Photography Studio

Photography Studio
Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still. ~ Dorothea Lange

Photography is the art of experiencing the world through the lens and essentially capturing these experiences with or without colors. The fascinating field of photography is vast and includes several specialization areas like fashion photography, outdoor photography, nature photography, wildlife photography, still life photography, color photography, black and white photography and so on. If you are one of those people who have a keen interest in studio photography and wish to pursue a career in this field, then setting up a photography studio is the first thing you will need to do once you’ve completed your formal training in the subject.

About Studio Photography

The earliest reference to studio photography in the history of photography dates back to 1853 when noted portrait photographer Gaspard-Félix Tournachon who was popularly known by his pseudonym Nadar opened his portrait studio in Paris. Studio photography in itself is an extremely extensive subject and encompasses several branches. As the photography techniques evolved gradually, more and more photographers started opening their own photography studios, which were essentially used to create portraits since portrait were one of the most popular forms of photography back then. The field of photography evolved a lot after this period due to the advent of color films, polarized films, effective lighting-techniques and many more inventions, which led to the flourishing of this photography technique. Here is a quick look at the various branches of studio photography:

Studio Photography

Studio photography is very different from outdoor photography, since a photographer cannot just walk into a studio with his camera and start shooting. There goes a lot of pre-production work in studio photography. Outdoor photography is more spontaneous where in an actually created scene is captured through a camera without manipulating the lighting and other conditions whereas studio photography allows the photographer to create a scene and control all the elements of it starting from the lighting to the position of the subject as well. Studio photography is a vast genre in itself and there exist many branches of studio photography.

Portrait Photography: Portrait photography is a branch of studio photography. The creation and reproduction of photographic portraits was perhaps the first commercial use of photography. The noted French photographer Disderi invented the process of exposing multiple images onto one negative and thus revolutionized the world of portrait photography. He was the one who popularized celebrity portraiture. Today portraiture photography is a vast industry with professional and amateurs equally interested in the art of photography portraiture.

Advertising Illustration / Product Photography: Advertising illustrations or product photography is a branch of studio photography. The use of photography for advertising actually began with the advent of the technology to duplicate photographs on a large scale, and is dated back to the 1850s. Owing to the progressive printing techniques and the ability to reproduce quality photographs, photography became a popular tool used in the advertising field. Although initially it included simple photographs of models and products, the digital developments have now revolutionized the use photographs with the use of high-technology graphics and digital editing and enhancements.

Still Life Photography: In 1826, Joseph Nicephore Niepce was the first one to capture the first permanent still life photograph. Still life photography has been extensively used in all the mass media. You can come across various magazines, newspapers, advertising brochures containing still life photography. Still life photography is a very popular form of photography and happens to be one of the branches or one of the possibilities in the studio photography arena.

Fashion Photography: Fashion photography is perhaps one of the most popular branches of studio photography. Although the branch of fashion photography started somewhere around the 1960s or 1970 with the introduction and rising popularity of colored photography, it was the 80s that brought a touch of glamour, sexuality and eroticism to the world of fashion photography. With notable names like Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin and Sarah moos, fashion photography was soon focusing more on the overall message and feel of the photograph rather than the fabrics and accessories of the models. Today fashion photography is a very popular field of photography.

Things Required to Set up a Photography Studio

In case you are looking for a fully equipped photography studio, it is possible that you might get one on rent, but again, it is nothing like possessing your own studio. A photo studio can either be a floor-based studio or a ceiling based studio. A floor based studio light stands for the light and background support whereas in a ceiling based studio, background rollers are mounted on the ceiling and a rail system helps to adjust the positioning of lights. Here are some of the things that you need to take care of :

Camera and Related Equipment: Based on your preferences, you will need a good camera, which is fully equipped with all the essentials and accessories. Various filters for adding effects are a must with any camera. Also make sure you have adequate supply of films, batteries and all the equipment required for the camera. Digital studios require digital scanners, printers and copiers whereas a normal camera would require a proper dark room for the development and printing of photographs.

Backgrounds and Props: Depending on your genre, you need to equip your studio with all the essential artwork equipment. Make sure you have a variety of backgrounds suitable for your genre in photography. Specialized props are also a prerequisite in case you use props frequently. Make sure your studio is well equipped with all the basic facilities that people will require while working there. It is always better to have a changing room for the models.

Lights: Lighting can be finalized based on the camera format you will be using, and the size of subjects you will be photographing. The lighting style varies for portraits, still life or specialized fashion photography so decide the kind of work you want to take up, and get a lighting system that suits your requirements. In addition to this you can have various types of light sources like warm lights or cool lights based on the color temperature that you require for your photography projects. The lighting bulbs, stands and all the required lighting equipment are essential while setting up a photography studio. Make arrangements in the architecture so that you can use sunlight whenever you wish to.

Types of Photography

Types of Photography
A photograph is not just a representation of what one sees in reality. It often represents something that is not seen by an ordinary observer. A photograph is definitely worth a thousand words and it has the power to convey a whole new meaning of a particular situation. While photography may be a hobby to some, this art form is a complete profession to many as it offers various avenues to aspiring photographers. The world’s most spectacular photographs need not require the most expensive equipments. A stunning photograph would require the expertise of a skillful eye that is trained to capture moments in the best way possible. Although color photography gained popularity with time, photographers are aware about the full potential of black and white photography as well. So, whether it’s a passion for fashion or nature, photographers all over the world are having a delightful time snapping pictures to delight enthusiasts from all over! People with an inclination towards photography can check out some of the various types of photography that also make fantastic career options.

Types of Photography

Fashion Photography:
This genre of photography is one of the most lucrative kinds. Photographs are one of the most effective ways of communication in the world of fashion. Here, photography is used to bring attention to the clothes and the accessories. Models are exclusively selected to showcase products in the best way possible. Fashion photographers today create the particular look, either in natural environment or one that is created in the studio. Often, these fashionable photographs find their way in the leading fashion magazines. These magazines cater to the niche crowd that loves to know the best in clothing and other fashion accessories.

Glamor Photography:
Glamor photography is also about fashionable visuals, however with a touch of difference. Glamor photography highlights the model in a different light rather than laying emphasis on the clothing or accessories. Often, nude images are also a part of glamor photography. These can be found on the covers of magazines like ‘Playboy’.

Advertising Photography:
Advertising photography is all about creating the right environment to highlight the product to be advertised in the best way possible. The photographers generally come up with ideas or visuals or at times, design houses also brief photographers with the concept required in order to obtain the specific results. These photographs are always planned in co-ordination with the advertising firm.

Still Life Photography:
Still life photography is all about capturing objects on camera that are deliberately grouped together to create a particular composition. This form of art requires the photographer to have an excellent sense of composition and lighting. A photographer in this case can create different textures and use objects that add interest to an otherwise normal composition.

Wedding Photography:
Wedding photography is a specialized field of this art form, which is dedicated to snapping the most memorable moments in various creative ways. A photographer can take his/her own approach towards this subject. While some prefer the traditional ‘posed’ ways, there are others who base their photographs purely on the actual moment. Photographers can also make these pictures fashionable with particular themes if agreeable with the client. There are many cases where such glamorous wedding photographs are captured especially in the studio. Today, many people are willing to explore new ideas, which open up many new creative avenues for experts in wedding photography.

Fine Art Photography:
Fine art photography is all about visuals that resemble a work of art. These are highly creative images that have an abstract appeal. Therefore, these photographs can be equivalent to an artist’s expression on canvas. This genre of photography is not restricted for commercial purposes but could be used for creative pursuits as well. A fine art photographer should have the ability to look beyond the obvious settings.

Nature Photography:
Nature photographers are very much sought-after by media houses. Works of these creative geniuses can be seen in magazines like ‘National Geographic’. Nature photography encompasses various other types of photography, such as-

Landscape Photography: These photographs mainly highlight the natural beauty of any place. It includes areas of wilderness, deserts, mountains or even waterfalls.

Wildlife Photography: Photographers that specialize in wildlife photography spend many hours in the wilderness to capture some of the most amazing shots of animals against a natural backdrop. A photographer in this case, would need to be an ardent animal lover and know his way around in the wild.

Underwater Photography: Underwater photography is an interesting art form that explores a whole new world beneath the deep blue seas. It’s an extremely challenging task because a photographer should be equipped with all the knowledge about swimming and scuba diving to capture the best images while swimming in the blue waters!

Seascape Photography: Capturing nature in her many moods would be interesting for all lovers of the environment. A photographer who is dedicated completely to seascape photography should always lie in wait for the beauty of the sea to unfold. Here the concentration is mainly on capturing various moods of the ocean, at different times of the day or even seasons!

Cloudscape Photography: This genre of photography is completely dedicated to capturing various images of the cloud formations. Black and white photography in particular can be creatively used for this branch of photography.

Travel Photography:
Travel photography involves capturing images of a particular landscape or even people from different countries. A photographer who is dedicated to this type of photography captures various traditions and customs of a place.

Architectural Photography:
Architectural photography, as the name suggests, is all about the capturing images of different styles of architecture in different lights. This type of photography would require the photographers to be an expert in the technical, as well as the visual department.