Great Photography and Camera Deals

What is the most economical approach to a home-based photography studio?

I'm interested in trying to find a more economical alternative to starting a small photo studio at home but not having to spend hundreds of dollars on lighting equipment and expensive backdrops. I've been told that there are other economical "substitutes" for lighting and backdrops, but I'm hoping to hear from more seasoned photographers who do indoor photoshoots.

Here are some ideas.

First, go digital. While the initial investment is expensive, it's way cheaper in the end because you don't need to buy and process film. At around $10 a roll for film and developing, you only need to take a few thousand pictures (not a lot really) to pay for itself.

Second, hot lights (lights that are always on) are way cheaper than strobe lights. If you use digital, then you can use pretty much any kind of light and then adjust the white balance to get the color you want. You can get two or three sets of halogen work lights (like they have at construction sites) for about $20 each, giving you 1500+ watts of light. The primary consideration here is that you keep the room cool so your subjects don't get hot. Hot lights also reduce the need for an expensive light meter.

Third, backgrounds can be quite cheap. If you use proper lighting, you can take a $20-30 roll of white background paper and make it look white, black or any color and hue. In a pinch, paint a wall white or gray and use lighting to change the color and texture.

Fourth, you can use cheap materials for light reflectors, such as white foam boards from Staples or anything that will reflect and shape the light the way you want it to.

Fifth, use natural light, such as a window softened by some sheer curtains.

Sixth, go outside! Cloudy days make nice photo lights.

The final consideration is what will you do once you have the studio? If you really want to make money at it, your clients will assume you're more credible if you appear to have spent a lot of money on your studio, and therefore more likely to hire you. Unless your work is so outstanding that it speaks for itself.

Good luck!

STUDIO PHOTO 6 PRO GAFFER CLAMPS by PBL $9.39 These photo clamps are perfect to hang your backgrounds onto your support system or clamp lights to stands. 100's of uses. Heavy duty metal construction with rubber pads. Keeps things extra secure and damage-free....

27 Watts 5500K Color corrected Day Light Fluorescent Lamp Photo Bulb - 2 Pack $44.99 This is a fluorescent 27 watts energy saving daylight photo bulb (5500 Kelvin temp.). This Fluorescent lamp bulb emulates a soft daylight measured at full spectrum color of 90 CRI at 1800 lumens. Lifespan: 10,000 hours. Ideal for all Tungsten Continuous Lighting Kit. This photo bulb would cost you $21 each at your local retail store. Best price combo on the internet. **Limited Time Promo**...

Smith Victor 20 X 40 Set of 5 Background Cloth Sweeps for LB-20 Light Tent $14.95 A 20" x 40" Rainbow Set of 5 Smith Victor Background Cloth Sweeps for the LB-14 Shooting Tent. These sweeps have a velvet like appearance and cover back & bottom of shooting surface. Pack includes one each of ruby red, sky blue, medium grey, midnight black, & snow white....

8x10 Happy Holiday Christmas Cardboard Picture Folder Frames 50/box FREE SHIPPING to lower 48 states $44.00 8X10 CHRISTMAS CARDBOARD PICTURE FRAMES FOLDERS -50 PER PACKAGE Perfect for Christmas portraits, events, nightclubs and more. Photos may be mounted portrait or landscape. Similar folders sell for $1.25 each at photo stores. An added touch that your customers will appreciate. You are buying one lot of 50 folders. Buy It Now as quantities are limited....

FXhome Ltd Photokey 4 Pro Automatic Green Screen Removal Software for Photographers using Mac or Windows $199.00 Green screen photography lets your clients choose any backdrop they want, rather than being restricted by your physical backings, whether you're in your studio or at an event. The automated hot folder feature means you can concentrate on the photography while PhotoKey 4 Pro processes each new photo without needing any manual interaction.If you want increased realism or a distinct visual style, Pho...

420W Photography Studio 3 Umbrella Lighting Light Kit with Double White Muslin Kit, LimoStudio $130.91 Double Muslin (Muslin Backdrop + Muslin Protector)Muslin Protector Specially Designed by Professional Photographers' Needs Helps Protect from Dust (Back, Front, and Floorside) Controlling Light Source & Enriching Muslin's Color No Hot Pointson Light Beam (Not like Vinyl or Reflective Materials)(1) x LimoStudio 10 x 10 ft. White Muslin Backdrop Background(1) x LimoStudio 10 x 10 ft. Whi...

420W Photo Studio Umbrella 3 Light Kit with 10 x 10 ft White & Black Muslin Backdrop, Carry Bag, LimoStudio $167.88 Double Muslin (Muslin Backdrop + Muslin Protector)Muslin Protector Specially Designed by Professional Photographers' Needs Helps Protect from Dust (Back, Front, and Floorside) Controlling Light Source & Enriching Muslin's Color No Hot Pointson Light Beam (Not like Vinyl or Reflective Materials) Essential Parts for Professional Photographer(1) x LimoStudio 10 x 10 ft. Muslin Backdrop...

New Backdrop Stand10x13 Muslin Black White Green Red Still Shot 2TM Professional Series 10' x 13' Cotton Muslin (Red Black Green and White) with Stand Genuine Still Shot 2 TM Equipment Factory Direct Professional Series Muslin Combo Set This COMBO SET is designed to save you money by combining 3 items into 1 shipment. And this kit is Awesome. Meaning we added 10' x 13' with this set. If the larger 10' x 13' muslins are preferred or to purchase in...

Understanding Flash Photography: How to Shoot Great Photographs Using Electronic Flash $15.92 This guide to on- and off-camera flash picks up where Understanding Exposure leaves off, helping free photographers from the limitations of "auto" to get the images they want when natural light isn't enough. For the many amateur photographers afraid to venture past natural lighting, here is the book that will finally help them explore the exciting possibilities of artificial light. In his trademar...

Backdrop Outlet: Backgrounds, Props and Studio Accessories {Catalog 12} ...