lot of fun. I would like to host a group shoot or get-together sometime too.

[brewercm]

Jennifer,

Nice looking setup. I can't wait for school to be done next May so I can get back into this a little more not to mention getting another aquarium up. I've been stock piling lights, strobes, stands etc. for the last couple of years getting equipment built up slowly.

[hdctx]

Where do I get good cheap material to black out windows and such? The space I have available for backdrops has a large west facing window fifteen feet behind it, and I'd like to cover the space behind the backdrop. There's an arched opening about ten feet across I need to cover, and cost is a consideration.

[brewercm]

Maybe find an upholstery shop that would have thick fabrics for that use.

[WarrenG]

Originally Posted by hdctx

Where do I get good cheap material to black out windows and such? The space I have available for backdrops has a large west facing window fifteen feet behind it, and I'd like to cover the space behind the backdrop. There's an arched opening about ten feet across I need to cover, and cost is a consideration.

Not sure what the size of the window, but you might consider using the foam insulation sheets from Home Depot. They are 4x8, reflective on one side, and paintable. I use them to reflect the heat off the glass, and black out the window at the same time. They are easy to trim to shape as well...

W

[hdctx]

Yeah, my neighbors and YOU will love that.

[princer7]

Much better solution than the U-haul blanket blocking out the light in our media room. It is sandwiched between the mini blinds and a burgandy red velvet drape, though.

I picked up some rip-stop black nylon from Joann's Fabrics today. Going to use that to cut down on any stray reflections that the room picks up. I have some fold up lite panels that will hopefully do the trick.

Clifton, you are welcome anytime if you want to mess with the lights. I ended up selling my 215 reef tank and miss that aspect of photography.

[hdctx]

That was supposed to be neighbors and HOH.

[Lightdances]

Looking good so far, In my studio I used a black room darkening curtain (3 acually) from walmart, these are sold for daysleepers they are thin atractive and priced reasonable. They block all light from comming through as long as you completly cover the window and you have the ability to pull back to use natuaral light if desired. best wishes DD

[princer7]

Thanks, Dirk. I'll check into those. I am debating between grids for the softboxes next or curtains.

[Vanessa]

Cute kitty!! Nice studio! I'm jealous.

[princer7]

Over the past few months, I have worked out a lot of the kinks in the studio space. Still not perfect but much improved. I finally moved the table out today and put up some metro shelves - cheap but sturdy and do not collect too much dust. Three 9' rolls of seamless hang along the back ceiling - thunder grey, studio grey, and white vinyl. From the ceiling track I can hang muslins, dangling props, and an adjustable bar (smaller 5x7 backdrops). I use magnets and washers to hold a baseboard in place when needed. Safco 4032 roll carts work great for rolled vinyl backdrops and smaller rolls of seamless paper.

Lessons quickly learned -

Leaving 10-x20 muslins hung up is a pain. They get in the way with all the bulk.

Love seamless backdrop paper and vinyl white 9' rolls. Just need to give them support with an aluminum tube to keep creases at bay. Scratch 1 roll of seamless - thankfully it was used.

Black nylon from Hancock Fabric is a horrible light block... it leaves a nice red cast and is too thin.

I welcome visitors if you would like to stop by to shoot sometime.


IMG_9942-Edit- FB.jpg by princer7, on Flickr

[Everett Quintana]

Nice set up! I am a bit jealous... :-D

What are the dimensions of the room you are working with?