You know what I really wish I had? I wish I had a top of the line studio space complete with an assistant, hair and makeup artists, a waiting area, dressing room, consultation area and unlimited supply of backgrounds, props, furniture pieces and wardobe/ accessory options for my clients. But for the time being, I don’t. What I do have is a room in my house that functions as an office and my studio. And sometimes, so does my dining room. I have lots of large windows that are a great source of natural light. I have my knowledge of how light works and how to maximize it. I have my imagination.
There’s nothing glamourous about using my dining room as a makeshift studio, but it had everything I needed: a blank background, source of natural light, reflectors (including a styrofoam board I used as an extra reflector) and a fan for some dramatic hair movement. And yes, that’s a potted plant holding up my reflector because I don’t have an assistant. It’s important to dream of bigger and better things, after all, that’s what drives us to continue to achieve and succeed. But when we start using our wish list as a way to limit ourselves and what we’re capable of achieving, that’s where the danger lies. “How can I do X, if I don’t have Y?” – that’s the train of thought we want to steer clear of. I really loved the photos from this session. And you know what? I love it even more because of the unconventional location they were shot in. It’s a reminder that perhaps one day I will have that beautiful studio I’ve always dreamed of, but for now, I can always create beautiful art – in spite of my have nots. For photos from Amanda’s shoot, click here.
More “Advice” posts can be found here.
Charisma - This is seriously so awesome and inspiring! I would have never imagined that was the set up you were using based on the pictures. This is definitely a testament to the fact that the PHOTOGRAPHER makes the images great, not fancy equipment.
Maddy {Mad Hearts Photography} - Thank you! Sometimes, I get the “are you sure you want me to pose here? Right here?!” look when I’m taking pictures, but they are always shocked and happy to see the end result! That’s because we as photographers see what they can’t see – the final image we envisioned!
Fenn - I agree with what Charisma said. But I don’t dream of more equipment and more studio space. I like to keep it simple and work with what I have!
Maddy {Mad Hearts Photography} - That’s a great attitude to have! I’m guilty of always wanting the latest gadget or gizmo, but I’ve learned to cut back over the years and really make sure I have an immediate need for my purchase before splurging on new stuff :) Thanks for stopping by to visit!
Fenn - I wrote a confession post in response to your post! : http://honestbadger.blogspot.com/2014/06/confession-my-amateur-equipment.html