Thinking of turning garage into studio

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Jess
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Hi everyone was just looking for some advice on turning my garage into a studio what i would need etc and has anyone else done this? would love to see pictures for inspiration.
Many thanks
Jess
 
If you use the search facility you'll find loads of threads on this.
Most people find that the limitation, especially if you're planning to shoot portraits and similar, is ceiling height, followed by width, both of which can limit what you can do.

This doesn't mean that it's impossible to produce good quality lighting in a small space but it will limit the range of work that you can carry out to a really high standard - for example high quality work involves placing each light where it produces the best possible result but when space is tight lights often just get put in out of the way places instead of where they really need to be, which means that although it's easy to produce good quality still life shots of small items, or head and shoulder shots of a single person, it can become a real challenge if you need to shoot full length people or even groups.
 
A studio for what? Editing, developing, taking pictures etc or something else?
sorry taking pictures

Of what sort of subject???

Please remember TP covers all genre of Photography so explicit information is always needed to ensure any feedback and advice is tailored more suit your "sorry taking pictures" reply.

Or do you want folk to assume it is to take indoor pictures of (model?) cars ;)

Or even if you are talking about people.....is it headshots, full length & family groups, hand photography.......etc etc

Context is all, oh and not forgetting ~ a garage, as in how big, not all garages are created equal! NB not just the length & width but what about the height and is that the min and/or maximum height.

FWIW and the record I have never converted a garage......but would love to have any such (bigger) space as my own man cave/workshop/small subjects studio et al. A man can dream...... :)
 
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The biggest issue with a garage as a home studio is usually the size. They often have low cellings which can make lighting tricky as can the width. The other common problem is keeping it warm in winter (less a problem if it's built into the house(. It can be done, theres a working pro near me and thats all he uses. Don't know how big his garage is though.
 
hi all its a standard single garage will get measurements when i clear it tomorrow its attached to the neighbours garage and has a roof with a peak rather than most other garages with flat roofs so i have abit more height i will be shooting babies, family's and animals im new to all of this so have no clue and this is my first forum i've ever joined so apologises if im not getting it right
 
If it's a "standard" garage, I struggled due to the lack of height. Most are about 8ft (2.4m) but really you need a 10ft (3.0m) ceiling height. It will work but you have to make compromises....

These were shot in my garage a few years ago on my Lencarta flash heads and a home made background.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevejelly/albums/72157711090043103

So it can be done, it just isn't as easy as having the height. That garage was 2 cars deep, which was helpful.
 
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hi all its a standard single garage will get measurements when i clear it tomorrow its attached to the neighbours garage and has a roof with a peak rather than most other garages with flat roofs so i have abit more height i will be shooting babies, family's and animals im new to all of this so have no clue and this is my first forum i've ever joined so apologises if im not getting it right

Hi Jess

No worries about "getting it right".......lots of knowledgeable TP folk to help with more direct experience info than me.

Having said that, can I add some questions that may be relevant?
Are you converting it to photograph paying customers i.e. running a home business in/from the garage?
If yes, :-
Are you covered already insurance wise and have let your insurance know you will be working from your converted garage? Including PLI and any other appropriate insurance.
As it is attached to your neighbours garage and running a business from it does the conversion need to be done to a particular standard?

As I inferred in my previous post......these are just of the questions in regard to a conversion being used for business vs one being used for my own personal projects??? NB though even for personal projects, if attached to a neighbour there are likely some design considerations that could need planning permission???
 
hi all its a standard single garage will get measurements when i clear it tomorrow its attached to the neighbours garage and has a roof with a peak rather than most other garages with flat roofs so i have abit more height i will be shooting babies, family's and animals im new to all of this so have no clue and this is my first forum i've ever joined so apologises if im not getting it right
Well, if you're photographing babies then it will need to be flash, not continuous lighting, you won't want to dazzle them, and flash is better than continuous in every way anyway.
Someone is bound to recommend hotshoe flashguns (someone always does) but the correct answer is studio flash, which is far better, and which recycles far more quickly, which is essential for both kids and animals, both of which need to have shots taken in quick succession.

If you're NOT shooting against a pure white background you can manage with this kit (similar products are available from other suppliers) https://www.lencarta.com/all-produc...t-with-1-softbox-1-umbrella-300-300-kitsf4002

But if you do want to shoot against a pure white background (which is a bit harder to do well) then the background is a separate subject that must be lit separately, so you'll need a pair of lights for that too. I suggest this one https://www.lencarta.com/all-produc...ghting-kit-with-2-umbrellas-300-300-kitsf4001

It would be a very good idea to get a 5 in 1 reflector too, which costs very little but which is incredibly useful, https://www.lencarta.com/all-products/5-in-1-reflectors/life-of-photo-107cm-5-in-1-reflector

Other than that, you may or may not want to get some kind of background, there are loads of different types available.

One of the biggest single problems with small spaces is unwanted reflections from ceilings and walls, which can easily ruin what could otherwise be good, creative lighting. Avoid it by avoiding the use of white paint. Grey paint can look a bit dingy but makes it much easier to get good lighting control. Black is actually ideal, but depressing.

The ingredient that is most important is knowledge, followed by experience. I'm not allowed to advertise my own book on here, but you can save the fiver by looking at the free tutorials in the Lencarta Learning Centre. I'm assuming that you're doing this as a hobby, i.e. not for profit, which does require a lot more in the way of experience and knowledge when done well.
 
Check out ebay for neewer studio lighting kits, you can get a three head kits with softboxes for under £200. They are not bad quality either. Theres a pro near me using the same lights every day, has had about 3 years out of a set and they are still going strong.
 
Check out ebay for neewer studio lighting kits, you can get a three head kits with softboxes for under £200. They are not bad quality either. Theres a pro near me using the same lights every day, has had about 3 years out of a set and they are still going strong.
I'm sorry but I can't agree with that. Neewer is a rebranding business that sells a very wide range of goods from an equally wide range of manuacturers, so there is some quality variation, but most tend to be at the very cheapest end. Many are 'legacy' items from the very earliest days of the manufacturer, using the oldest and cheapest technology, with nowhere near the quality and consistency of output of current designs - they're cheap for a reason!

To a certain extent, skilled and experienced photographers can often compensate for inadequate equipment but it makes no sense for a beginner to try to save money in this way.
 
hi all its a standard single garage will get measurements when i clear it tomorrow its attached to the neighbours garage and has a roof with a peak rather than most other garages with flat roofs so i have abit more height i will be shooting babies, family's and animals im new to all of this so have no clue and this is my first forum i've ever joined so apologises if im not getting it right

A typical garage would be too small & far to cold in winter months and possibly have a concrete floor - not a good mix for a studio with BABIES - very hard and expensive to put a floor in, stud walls and heating - Plus decorating I hope you have deep pockets for this adventure ?

I rented a commercial unit as a studio when I 1st started doing paid work - it had a separate small room for changing- a toilet and wash hand basin, electric heating and ample car parking. It was well insulated & decorated ( I painted 2 walls white and a 3rd wall mid grey ) It measured 20ft x 10 and an 8ft high ceiling, cost me £350 pm

seemed to work though - shot against a well lit painted wall :)

zsa6uEg.jpg




don't get me started on the Liability insurance you'll "NEED"

Les
 
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hi all im new to it all and only just starting out with my camera I start a course in January and as far as the garage goes my dad is a builder so the work will be done for free l love the idea of working from home as I currently work from home atm and it works having a baby. the garage will be a business where customers will come and im hoping I can get what I need out of it as when I had my sons newborn photos done she took them in her lounge which was tiny and her pictures came out lovely obviously its down to experience which I don't have any atm hence looking for help with it all once I get measurements i will post them up along with pictures so you can see the space I have to work with I don't really want to spend to much money on the lighting as im only a beginner so just want something that will work for now many thanks
 
lighting is key to all aspects of photograph and studio's are the same - cheap lighting will not produce the lighting that makes new born photography special nor will inexperience

I have 4x Lencarta smart flash 3's - with stands + 4 backdrop papers 3m x 11m 4 different colours and a roller stand to hold all of these - various reflectors, round square white gold and silver - a snoot- Beauty dishes x 2 Octa-boxes x 2 and 3 soft-boxes of various sizes, many baby props ( too many to list) this list goes on and on

A very expensive set up - but gives me a multitude of lighting scenarios a must, if you expect people to pay for your images - and you'll be shooting in GARAGE good luck-,seems to me you're trying to RUN before you can crawl ) no offence meant ) :)

Les :)
 
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I'm not too up on the photography side of things but I do know a little bit about the mechanics of converting garages to living spaces/offices. It sounds to me as if the garage in question is separate from the house and will probably have only single skin brickwork walls or concrete panel walls plus a solid concrete floor (your dad will know all this). If babies are to be involved your most important issue will be temperature as has been said. The floor will need to be well insulated (probably with a floating insulated floor) , the walls will need to be well insulated, the main vehicle entry door will need to be replaced or blocked off and well insulated, the roof will need to be very well insulated particularly it it is a pitched (peaked) roof. Also the heating of the space needs to be considered. It will be no good sticking a 3kW fan heater in the space 15 minutes before before the client arrives as you will probably be looking for a temperature of 20 - 25 degrees C. You will also need a decent power supply to the 'studio'.

Also don't forget that if any part of your premises are used for a business then you may fall foul of Capital Gains Tax when you come to sell it. Planning permissions may also be required for the conversion particularly if you have members of the public visiting.
 
I'm really sorry, I don't want to be negative but you're just not being realistic about what you (or anyone else) can achieve, at least in the short term.

Photography is a craft skill, mixed in with an element of knowledge, some creativity and a lot of practice and, if you're charging money for your work then you need the right equipment too, it isn't ideal for people who are on a really tight budget.

Having (now) read your thread about how to go about learning the absolute basics, it's clear that you've underestimated what's needed. Like any skill, it looks easy when skilled, experienced people do it but it isn't. You remind me of my youngest daughter's efforts, she's learning to drive a little Honda Jazz that we've bought her for practice - great little car and she'll get there, but as of now she's a very long way from the very minimum standard needed to pass the basic test. Once she's achieved that she will then need to learn how to tow trailers, and pass that test too, and after that she's going to have to learn how to drive a 7.5 tonne horsebox and pass a test for that too - all of which is dead easy for me because I was at that stage long before she was born. . .

She fully understands what's needed and is getting all possible help and support because she's realistic and knows that it will take around 5 years of effort and expense to achieve her targets. You need to understand that although we will help you to improve your skills, what you are attempting to do will take a lot of effort, time and money too, and that if you just go for it now you're bound to fail, you won't make any money and you'll just become one of those "professionals" who get the industry a bad name.

Maybe a compromise is possible? Forget your garage studio for now, practice outdoor shots in natural light until you're up to a reasonable pro standard and then offer natural portraits in say the local park, which have a place in the market and which will involve far less in terms of knowledge and equipment. Even outdoor photography demands an understanding of light, because it's always the lighting that makes the difference, but at least natural light only has to be controlled, not created.

Take this shot for example, a very simple shot taken against the light because he looks better with the light behind him - that shot would have needed a much higher level of skill, a lot of space and a shedload of gear in the studio.
horse_backlit_93.jpg
And yes, that's with the daughter who's learning to drive - she's an expert with horses:)
 
I’ll try not to weigh in with more negativity.
Welcome to TP @Jess_4 theres a wealth of knowledge here that’ll help you learn the craft and build a business too.

Let’s start with the space, working ‘from’ home won’t necessarily be the same as working ‘at’ home.

There’s no way you can do ‘family shoots’ in a garage, you’d need 3 or 4 times that amount of space, but that’s no bad thing because ‘lifestyle’ photos are much more popular than studio photos now as the whole ‘Venture’ look has become old hat.

That leaves a space big enough for pets and babies, but whilst it’s easy to turn a living room into a newborn studio by making it warm, making a garage into a warm and inviting space will take more work. Not insurmountable but you need to understand the aim.

Any half decent interchangeable lens camera will do with a couple of lenses, probably the most useful of which (85mm 1.8) is cheap as chips compared to a lot of gear. Buy s/h camera gear.

Now for the lighting; a 3 head kit from Lencarta or Essential photo (did we already discuss this?).
 
Sounds to me like trying to run before learning to walk.
Get proficient with the camera before thinking about doing anything you charge for
If you don't know what shooting these subjects entail no way can you decide on what sort of space/ decor you require

Big dose of realism needed here, comes across that it's more about working from home than anything else
 
thanks for the info on the lighting sorry i should of said that my goal is to run a business from there eventually but for now its just to build a portfolio up and get to grips with my equipment
 
Hi @Jess_4 and welcome to TP. I can't give you any advice on your garage nor on lighting as I lurk here to learn. (I have been photographing for years, but only with available light). What I would like to say though, is don't give up on your dream. Learn your craft and hone your skills with your own, and your friends' children in your home. You will know lots of potential clients if and when the time comes. In the meantime you have the luxury of a good subject to practice on.

I know a couple of women who have done newborn photography. One gave up after a year or so (I'm not sure why) and the other is still at it after 5+ years. Neither has/had a studio and the one who still does it, also does wedding photography and family photography. The latter usually on location. She started with newborn photography.

I think it's good to have a dream and great to have something to stimulate your mind when you are at home looking after small children. Whether or not you end up setting up a studio at home, you will have gained some skills and will get some lovely memories along the way. Best of luck with your course.
 
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Hi @Jess_4 and welcome to TP. I can't give you any advice on your garage nor on lighting as I lurk here to learn. (I have been photographing for years, but only with available light). What I would like to say though, is don't give up on your dream. Learn your craft and hone your skills with your own, and your friends' children in your home. You will know lots of potential clients if and when the time comes. In the meantime you have the luxury of a good subject to practice on.

I know a couple of women who have done newborn photography. One gave up after a year or so (I'm not sure why) and the other is still at it after 5+ years. Neither has/had a studio and the one who still does it, also does wedding photography and family photography. The latter usually on location. She started with newborn photography.

I think it's good to have a dream and great to have something to stimulate your mind when you are at home looking after small children. Whether or not you end up setting up a studio at home, you will have gained some skills and will get some lovely memories along the way. Best of luck with your course.


thank you so much for the positive encouragement i was feeling a little down after reading some of the comments on here i think people just assume you want to make quick money not the case at all ive always wanted to do photography just never had the confidence to do it and now ive started taking pictures i love it! ive got a long way to go i know but im excited to see where it goes
 
thank you so much for the positive encouragement i was feeling a little down after reading some of the comments on here i think people just assume you want to make quick money not the case at all ive always wanted to do photography just never had the confidence to do it and now ive started taking pictures i love it! ive got a long way to go i know but im excited to see where it goes

You didn't make your intentions clear until post 21 so yes I and others probably did think that.
 
Depends partially on how large your modifiers area unit and the way far back you wish the background. My home studio area could be a very little smaller than that, however I simply have a work surface setup. I might do a decent head shot, that doesn't need massive modifiers.
 
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So ive been looking for a lighting kit for my garage thoughts on this one please
https://www.lencarta.com/all-produc...ct-photography-portrait-photography-beginners

I think you should concentrate on learning the art of photography 1st and budget lighting kits gives budget results, I personally would opt for a decent light a softbox and a reflector initially and build a portfolio to show people - prior to asking to be paid!

You are/will, be asking people to pay for images produced by you and they will expect professional results - I still feel you are putting the cart before the horse- learn the skills until you can consistently produce acceptable to great images

Les :)
 
I think you should concentrate on learning the art of photography 1st and budget lighting kits gives budget results, I personally would opt for a decent light a softbox and a reflector initially and build a portfolio to show people - prior to asking to be paid!

You are/will, be asking people to pay for images produced by you and they will expect professional results - I still feel you are putting the cart before the horse- learn the skills until you can consistently produce acceptable to great images

Les :)
He needs the lights in order to learn his craft.
He can practice a lot and produce great results without having to be an expert on all things photography.
Are you saying those lights will only produce budget results?
I don't agree with that.
He has also said that he isn't charging customers and is a long way away from being at that stage. :)
 
He needs the lights in order to learn his craft.
He can practice a lot and produce great results without having to be an expert on all things photography.
Are you saying those lights will only produce budget results?
I don't agree with that.
He has also said that he isn't charging customers and is a long way away from being at that stage. :)

Well for a start he is actually a SHE ……………………..

Claiming to be a beginner- hence my suggestion that learning the craft 1st would be paramount- budget lights will do a budget job and if SHE wished to get paid
then a decent light set up will be required in her garage studio, which is also a mute point- learn the camera 1st then move onto lights etc etc is what I suggest- ie a decent light a softbox and a reflector (unquote)
 
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Well for a start he is actually a SHE ……………………..

Claiming to be a beginner- hence my suggestion that learning the craft 1st would be paramount- budget lights will do a budget job and if SHE wished to get paid
then a decent light set up will be required in her garage studio, which is also a mute point- learn the camera 1st then move onto lights etc etc is what I suggest- ie a decent light a softbox and a reflector (unquote)
I sorta see your point; except that lighting whilst inexpensive compared to Bron or Profoto is more than capable for the task in hand. (I’m guessing you didn’t check it out and just guessed because it was described as a beginner kit).
in fact as @Bobsyeruncle pointed out, there’s probably more gear than is sufficient to learn how to light.
for a typical garage studio shot, it’d be almost impossible to tell the difference between a 550d 18-55 kit lens using Lencarta lights and a 1dxII 24-70L using profoto lights.
 
If I was starting out wanting to shoot babies, kids, dogs and families - there's no way I'd convert a garage!

I'd do what some FAB baby shooters I know do and do that in my living room, easy to make lovely and warm, and just move stuff around as needed as, being babies, the area needed is relatively small

When I shot kids in a makeshift studio (still much bigger than a garage), one issue was simply that its so foriegn and odd an environment for them that they were easily upset; same thing with dogs when I shot them too

So here's what I'd do now if I was @Jess_4 ...

Forget about babies - its too hard to do well and takes FAR too long to get the buggers to sleep sometimes. I know folk who do this and allow 4 hours or more per shoot, hence only 1 a day is possible

Everything else I'd shoot outside in the fav park/woodland etc where the people & pets feel comfortable. its also 'easier', cheaper and gives more meaningful results :)

Dave
 
I agree - have a pop-up type studio that you can have in your living room that packs down, and shoot in other places than a garage - plus it would save your father a lot of time and money converting it.
 
hi im just learning but for me to be able to learn i need the kit otherwise how will i be able to shoot the pictures im so confused about it all im just after help i am and will be setting up in my garage i am not charging people i am just building up my portfolio up so would any body like to recommend a good lighting kit many thanks
 
There are a couple of decisions that will impact what sort of kit to get, that don't directly relate to the actual photo's you'll take, but to the practicalities of using it.
(They also relate to the garage / living room question).

1) Do you intend to leave the kit set up more-or-less permanently, or is it going to be stored and brought out when needed?
If you are intending to store the kit, and set up when needed, you will want to get the 'folding' type softboxes (EG: https://www.lencarta.com/all-products/softboxes/profold-folding-softbox-lencarta-70x100cm-sof030)

2) If you're shooting Babies, animals, etc, you might want to consider battery powered lights, rather than mains, so as to avoid trailing leads (EG: https://www.lencarta.com/all-produc...location-flashgun-system-godox-witstro-fla026) - there is a cost implication, but you gain the benefit that it's also much easier to set the lights up wherever you need - including outdoors, if you're not tied to the mains.

I think Lencarta are fairly flexible on their lighting kits, so you can pick the one which has the strobes you want, then call them and swap for the softboxes / umbrellas you want, rather than being tied to specific deals.
 
I will probably leave the kit set up and get another one if and when i need it for doing outside shots as i say im just a beginner atm so dont have a clue what i need even if i was to do outdoor shots any help any recommendations are welcome
 
The kit I linked to early in this thread will be perfect for your needs, but Faldrax is right in saying that a battery operated kit, although much more expensive, could also be used outside.

Apart from cost, the downside of battery operated kits are that they recyle less quickly - except at very low power levels - which means that you won't be able to take shots in such quick succession.
 
The kit I linked to early in this thread will be perfect for your needs, but Faldrax is right in saying that a battery operated kit, although much more expensive, could also be used outside.

Apart from cost, the downside of battery operated kits are that they recyle less quickly - except at very low power levels - which means that you won't be able to take shots in such quick succession.
Brilliant thanks Garry i will try and find ur previous post suggestion
 
The first link in post 10
 
The biggest problem here is how to do it to the standard you require and not get kit which is either too good, or not good enough, to begin with.

You don't want to waste money buying anything that isn't up to the job, and then spend even more to get kit which is perfect.

But it's also just as big a problem spending hundreds, if not thousands, on stuff which you'll never use or is over the top for your requirements.

I definitely wish I'd found this site before making some of my purchases as the advice I've received since has definitely made me think twice before clicking 'buy'.

Interestingly, I was watching a lens review yesterday and randomly a video popped up about how to take portraits using only a speedlight (and various other modifier bits) which might be worth a watch.

I'm not saying this is the correct way to do things, but as some of the advice is about doing it in your living room instead, and this is literally shot in the guy's living room, maybe it's worth 20 minutes of your time. Watch the whole video, but here's the link to the kit list:

View: https://youtu.be/nuoc53wcnbc?t=1084
 
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