Hello :)
I’m about to head down to the camera shop and say “hand over all of your photo shoot studio set up equipment or the dog get’s it”. Not really, I wouldn’t hurt animals, unless they’re a particularly plump chicken, but I have been known to drop a few lenses. Well one, but it rolled down the hill. Actually, now that I mention it, I’m looking for the paperwork for said lens to take in on account of the strange rattly noise. I just made that up Harvey Norman, in case you’re reading this. Serious.
So I thought I’d better check in with my mentors (Wendy, Mel, Rose, Paul, Paul, and Paul, Deke, Dave, Shanghaiwu, Gemlenz, Sam, Ashley, Peter, Barbara) first before I sell our first born and maybe the second. Better wear a shortish dress. Kidding again. Not even. If it get’s me $500 off I’ll wear bells on my shortish dress. See, still kidding. It’s hard to tell though. If you saw me right now, You’d know I wouldn’t be caught dead in bells.
Any advice on which equipment I need for a full set up?
Thank you :)
www.cathleentarawhiti.co.nz
Cathleen Taraw...
Aliens have taken over our garage. Well, just me but I can speak pig latin.
Cathleen Taraw...
Look Mum, no focus.
freebornman
Sure Cathleen …… I think the tight skirt and the thigh length boots!!!
Cathleen Taraw...
Hau couture
Cathleen Taraw...:
Greatful for elaborate advice – hang on, I’ll get a pen… Thigh. Length. Boots. Do I have to wear them or can I just whack him with them?
JimFilmer
Hi Cathleen,
Jo Obrien wrote an interesting piece about the “low cost” approach towards photographic accessories, such as using car windscreen sun reflectors which sell for a few$ in comparison to what the photo supply shop sells reflectors for, purchasing “work lights” from your major hardware store (I bought a twin light set up with full 405 ft stand for A$23-) and using baking paper as a diffuser etc. – not fancy stuff, but can be utilised with some creative and thoughtful approach.
Cathleen Taraw...:
Hi Jim, thanks I’ll check out Jo’s journal tonight. I need to mention that I have no idea what to do with any of those things except the baking paper so if you know of any great websites (I’ve just joined lynda.com ) that will give me a walkthrough, I’m up for swatting.
shawhouse
not on the list, but I suggest including daylight balanced fluorescent continuous lights. don’t need a strobe, they don’t heat up andcook your model. I’m a fan of softboxes, as well…
Cathleen Taraw...:
Excellent, thanks Shawhouse. I’m going to be looking at the large stuff for modelling but also something to do with ‘silo’ thingies for close ups on flowers/small objects.
Barbara Sparhawk
I know I’m not on your list, but you’re too much fun. Wow, go for it. Wear them bells! I’d empty it out completely then gradually bring back in what you want and need. Set up so that you have control over the light, tight black curtains or shade you can open or close. an old projection screen to use for background on closeups; a variety of sheets or fabric pinned to a wall for background; gels to change light color; definitely an old oriental rug – there’s one in the first shot above, and keep the piano!; and a kitchen sink; car fender; cow. Most of all, let your imagination fly. It looks like a terrific space…I’m so pleased for you!! Setting up shop, wow. Wonderful, Cathleen.
Cathleen Taraw...:
You are always on my list Barbara, check again :) Yes, we are having a big garage sale in a couple of weeks and using the ‘winnings’ to help fund this grand adventure. Plus the two shoots I booked yesterday :) But yes, the piano’s staying. And the cow’s in the freezer.
Mel Brackstone...
There’s some really good info here Cathleen
Cathleen Taraw...:
Thanks Mel, off to have a look :)
Cathleen Taraw...:
Oww, ahhh!…
Mel Brackstone...
don’t forget to check out the next couple of pages, there’s a wealth of information there.
Cathleen Taraw...:
Thanks, that’s a great site, I spent all night on it last night :)
Wendy Slee
can’t say I have ever set up a photographic studio, (mine is different, an artist studio, no lights required…..) sorry to disappoint you, but I loved reading this….can’t stop chuckling….you with the boots, shorts skirts and bells, hell, why not just go stark naked with tinsel and hope santa brings you something good……
Good luck dear friend…… wish i lived closer would come help paint or decorate or take up the hem on your skirt, cook that chicken or something……. or hold those reflectors so i could watch and Learn some of your magic….. ;-)
Cathleen Taraw...:
I’ll go naked when you get over here, wear those boots, short skirts, bells and cook me some chicken Beth. (slightly different take on Once Were Warriors but far more preferable. Great, unfortunately very realistic movie). Thanks Wendy, it would be so much fun if you could be here to help supervise me setting it up. Two without a clue, I think we’d come up with something very unique, but especially, kickassingly fun. New word, made it up.
Princessbren2006
I am studying photography and have had 2 studio shoots in our school studio. They have soft boxes lights and gels and heaps of other stuff. including black and white backgrounds. plus a table to do still life on anc the reflectors. Would help if you saw a studio set up and perhaps enrolled in a course on studio work if they have it where you are.
Cathleen Taraw...:
Hi Bren, thanks, I went to the camera shop today and got quotes on everything. And saw my first live studio – faa. I saw softboxes and reflectors and poles and more poles and I’m thinking our spare room off the garage is not going to cut it. But the garage will. Oh well, our cars are quite used to being out in the cold. The cat (and various others, where’s my beebee gun) is keeping them company.
Wendy Slee
yep…gotta love kickassingly fun…..(can’t say I have had any of that of late…..lol)
Good luck girl! (and yes, on a serious note, very powerful movie…)
Cathleen Taraw...
Well, you would if you were over here holding my poles.
Princessbren2006
cool hope it all goes well
Barbara Caffell
Good luck! ……try bribing them with some free sittings! To cold to go naked at the moment!….and the kids can come in useful later in life! LOL!
Michelle Hogan
I’m just setting up a studio also, it’s so exciting isn’t it : ) Good Luck with it all!
Cathleen Taraw...:
It is Michelle :)) I’ve had mine up for about four months and done a few shoots. It’s very cool but I need to stop hiding in here and go out into the big scary world of… natural light. Got to learn how to take outside shots properly as I have a couple of shoots waiting for me to pull my finger out. Oww, scarewy.
Neil Boucher
Not sure if it was mentioned, but one of the best accessories for a studio are polystyrene sheets, about 30cm think and something like one metre by 3 metres. Paint one side black and leave one side white. Get them from cool room fabricators for very cheap if you are lucky. They replace the bifold doors in Mel’s link and are good for both reflecting and subtracting light. Join with Gaffer tape.
Cathleen Taraw...:
Hi Neil, good idea. Thanks for that valuable nugget :)