What are the basics of setting up a photography studio at home?

Question

I mean what kind of lights, the umbrella, the background, and the way to make it look 'soft lens' (where it looks a lil blurry, but nice)????

And where to find a checklist, persay, (e.i. 2 lights, 1 umb....) something like that.

please help!! and thanks to those who did!!

TO BE SPECIFIC: I WANT TO SET UP A LITTLE "STUDIO" TO TAKE PICTURES OF MY BABY, NEWBORN, I LOVE FOTOGRAPHY AND AM ABOUT TO BUY A WAY BETTER DIGITAL CAMERA AND JUST WANT THIS AS A HOBBY, NOT A BUSSINESS.
ALL THE USES WOULD BE PERSONAL, JUST TO HAVE PICTURES AT HOME, TAKEN BY ME. :)

Answer 1

This might give you a good idea. You need not buy it from this store of course, but their website (and the actual store) are very useful.

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_main.php?cat_id=2600

I picked this up a couple of years ago (for a bit less than now)

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_prod.php?cat_id=2602&pid=4214

It works quite well. (I haven't used it for a while though).

I went in for a hot light--but the sale person let me play with both. I realized hot light--was that, HOT, after a while, so I got a strobe instead.

Hope it gives you some good ideas.

(They talked me out of getting the background stuff. They said my cousin who is pretty good at sewing should be able to do it, and she very kindly did make me one for much, much less.)

Answer 2

Tiffen soft FX filters, or pro black mist filters will give you that dreamy soft focus effect.

Normally I'd hold off mentioning a few things that you probably haven't thought about, but there are so many of these questions...

Due to the fact that you have to ask what you need you obviously have 0 experience, and due to the fact that your going to set up a "home" studio, you are on the fast track to unprofessionalism.
I know that's harsh, but think about it. Just be sure to clean your toilet, in case the client needs to use it, and you've paid up your homeowners insurance/ if your renting you better get some liability insurance so at least you will be covered in the event of a accident. (your landlord won't be, I'm sure they won't mind though).
You folks out there really need to come to grips with the fact that owning a top of the line Dslr does not qualify you to be a pro. THERE IS NO SHORTCUT...put in your time as an assistant or go to school, they will teach you about lighting, and more importantly the Business side of a photography business.

Not being rude, being honest.
G'Luck

Answer 3

"Studio" still implies a few possibilities so to really answer more info is needed. If you're looking at doing portrait, then I'd say something like key and fill strobes with softboxes, background strobe, hair light, background support system with at least a high key white, black and chromakey background, some types of posing aids (stools, chairs, etc) and whatever props may be appropriate. That's on top of a decent camera, DSLR probably and a legal copy of whatever level photoshop you think you need with maybe some aftermarket digital backgrounds (beats buying sixty different muslins and still not having the one you need).

Of course, if you want to do still life and product shots, it's totally different, yet somehow similar

Answer 4

Photography Master Class gives you all the knowledge you’ll ever need to take photos that dazzle. It takes you step-by-step through every aspect of photography – from the absolute basics right through to the cutting-edge techniques used by the world’s most celebrated photographers. Whether you want to launch a new career as a professional photographer or simply learn to take better pictures, photographymasterclass. puts you on a fast-track to success.
https://tr.im/68535

Answer 5

From what you are saying I think you are implying a portrait set up, typically four lights, main, fill, background and hair light. Try alienbees.com for the best at the lowest price.
Umbrellas, softboxes, etc depend upon the style you are attempting to create.

Make it look soft with a soft filter or in photoshop if digital.

Answer 6

If there's a photo supply store in your area, go there and explain what you are trying to do. They should be able to set you up pretty good. There are lots of different types of lights and such for different shots. Depends what you will primarily be shooting (people, products, etc.)

Answer 7

1

Answer 8

I'm not sure but i'd like to know that information too

Answer 9

not sure! search it up on google!