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Wednesday, February 4, 2009

LookieLoo (Not So) Secrets Revealed!!!!

I have received several comments and emails asking me how I do my indoor studio shoots so here it is! I have a large family room in my basement that I use to set up my studio. It has western facing windows so it gets plenty of light
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I got some laminate wood flooring that I just piece together and put on the ground since I prefer the dark wood over the light that I have in the room.
I then went to Reuels (an art supply store) and bought their largest size foam board in black and in white (it was about $60 for both). I was able to fit both in my Honda Pilot and they stretched from over my head driving to all the way in the back so make sure you have a big car or truck to bring them home!
You could use any tall object like bar stools or a clothes rack (I use both to be sure it is sturdy and won't fall over on little ones running around!!) to prop up the board.
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If I don't want the black or white background, I just take fabric and drape it over the board to add a different color or texture. I also will use this cuddlesac footrest as a cushion for kids to sit or lay on. I also have chairs and other props I use as well.
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This shows how far away from the window my set up is. Any western or northern facing window will work. If you don't have this large of a space, you can buy smaller sizes of the foam board to use for close-up shots.

Once you have this simple, cheep set, this is what you get. I took these of my son really quick to show you the unedited and edited pictures so you can see that the lighting is perfect.
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Unedited
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Edited
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Unedited
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Edited

Well, there you have it! That is all I do and I get great results. I find the best time to shoot is around noon to 2pm, but I have done shoots as early as 9:30 in the morning and still had amazing light. If you want to see more examples of pictures I have got using this set-up, here is a link to see more: Indoor studio shoots

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

8 comments:

Jeremy Stowell said...

AWESOME!!!! Thanks for the inside scoop! That was a fun to see your setup. I really like the fabric backgrounds that you are getting they look great in your pics. I will have to take a shot of my setup sometime now that I have a little studio.

Val said...

Thank you so much for the secret hints. My husband and I just bought a Nikon D40 and are loving it! Our pics are turning out great and once we learn to edit better, I am sure they will be better. Nothing compared to yours, you are so talented. We absolutely love Logan's pics and are so grateful for you willingness to do them. I tell people about you all the time. Hopefully you'll get some referrals soon. Thanks again!!!

Mickelle Marston Wyatt said...

Hi Suzanne. I have been followimg your blog for months, this is my first time posting. I adore your composition and edits. I think your work is fresh and inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

dterryphotography said...

Awesome post. Thanks for sharing. :)

Jake Spurlock said...

Looks great, love the soft light that windows create.

Renée said...

I enjoy checking out your blog and love the input.I have a much smaller version in my home.Was wondering though, what editing did you do on the first shot of your son?Great work.

Cascio Photography said...

Now that I see your set up I just might be able to pull this off :) I have a balcony window that I usually use for newborns, but I love that you can change your background so easily! I really love the wood floor idea too! I have left over stuff from doing our kitchen so I could totally use that!! Thanks for all your willingness to share! I can't wait to come down there next week! :)

andreaKphotography said...

You are so awesome to share that. I sort of knew from what Steph told me but that was fun to see. I have been working on getting something together for indoor as well...I hope mine will work like yours. I swear you and Steph should do an editing class...I will be the first to sign up!