dSLR Dad

Let’s face it, we can’t all have one room devoted to an entire photo studio. However, you can make a bedroom, office, or other spare room serve up as double duty for your photographic interests.  Photographer James Burger does just that in the following video:

Some key points that came to me while watching this:

1. Even something as mundane as a rubber ducky can make an excellent subject. What do you see around you that would make a good little project?
2. James’ first action is clear out the space, which includes moving the bed up against the wall.  This key to creating a space to truly get some work done.
3. He made his own DIY backdrop stand (23-sec in) and mounted it to the ceiling to hold both his white and black seamless paper.  Saves you from having to spend $140 on a portable background stand.
4. All of his equipment is portable, which means foldable, which means that you can keep it out of the way in a cabinet or closet when not in use. Not only does this keep your significant other happy, it also can keep the kids out of it as well.
5. Shooting tethered to a computer is great when you’re doing macro, product, or studio work.  We’re dSLR Dads, so we have only got a short amount of me time for photography.  Having a real-time blowup on a laptop screen really helps you see if you’ve got the shot. Of course, you don’t need to shoot tethered the entire time, but it sure helps at the end.
6. Once your done, pack up all of your toys and put it all away. After all, dSLR Dads should set a good example.

If you want more details on James’ DIY setup, check out DIYPhotography.net for more information. He doesn’t cover it in this video, but greater than 8-foot ceilings and the biggest space will make all the difference in the world if you want to shoot people. Also, don’t forget about your garage. Backing two cars out gives you a great studio space.

What are your thoughts? Have you converted any spaces at your home into a photography studio?

This entry was posted on Sunday, June 21st, 2009 at 1:50 PM and is filed under Flash and Lighting, Photography Instruction. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.