"Lea" posted: "... I'm thinking of a space that would be 20 feet deep (I'm pretty locked in to this dimension) by 16 feet wide (I have some flexibility here) and 8 feet tall (also some flexibility here). ..." If you are planning on doing any full length standing portraits, that's probably a bit on the small side. At any rate ... you definitely need to be thinking about trying to go wider if at all possible. Also the proposed celing height of 8 feet will be a major problem. Is there any way you could get twelve? Sixteen? "Lea" also posted: "... I'm not certain about flooring...I imagine some low-maintenance carpet but might consider natural wood. Any thoughts on what works best here? ..." Waxed linoleum (or vinal) over concrete. It *will* take a beating, so (polished) wood or equivalent is probably not in order. You can always get some carpeting to cover the linoleum, if you desire. You should also think seriously about a two-sided cove covering either the western and southern sides, or the southern and eastern sides. Windows? Make sure that you also budget for full blackout curtains for *any* windows you finally decide install. You'll probably decide that "that beautiful (northern) light" isn't really all that "controllable" or "repeatable," and opt for using your softboxes most of the time. = = = = = ----- Original Message ----- From: lea To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students Sent: Monday, June 21, 2004 7:23 PM Subject: studio ponderings I'm considering adding a studio to my home. I'm curious about size recommendations. Can those of you with studios or those of you who have had them please offer suggestions on dimensions and height? Also, any special features I should budget into the project? My typical studio shoot involves small children, high school seniors, adult head shots, families, pets. I wouldn't be using the space to photograph cars or other large items. My lighting consists of medium softboxes (2'x3') and umbrellas. I'm thinking of a space that would be 20 feet deep (I'm pretty locked in to this dimension) by 16 feet wide (I have some flexibility here) and 8 feet tall (also some flexibility here). The north end, for certain, would be the entrance with all/mostly glass surrounding a French door to take advantage of that beautiful light. The remaining sides could or could not have windows...most likely the western side would not in order to avoid the afternoon sun and heat. I'm not certain about flooring...I imagine some low-maintenance carpet but might consider natural wood. Any thoughts on what works best here? Currently my studio is in my attic which has 6' ceilings and while this works fine for children it gets a bit tight with adults and full lenght shots of adults are virtually out of the question unless they are height challenged like myself (5'3" and proud of it!). I'm anxious to hear thoughts from those of you who have been there, done that. Thanks, Lea Lea Murphy Whiny Dog Press www.whinydogpress.com
