[Leica] studio ponderings

[wlarsen at ocsnet.net (Will)]

lea wrote:

>I'm considering adding a studio to my home. I'm curious about size
>recommendations. Can those of you with studios or those of you who have
>had them please offer suggestions on dimensions and height? Also, any
>special features I should budget into the project?
>
>My typical studio shoot involves small children, high school seniors,
>adult head shots, families, pets. I wouldn't be using the space to
>photograph cars or other large items. My lighting consists of medium
>softboxes (2'x3') and umbrellas.
>
>
>I'm thinking of a space that would be 20 feet deep (I'm pretty locked in
>to this dimension) by 16 feet wide (I have some flexibility here) and 8
>feet tall (also some flexibility here). The north end, for certain,
>would be the entrance with all/mostly glass surrounding a French door to
>take advantage of that beautiful light. The remaining sides could or
>could not have windows...most likely the western side would not in order
>to avoid the afternoon sun and heat.
>
>I'm not certain about flooring...I imagine some low-maintenance carpet
>but might consider natural wood. Any thoughts on what works best here?
>
>Currently my studio is in my attic which has 6' ceilings and while this
>works fine for children it gets a bit tight with adults and full lenght
>shots of adults are virtually out of the question unless they are height
>challenged like myself (5'3" and proud of it!).
>
>I'm anxious to hear thoughts from those of you who have been there, done
>that.
>
>Thanks,
>Lea
>
>
>Lea Murphy
>Whiny Dog Press www.whinydogpress.com
>
>
>
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>
>  
>
Your plan sounds good...but I would definitely scrap the idea of an 
8-foot ceiling...I  would go at least 12 and preferably 16.  This is a 
case of using a simple criple with demensional lumber.  You can always 
drop the interior ceiling over the portrait area.  It is very expensive 
to raise a roof in a remodel.

Also, I would be very careful to really over spec the electrical supply.

If the roof is a gable or gambrel roof and you have your 'druthers on 
the orientation, I would orient it east and west to give room for north 
facing skylights.   Skylight technology has really progressed...to the 
point where there are the skylight doesn't even have to be over the area 
you want illuminated.

As to flooring, I wouldn't carpet anyplace but the immediate portrait 
area...you need a surface easy to roll things on.

Hope this is helpful.
Will -Terra Bella, California

who is struggling with trying to light a room with an 8 foot ceiling for 
television videos at the day job.