This post is the second in the “Moving on Up” series, a set of apartment posts dedicated to creative and practical uses for a second bedroom space.
{Photo by: Kirsty Legg Photography}
Today’s idea for a second bedroom comes from a LOL twitter follower @beekalove, who also happens to be my cousin! Becca, a travel blogger and photography enthusiast, suggested that if she were to have an extra bedroom it would be used for a home photography studio.
A home photo studio is more than just a fun idea – it could also be a great way to generate some additional income. Just think, a couple of portrait or product shoots and the extra space would pay for itself!
Far from a photography expert, I reached out to Kirsty Legg, a Scotland-based photographer whose lovely home studio I found on Flickr. She was kind enough to provide these six tips for turning a blank bedroom into a functional, stylish and professional photography room!
1. Space – Try not to get frustrated by the limited space you have; make the most of it. My room isn’t large — around 11 x 12 feet. Also, my home photo studio changes often to accommodate different shoots or to cope with storing the things I accumulate as a photographer.
2. Backgrounds – For backgrounds I find paper easier to work with than cloth. If you are trying to get a very high-key look with a white out, background, paper is the way to go. Trying to accomplish this look with cloth requires back lighting, which requires more space for lights behind the cloth.
{Photo by: Mark William}
3. More on Backgrounds – I use wall brackets from Interfit to support my paper rolls, which can be rolled up or down by using a chain, just like a roller-blind. If drilling through walls is not an option (as is often the case in apartments), stands are a great alternative.
To support a heavy paper roll, it’s best not to cut corners. Opt for a good, sturdy background support rig. The downside to stands are they can take up a lot of space. Pins and tape can also be used to mount paper to the wall if stands won’t fit in your space.
{Photo Courtesy of: TrustedReviews.com}
4. Storage – Photographers seem to pick up a lot of random props, so having plenty of storage space is ideal for throwing things into drawers until you need them again. I mounted a curtain rod to my wall as a makeshift clothing rail. Having a safe place to store your cameras and lenses is also very important.
5. Safety & Insurance - Don’t forget, safety is always important, and you should have your rental insurance reviewed along with getting some personal insurance such as public liability just in case an accident happens. You don’t want a client falling over a light, breaking a wrist and suing you!
{Photo by: Anton Zhukov}
6. Taxes - Lastly, remember that working from home does not mean you can escape the taxman!
Do you have a home photo studio or aspire to have one? Share your tips and insight in the comments below!
Kirsty Legg is a 25-year-old photographer based in Dundee, Scotland, who offers a range of bespoke photography services from wedding coverage and family portraits to fashion and product photography. Her purpose-built home studio is a short walk from Dundee city centre and is equipped with professional backdrops, lighting and accessories. {website} {blog}
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