Since February, our garage has turned in to a photography studio that’s beginning to see more action. Many of the items in the garage have now been displaced as the photo studio has taken over. I was surprised that fashion quality photos can be taken in an area that is about 16’ x 12’.

Here are the items that we purchased and we have in our garage-turned-studio set-up:

Profoto ComPact 600R 2-Light Value Kit for $ 1,499.95

The items included:

Built-in Pocket Wizard 32 channel radio slave receiver

 2 Zoom Reflector for Profoto – 65 – 110 degree

16’ Synchro Cable

2 Light Stands

2 Umbrellas

Soft Kit Case

Two Year Manufacturer Warranty

PocketWizard – Radio Slave Combination Transmitter and Receiver $ 188.00

Canon

EF 16-35 mm USM Autofocus Lens for $ 1,449.95

Kenko

KFM – 1100 Professional Ambient & Flash Light Meter $ 229.95

In addition, we purchased 2 types of backgrounds: 9 feet wide and 6 feet wide in grey, black and white. We’ve been using the paper back drops which work just fine.

The backdrops are mounted under the rafters of the garage so they’re about 10 or 11 feet high. The paper rolls down easily and can pull out a few feet.

So far, the studio has met with positive reviews from the models, actors and families who have come to take their headshots and pictures of their children. My son has even started his own photo web site: www.Whitworthphotography.net. One of his clients included a start-up clothing company and they were pleased with the quality and lighting effects used.

Starting a photography studio in your garage or other similar space on your property will require a space that’s about 20’ x 20’ ideally, the proper lighting and a quality lens. In addition, a photographer needs to have a good eye and be willing to learn by reading, studying and attending local seminars.

Finally, running a start-up photography studio has also been a good lesson for my 20-year-old in learning about cash flow and how much investment to make in equipment.

It’s been overall a positive experience for the family, my son and those who have come to have their pictures taken.