Studio Photography

A cluttered studio turns simple decisions into scavenger hunts, and that bleeds into the work. Here's how to fix the issue.

Studio gear multiplies until your space feels more like storage than a place to shoot. This video tackles that problem by imagining a completely fresh studio and choosing seven pieces of equipment that actually deserve floor space and budget.

This new tripod from Manfrotto is trying to win your loyalty by offering to do everything you’d want a tripod to do. If you have various workflows and want to minimize your gear options, this might be for you.

The Godox X3Pro is a new TTL wireless flash trigger promising unprecedented control. It brings a 2.4-inch touchscreen, control over four groups, and expanded per-light adjustments to your lighting workflow.

So you’ve got a camera, lenses, lights, and a spare space to turn into a studio—perhaps a garage, basement, or garden room. Now what? Having previously run commercial studio premises, and now lucky enough to have my own creative space at home, in this article I share the essential non-photographic items that keep you focused on creating.

I entered the field and profession of photography in 1978, having worked as a photographer’s assistant for two years. While working as a photographic assistant in a very busy portrait commercial studio, there was an opportunity to learn some of the ins and outs of running and managing a professional studio—things like scheduling sessions, making sure work was delivered in a timely manner, ensuring payment was received on time, managing staff, marketing, etc. There was so much more I needed to know about running a photographic business than simply creating usable, saleable, even stunningly beautiful images.

As anyone browsing Fstoppers articles knows, practicing photography comes with a hefty price tag. Cameras, lenses, and lighting gear are investments that deserve protection. Even in the safety of a home studio or home office setup, while break-ins may be rare for many, the risk of accidents or unexpected visitors can threaten valuable equipment. That’s where the IMILAB C30 Dual 3K+3K Indoor Security Camera shines, offering sharp surveillance with one lens fixed on critical gear and another tracking room activity. Curious how this budget-friendly camera can safeguard a photographer’s workspace? Read on to find out why this photographer thinks it’s a must-have.

There is a moment in every photographer’s career when a single camera bag is no longer enough. Maybe it starts with one C-stand, then a sandbag, a hard case of lenses, a power station, and before you know it, you are making three trips back to the car. This is the point where you have to stop looking for a bigger bag and start looking for a smarter solution. RockNRoller has long been a staple for road crews, and its new R9 Mighty series is aimed squarely at creatives who want that same level of reliability offroad and on mixed terrain.

There’s a reason why Manfrotto is one of the most trusted brands for professional camera support gear around the world. These Legacy Edition tripods show us that.

With power stations, everyone wants more capacity and longer life, but nobody wants to lug around a 60-pound brick. The Dabbsson 2000L aims to strike a balance by packing 2 kWh of energy storage into a surprisingly portable form factor at a very competitive price point. Is the Dabbsson 2000L an ideal entry point for creators looking for a large power station?

Grip equipment might not sound exciting, but mastering these essentials can save you headaches and streamline any shoot. Having the right gear is critical—not just to keep your set running, but also to make your work smoother, safer, and more professional.

If you’re a one-person crew or working with a small team on photo production, you’ll know the pain—especially when it comes to lighting setups. It can be one of the most frustrating parts of a shoot. It’s not just about turning a light on. It’s the constant need for micro-adjustments: tilt it a little more, feather it to the edge, raise it higher—only to realize the angle’s off and you have to bring it back down again. When your light is way up there, you never really know how much to tilt until it’s already in the air.

Don’t think you have enough space at home for a studio? Laura BC knows how to make the most of what’s at hand, and her latest video is a goldmine for overcoming your limitations when it comes to shooting space.

The arrival of a new flagship from a top camera maker inevitably sparks a debate regarding how much sense it makes to upgrade to the latest model. Camera makers boast of the many improvements their new models offer, but each photographer must determine if those improvements are worth the cost of upgrading. How the manufacturers name their latest offering can sometimes offer clues about the extent of the improvements. In 2021, when Sony introduced their newest flagship under the name a1 rather than some variation of the a7 or a9 moniker, there was an expectation that the a1 would stand apart from the brand’s other mirrorless cameras.

Profoto just announced their new 500 Ws studio strobe, the D30. I've been playing with it for the last few weeks, and today I am finally able to share with you a full photoshoot using this powerful light.

Invaluable advice on why photographers, particularly those more advanced in their careers, should reconsider the practice of spontaneous, unplanned test shoots in fashion and beauty photography.

Hiring a photo assistant can significantly enhance your workflow. Their role is often misunderstood or underutilized, but understanding how and when to hire one can make your shoots more efficient and less stressful.

Creating a professional photography studio at home can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be. This helpful video tutorial shows you how to create stunning portraits in a small home studio using minimal equipment. 

Let's be real, photography gear can get expensive. Between cameras, lenses, lighting, and backdrops, the cost of setting up a studio can quickly drain your bank account. But what if there was a way to create a functional studio without breaking the bank? 

When it comes to equipment, I'm looking for ways to simplify. I try to find tools that make my life as a photographer and videographer easier. And with the Zhiyun Fiveray M20 and M20c lights, I can achieve that, as I show in this article.

There has been constant talk about the new OM System OM-1 Mark II in Micro Four Thirds Facebook groups since it was first announced. So, is this new flagship camera worth the upgrade?

Doing a photoshoot with slime was my Nickelodeon-inspired childhood dream come true. We used 20 gallons of blue slime in this shoot, and it created some wild photos.

If you’re like me and live somewhere with out-of-control housing costs, finding somewhere with enough space to shoot in can be difficult, to say the least. Having built out a home studio in a major city, here’s why I did it, but also how.

Is it really necessary to have your own photo studio? Here's why I let go of my own photo studio and use PeerSpace instead. 

Go behind the scenes with photographer Thierry Kuba to observe how he lights, shoots, and edits this high-speed flash project with water splashes. Learn the techniques he uses, listen to discussion of his mistakes, and take in all of his tips and tricks along the way.

I took a chance on purchasing a no-frills £12 tether cable to see how it performs in comparison to other well-known brand cables. If you shoot tethered, you might want to read on.

Standing desks have become somewhat ubiquitous over the last few years and hold a number of benefits for photographers and content creators. Having used them in the past with mixed results, I was pleasantly surprised by the standing desk from FlexiSpot in terms of quality, form, and function. 

Normally, when we take photos, we save them to the memory card, pop that card into our computer, and download the images to Lightroom or whatever cataloging program we choose. However, many studio photographers use tethering to bypass the logistics of working with a memory card, but it offers more advantages than just the convenience. This excellent video tutorial will show you what tethering is, why it is beneficial, and how to use it in your own work. 

As a photographer, how many times have you wished you had a portable power source in remote locations? Whether for outdoor lighting or simply to power some tools, this 1,200 W power station might just be what you were wishing for.

Constant lights are traditionally used for video work. But I think they make for the perfect solution for a photography studio. 

James Quantz Jr is one of the best portrait photographers out there, with his innovative lighting and dramatic concepts making for eye-catching images. While every portrait photographer knows the importance of things like lights, there are some other items that we think about less often, but that can be tremendously useful on a shoot. This fantastic video essay features Quantz Jr discussing five items he brings along on every shoot. 

Have you ever fantasized about transforming a corner of your home into a professional photography haven? Are you eager to cut costs, minimize stress, and craft remarkable images for your clients, all from the comfort of your own space? If so, this article is for you. As a seasoned headshot and portrait photographer, I've recently transitioned from a sprawling industrial studio in Richmond, Virginia to my cozy, basement-based studio in Atlanta, and I couldn't be more delighted.

Mother’s Day is an important day for any mother, but it is even more exciting for the soon-to-be mother.

You don’t have to spend big bucks to get a virtual wall these days. Bring your studio to life with just three televisions.

If you are a beginner photographer, filmmaker, or content creator in the process of learning about and investing on lighting, quality should be alongside affordability and ease of use. The Nanlite FS-60B might be something worth considering.

As a landscape and seascape photographer who also shoots surfing, I'm not too embarrassed to say that my understanding of indoor lighting setups is not where I want it to be. This video here is extremely helpful, especially if you'd love to get those gorgeously mysterious rim light shots.

No sun? No problem! Fake natural light in the studio.

Constant lighting has dropped dramatically in price, with companies like SmallRig making excellent products — along with accessories — that are refreshingly accessible. How good is the SmallRig RC120B, a bicolor packing a decent amount of power and coming in at just $259?

Identifying trends in commercial photography is important. It helps you develop your practice and keeps you on your toes! One of those trends right now is hard light. Hit that subject hard, cast some shadows, and make it look like we're all shooting poolside, sipping piña coladas!

Of course, it would all be great if every portrait photographer could afford their own studio, but that simply is not feasible for most of us. That being said, you would be surprised how little space you need to make creative, compelling, and professional portraits. This excellent video tutorial will show you how to light and shoot portraits in a small hallway.

TikTok studio rentals are going to be a huge trend in the future for photo studios looking to increase their profitability. With such a competitive market, it can be difficult for photo studios to succeed.