Studio anywhere

[Nwcid]

and mounting it to the walls or celling. I could mount a rail just over 20' long from my celling that would be about 8-8.5' high. This would give me width

Just a thought, but I've seen some pretty neat rolling backdrops some made with sheet rock on a wood frame and others using 1/4 sanded plywood. The plywood might be lighter. Here's a quick video not the best of the designs I've seen - a little on the bulky side. Building Your Own Photo Backdrop Wall Advantage is you can paint it, wall paper it, stucco it....... almost endless list.

Very interesting. For that I will need more floor space. That is why I am looking at hanging stuff.

I still have to be able to use it as a shop when I want to.

 

[Nwcid]

https://www.adorama.com/bg2961d.html?msclkid=ca2ccd05e801138271559198c8ae9340&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=[SHOPPING] [ADL] [PLA] - Generic&utm_term=4586887635569105&utm_content=[PLA] - Generic - Bing&adlclid=ADL-9f3977c8-909f-4adb-a5ce-b756e8986775

I have owned a system like this, for about 15 years. Adding a long Velcro strip to an Alu-Core allows the quick changes of fabric or muslin backdrops, which has been fitted with Velcro tabs sewn or glued to the fabric at (apprx.)6-10 spots... saves needing to use A-clamps to attach fabrics..

That is basically what i was looking at, however the bargain brand for now, https://www.adorama.com/pabsswm.html?rfkref=productPage

 

[Derrel]

Looks okay as far as the background hook part goes, but what about the poles, clamps, and the cores? I would look for additional components by Impact, or other suppliers.

 

[smoke665]

interesting. For that I will need more floor space. That is why I am looking at hanging stuff.

I still have to be able to use it as a shop when I want to.

The one in the link is really overbuilt. I've built similar things using a torsion box design with a 5mm poplar plywood skin. Extremely light, but super strong. Build two 4x8 boxes, paint one side black, one white, and hinge them together on the edge. You have reflectors, flags, or background. Hang them on the wall when you're done.

Before you invest a lot though I'd suggest reading https://www.amazon.com/Studio-Anywh...ocphy=9012738&hvtargid=pla-437632455252&psc=1 it will open your eyes as to what can be done with minimal equipment.

 

[Nwcid]

Looks okay as far as the background hook part goes, but what about the poles, clamps, and the cores? I would look for additional components by Impact, or other suppliers.

Maybe I am not understanding how these work.
The brackets mounted to the wall/celling (mod if needed) separated by the size of seamless you are using.
The "plugs" fit in the end of the tubes that the seamless come on.
The chain (including plastic) is used to roll/unroll the seamless.

I have seen people mounting things to the working end of the paper to keep it from rolling up.

Is there more?

 

[Nwcid]

interesting. For that I will need more floor space. That is why I am looking at hanging stuff.

I still have to be able to use it as a shop when I want to.

The one in the link is really overbuilt. I've built similar things using a torsion box design with a 5mm poplar plywood skin. Extremely light, but super strong. Build two 4x8 boxes, paint one side black, one white, and hinge them together on the edge. You have reflectors, flags, or background. Hang them on the wall when you're done.

Before you invest a lot though I'd suggest reading https://www.amazon.com/Studio-Anywh...ocphy=9012738&hvtargid=pla-437632455252&psc=1 it will open your eyes as to what can be done with minimal equipment.

Awesome concept. I have tons of left over construction material around the house from when we remodeled and built the shop. I have 90% of what was shown in the video on hand.

I will check out that book. I will also do some googling to find more good video examples.

 

[smoke665]

I will also do some googling to find more good video examples.

You don't need a heavy honey comb for the interior 1x2's will work, but they need to be joined properly and glued. I like the thin plywood because it can be glued which adds to the overall strength. You can also use lighter material like Styrofoam, if you don't mind them being a little more flimsy. Be sure you use LATEX paint to paint them. Or you can cover them with stretched canvas. Lots of options.

 

[Derrel]

There is a book at that link that smoke gave above, about setting up a studio anywhere. That is also the title of your post. You are talking about a garage studio or a workshop studio, or a permanent or semi-permanent Shooting space, whereback drops or background suppors are permanently Mounted. There is a difference. That being the idea that you're shooting area is one particular location, as opposed to being truly mobile.

I was talking about the Auto Pole System, which uses two clamps to support two brackets, which holds up to three rolls of paper or three canvases which are raised or lowered by a chain drive. Inside th paper rolls are full length (full width) 2-inch diameter aluminum cores 2-piece f, which are hollow at the ends and which are fitted with expansion plugs at each end. On one
end is a cog wheel or geared , Which is used to raise or lower a particular roll. The two auto poles expand in length or height to fit between the floor and ceiling, and there are optional legs like tripod legs, into which a pole May be may be inserted, to provide additional stability, which I really like. This system allows you to set up one two or three backgrounds in 5 to 10 minutes, and is extremely well thought out. It allows you to set up a studio backdrop, anywhere, without the need for a single screw, and is extremely well worth the $500-$600 it costs.
There are cheaper options yes, and for a permanent or semi permanent studio set up, all you need is the crossbar, some type of hook system to support the bar or bars, and the background(s). I imagine that you will find,after a few months of use or storage, that many types of background rolls will start to ripple or warp. So, yes, there is a reason that more than just a plug at the ends of each roll of paper is a good idea.

 

[Derrel]

I am talking about the ability to set up a makeshift studio within 10 minutes anywhere. The ability to go on location into offices, Schools, homes, etc. into quickly and easily set up your gear, which is very different from forcing people to come to your house or shop.

I have tried, various tall air cushion light stands, and inexpensive crossbar sets, which cost a little over 100 bucks, or even less these days, and they are not that bad, but if you really want the best of both studio and location The autopole, 2-piece, 2 inch diameter chain driven raising and lowering aluminum core shaft system is the answer to the question "how can I maximize my profesional appearance and my speed in
Both break down and set up times ? "

There is more than one way to skin the proverbial cat, yes. This is just the best system for a true studio anywhere set up. The clamps that are used to attach the hooks or background support brackets, will mount to various types of pipe, and will also allow you to set a background, hair, or a kicker light on the auto pole.

 

[smoke665]

It allows you to set up a studio backdrop, anywhere, without the need for a single screw, and is extremely well worth the $500-$600 it costs.

$500-600 Yikes!!!!!!! Little steep for a hobbyist. I went to their site by the way, that's a lot for a couple of load bars. I used to buy aluminum load bars by the pallet for $15 apiece. The steel ones are cheaper, but heavier to lug around Round Tube Load Bars W/ 2"X4" Pads - 4 Pack Cargo Load Bars I may have a half dozen or so of the aluminum ones left out in my barn. Any truck stop will likely have them, though more expensive (but a lot less then Manfrotto). They only extend to 104" but you could easily add a splice or block under them to get to 91/2'. The pole clamps you can probably find for less than $20 each. Here's one online that's top of the line. https://www.amazon.com/Light-Source-MWB-Mega-Claw-Anodized/dp/B011A8J7AO and piece of tubing for the cross bar. To each his own, I just can't justify large expenses to DW without a good reason.

 

[Derrel]

It allows you to set up a studio backdrop, anywhere, without the need for a single screw, and is extremely well worth the $500-$600 it costs.

$500-600 Yikes!!!!!!! Little steep for a hobbyist. I went to their site by the way, that's a lot for a couple of load bars. I used to buy aluminum load bars by the pallet for $15 apiece. The steel ones are cheaper, but heavier to lug around Round Tube Load Bars W/ 2"X4" Pads - 4 Pack Cargo Load Bars I may have a half dozen or so of the aluminum ones left out in my barn. Any truck stop will likely have them, though more expensive (but a lot less then Manfrotto). They only extend to 104" but you could easily add a splice or block under them to get to 91/2'. The pole clamps you can probably find for less than $20 each. Here's one online that's top of the line. https://www.amazon.com/Light-Source-MWB-Mega-Claw-Anodized/dp/B011A8J7AO and piece of tubing for the cross bar. To each his own, I just can't justify large expenses to DW without a good reason.

The OP has repeatedly, (in multiple posts before this one) mentioned wishing to establish himself as a professional.

$500-$600 as a business expense is not so much, given that he can use this for 15-20 years. Lighting and grip gear is long-lasting.

I doubt you have seen this system,in action. Why do people buy $50,000 pick-ups when CL and FB are filled with $1,500 pick-ups?

As a former businessman, I am sure you understand where I am coming from. "Studio Anywhere" vs "Studio in My Shop"

YES, the Round Tube Load Bars linked to above are similar to Manfrotto's Auto Poles!

 

[smoke665]

The OP has repeatedly mentioned wishing to establish himself as a professional

I entirely missed this, even went back and scrolled through the thread. With this and previous threads I was under the understanding that the OP was a hobbyist. If that's not the case then I would agree to spend what's needed. However if the goal is to eventually have a professional studio to attract paying clientele, as a businessman I would first sit down and take a hard look at my space and where I want to be next year, the year after, and the year after. Then plan accordingly by purchasing the appropriate equipment and facility modifications.

 

[Derrel]

https://www.adorama.com/fpxcp06main.html

This type of clamp is what affixes the background hangers to the poles,or to pipes, or light stands or boards (whatever),and has a hole for a "spigot"...

 

[Nwcid]

Derrel thank you for all of the input. I guess I could have titled this thread better. My intent was to show that not all "studios" are fancy places. They can be anywhere, including a shop.......

Yes I am still learning, but I am also aspiring to grow. Like most I am starting with what I have available and building as funds allow. Right now I have a shop, with a large space that I can use for "studio style" work. I know there are many photographers in my area, but I am not aware of any others that are set up with full size back drops and lighting.

At some point I will look at more portable solutions for back drops if needed. Right now I am trying to figure out the best way, also cost effective, to set up the space I have for the most flexibility.

While I may not have answered each one of your posts individually, here or other threads, I find your information invaluable.

 

[smoke665]

Yes I am still learning, but I am also aspiring to grow. Like most I am starting with what I have available and building as funds allow. Right now I have a shop, with a large space that I can use for "studio style" work. I know there are many photographers in my area, but I am not aware of any others that are set up with full size back drops and lighting.

This is why I suggested Nick Fancher's book "Studio Anywhere". He walks you through from start to finish on multiple setups in studio and on location. It will open your eyes to opportunities around you, regardless of where you are and what you have to work with. One setup used a plain white wall to create an outstanding high key, another used a water puddle on a driveway, another used a kiddie pool lined with black plastic and filled with water, and another V flats in studio. The point is that it's not always about a studio full of equipment, or a rack of backdrops, but thinking through how you use what you have to accomplish your vision.