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Going From Bedroom To Studio To Bedroom In 108 Seconds
Photographer James Burger walks us through a 108 seconds journey of converting his bedroom into a studio and back. And he does that stop motion, no less. (If you are reading this via RSS, you may want to click the post to see the full vid).
More after the jump.
So James proved once and for all that it is possible to have a bedroom, a studio (and a double bed) in the same time. It may sound trivial for some, however, if you are piling gear like there is no tomorrow carefully stocking for a future big shoot, you are bound to appreciate the creativity of this guy.
First thing is James willingness to move heavy furniture aside to make some space. This probably the most important aspect of a home studio; your studio will double as a living/bed/guest room. Toughs, but that is reality, you cannot always afford a room just for photo stuff. I know I can't. Now. When I move it is a different story :).
Second thing is the fact that almost all of James equipment is portable/fold away. Two thumbs up for the DIY backdrop mount on second 23. Next is the table out of nowhere magic (second 28), and last are the flashes and light modifiers from the suitcase (second 49). All should nicely fit in the closet.
I'll be spending quite a bit of time on creating such a studio at home on the (originally named) Studio @ Home series starting tomorrow.
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Comments
Excellent Conversion
Great video and use of the room. I do the same in my garage each time I want to shoot with my monolight. I'll have to try the rubber ducky in the pot, have to go buy the ducky.
Pretty Neat
That was a cool video. I was hoping that by pouring the water to form a nice meniscus he was going to be able to cut out the shape of the container he was using. But that is not all that big a deal. The final shot is very nice. I do wonder how long it took to do all that.
Eric
That's a lot of water ...
... to have so close to a nice MacBook Pro.
Great video. Very slick backdrop.
Great!
Fantastic video. It gives me many ideas for own living room / studio. And, I'll have to try that rubber duck shot.
computer linked to camera
Very cool, love the setup.
Question: Is his computer linked up to his camera as he is taking the shots? Or is he just viewing it straight after? Anyone know?
DIY Backdrop!
Is there an article on the DIY backdrop / screen he's using? I live in a studio apt, which doubles as my....studio... and that would come in terribly handy in the ... umm.. "Living room".
Go ducky!
re: back drop
we will have a full scale follow up on this. Courtesy of James. till then have a look on those close ups. They provide valuable hints.
Awesome, but. . .
That kind of thing might work when you are single but not married with 3 kids. I mean you could do it but who has the energy to keep doing that day after day? Any of my hobbies these days has to need as little setup as possible. So I keep my lighting gear completely set up in the house tucked in the bedroom. So it is ready when I need it.
He definitely has a nice setup though. And most importantly a great result.
re: kids and significant other
Hi Page. Love your blog - very inspiring.
I am a husband myself and have our leaving room double as studio. Is this the most convenient thing in the world - no!
Is is the only solution given our budget - yes.
This mainly forces two constrains:
1. I have to shoot after the kids go to bed. (or kick everyone out on the weekends).
2. I have to tidy up real good before calling it a night. Otherwise hell will open up the next day.
I can not agree more on the fact that the bedroom should be left out of the studio equation if possible - the bed is just to heavy.
Amazing . . .
the hoops you have to jump through when there are lots of people in the house. But we do the best we can.
Your second constraint above is hilarious. I will say that I am strongly encouraged to clean up . . . really well. :)
Some answers
Thanks so much for you kind comments about my video. In answer to some of your questions, I’ve sent an illustrated article to this blog and, if it passes muster, I hope you get to see it and it helps with your own studio set-up.
Meanwhile, to answer the two questions from above:
1. Usually, I shoot directly to the camera until I get close to my final exposure, and then I tether to the computer to fine tune and finish
2. Pretty much everything you need to know is summed up by studying the close-up photos above, but I hope my pending contributed article helps you further conceptualize the backdrop I constructed.
Best,
James
http://www.jamesburger.com
Using the computer
Could you explain how you tethered the camera to the computer? Also, did you use a special program for the computer?
re: tethered shooting
Hi Craig,
prophotolife has a great article on tethered shooting. definitally a good place to start.
This is what it's all about
I see too many photographers spending excess money and space to make everything "professional". Then there is this guy James Burger who can take a damn nice photo and show everybody that there is no need for a million dollar studio. I would be so lucky to run into more humble photographers in LA. Keep it up. Thanks for the video James,
V.K.
Cool
Very cool video !
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