What's stopping you from shooting indoors?
A big fear I see constantly coming up for new brand photographers is the fear of shooting indoors and fearing that they need all of these extra lighting and flash skills to successfully photograph brand photography.
*Insert annoying buzzer noise here*
To that, I say, “NOPE!” You do not need to become a flash expert to shoot indoors and in fact, I would argue it's really just an excuse to keep you from pursuing brand photography!
(Which, no hate to you, who likes trying new things and anticipating failure? 🤪)
So, if you've never shot at an indoor studio before, I want to encourage you to give it a try. It may seem intimidating, but there are plenty of great natural-light studios out there and very few of them need flash or additional lighting to look beautiful.
(Would you believe me if I told you I only use flash in about 5% of my brand shoots?)
Why you need to start using studios...
Indoor studios can be a great way to recreate lifestyle images, office spaces, fabulous headshots with loads of negative space and so much more and I would hate for you to miss out on these spaces just because you're overwhelmed at the idea of learning to use flash.
So today I want to share with you my top 10 tips for shooting at a studio for brand photographers!
Top 10 tips for shooting in a studio for brand photographers
- First off, you need to find a studio! Go to good ol' Google and type in "natural light studios near me." You can also peruse local hashtags on instagram!
- If you've never shot in a studio before, the first thing you need to do is make sure you have business insurance to cover the studio (most studios will not allow you to book without it)
- Get a tour of the studio and learn what’s involved before you shoot (access, clean up, what props and types of shots the studio allows, payments and additional fees, etc.)
- Determine how much time is in between the studio slots. Do you need to clean up within your one-hour booking or is there a half-hour in-between bookings for clean up?
- Confirm the furniture a studio provides (Some studios allow you to store your own if they don't provide any!)
- Do a test shoot to do a practice run before any client work. Trouble-shoot accessing the studio, test the light and more! For those fearing the use of flash or additional lighting, this step will ensure you know what to expect when it comes to photographing your clients there
- Tag the studio and keep a good relationship with studio owners. Share images even if the client is willing.
- Make sure you have the client pay for the studio BEFORE you book it (and make sure any processing fees on your end are covered by the client as well).
- Additionally, never let the client book the studio. Not only are they usually not qualified to, but having someone else in control of your shoot day rarely goes well
- Make sure you're clear on any rescheduling or canceling policies with the studio. Even if it's for an overcast day or your client needs to postpone, make sure of any fees that may be involved.
It's easier than it seems!
Shooting at a studio can seem extremely intimidating at first. but trust me! Once you do it a few times and become more confident in the process (which can vary studio to studio, mind you), you will find it's an easy-peasey process!
Your brand photography will be transformed as well with the abundance of new spaces available to you and your clients.
Be sure to tag me @morganpotterphtoo on Instagram when you decide to start working in a studio, I'd love to cheer you on! 🎉
