The Perfect Camera Room

Well, nothing’s perfect. But if you are looking for space to rent, buy, or ever get the chance to design your own camera room, here are some things to keep in mind to get you started.

I would strongly suggest a test run in any space you are considering to see if you really fit the way you want to. Take your camera, lens, lights, and even a model to do a test. I should have done this with the building I purchased. I did not really evaluate how problematic the pocket doors would become. I was too taken with the possibilities of a charming old building.

Get the width.

Make sure your camera room is wide enough to get your lights comfortably off to the side. Unless you have other rooms near by available, you will also have backgrounds to store as well as props to accommodate. As a minimum figure at least fifteen feet. You will be happier with about twenty-five feet or more.

Get the height.

Depending on what kind of studio lights you use, you will want enough ceiling height to be able to get the lights at a 45-degree angle from your subjects. I would suggest nothing less than nine feet do this comfortably.

Get the length.

For my style and lenses I use, I am able to work comfortable in about a thirty foot long camera room.

North window light.

This is a bonus as not all buildings have north windows. If you are designing a studio with north light windows, make them as tall as possible so light can fall down on top of the subject’s head as well. My new window is five foot by five foot and two feet off the ground.

Do some comparisons with other photographers who have north light windows before you start designing.

Paint Color.

The walls and ceiling need to be white. You don’t want funny colors bouncing around affecting your subject’s skin tone.

Privacy.

Be sure you have the privacy you need from other tenants interfering with your peace or from you disturbing theirs.

Fortunately we photographers are creative and can make great things happen in most any conditions!