Studio Lighting 1

Okay so you have your camera, you have learned how to use it, and have taken some nice images outside... Now if you live somewhere like me (Ohio), the weather has gone south for a few months. So it is time to bring your new found skills inside. For the beginning photographer trying to set up a studio can be overwhelming, and seem far too expensive. Many believe it is smarter and cheaper to go out and rent studio space when it is needed, but that is not true. You can set up a studio space rather easily and without spending thousands of dollars. All you need is a spare room or garage. My wife and I actually use to set up in our living room when we first started. Next you need the lights and backdrops. This is where the cost starts to build, but it does not have to break you. There are kits out now that can be purchased for as little as $120.00 such as the one from LimoStudios, that can be found on amazon.com... It comes with 2 light stands, 2 light heads, 2 photo bulbs, 2 umbrellas, 1 backdrop support, and 3 muslin backdrops (black, white, and green chromakey. Okay, granted this is not the most sturdy built set on the market, and my not last you more than a couple of years or so, but it is a good place to start.
There is also another alternative... you can build your own. Now this does take a little knowledge in electrical wiring (very little), and you must have some craftsman skill. I am not going to get into it right now, but I will in part 2. Why? because I believe the purchase of a kit like above is your best way to start, and build off of it...
That's it now, until next time, happy shooting...