What do you look for in a studio?

Speaking purely for myself, I self-shoot quite a bit but wouldn't dream of travelling with loads of gear (even if I owned it), nor would I want to arrive at a studio space then immediately have to spend time learning to use complex equipment (instead of making pictures). I guess I have the wrong kind of brain, but I like to keep things technically very simple. I modelled for an artist last year in a cow shed with a tiny window, it was almost dark but his photos were amazing! So for me a bit of space with a neutral background, and some natural light are all I ask.

Wicken is nearby Emma so if the space will be available for hire I'm interested. Also if you want someone to sit on a stool for test shots or something don't hesitate to get in touch, I wouldn't charge.

I have been using my  one bedroom house for studio shoots for over 15 years. If you are setting up at home I don't think photographers are looking for numerous coloured backdrops and huge amounts of props. Get a lighting setup. Something decent with softboxes. Cheap will be false economy. Make sure the triggers are multi camera brands. If you get a Flash Meter then photographers can work out their own camera settings and light settings. Lighting isn't to difficult to get good results without getting over-complicated. I now shoot with a plain wall and tiled floor (results on my profile. It suits me. It is amazing what can be created by keeping it simple. Too many options for me means confusion and overthinking.

Unfocussed Mike Another vote for D-lite. My RX 400's never miss a beat. (Unless I forget to turn the trigger on of course!):)

Perhaps worth mentioning that I never hire out my studio for money. The insurance alone would be horrendous. Not to mention that I'd need Planning Permission for "change of use" - which our Local Authority would almost certainly deny - c/w all the inevitable complaints from neighbours, fire inspection, electrical inspection - ugh! Instead it is primarily for my own personal use only. Well that and my wife's of course. :-) Sometimes friends and family use it, as a favour. But it is quite explicitly not a commercial venture, nor will it ever be.

In a sense, for me, this is a studio in the old fashioned sense of the Latin word meaning "I study". I'm in here now sipping a large mug hot, strong, freshly-ground, black coffee, listening to SomaFM, several computers whirring away in the background, as I plan a rather complex remote server upgrade that I need to perform in a few weeks time...

Edited by waist.it