5 Tips For Shooting Film In A Studio Space by Sara Johansen

Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film
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Written by Sara Johansen

Last year, I was lucky enough to come across an opportunity to have a studio space, and, in that time, I’ve worked to perfect my photography style in the studio.

This was a big change for me!

I started my photography journey as a hobby photographer, and I have no “formal” training, so taking a step into a studio and offering sessions in a studio was a whole new ballgame for me.

Many of the same things applied as it would in a session outdoors, but there were some new things for me to take into account. Here are a few helpful tips I’ve learned if you’re looking to shoot film in a studio space.

Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film

1. Study the Light and Color

It’s important to take into account a couple things before choosing your film stock when shooting in a studio.

What color are the walls or backdrops you will be using? What kind of light does the studio get? If there is a wall of windows, which direction do they face? Are there any factors outside that will affect color shifts, such as a tree with green leaves?

While seemingly little things, these all add into the final look of your images. If you’re looking for a space to rent long term, check out all of these things before committing, especially if you’re wanting to use all natural light.

If you’re renting the space from another person, ask them about their experiences with lighting throughout the day to make sure you’re picking the right time of day to rent and also to be more prepared when you show up.

Since I’ve shot in my space for over a year, I’ve had enough shoots in my studio to know I get my best preferred results using Kodak Portra 800 (orange based) shot at 640 and pushed one stop in development.

Knowing what the base color of your film stock can go a long way, especially when dealing with lots of white walls. Because of this, I stay away from Portra 400 which has a strong yellow base, knowing that yellow will really come through with natural lighting and the white walls. It’s just not the look I want.

If I’m using off camera lighting, I do go with Kodak Portra 400, because I know the off camera flash will allow me to still get the crisper whites that I like, helping balance the yellow that comes with the natural light.

Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film
Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film
Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film
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2. Get a Light Meter

In the same token as studying the light and color of the space, get a light meter to help you nail your exposures. Knowing your preference of shooting for the shadows, highlights, and midtones is really important, and knowing how to use a light meter will really help you find success with your images.

Another big reason I pull out my light meter every time I shoot in my studio is because I am often shooting on one of the big white walls or on white seamless paper.

If you’ve ever shot a snowy day or scene on film, you may already know just how deceiving all that white can be for an internal camera light meter. It’s going to skew the meter to think there’s lots of light, when in fact it’s just the bright spot of white.

A light meter will take in the overall lighting, helping to ensure you’re not underexposing.

Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film
Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film
Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film

3. Learn Off-Camera Lighting

No matter how much light your space gets, there’s always going to be that one dark, cloudy day that comes along. The beauty of a studio space is that you no longer have to cancel client work due to weather, so it’s imperative to be ready to know how to use off-camera lighting or a flash set up that you like.

Plus, having your light meter is really a necessity for setting up off-camera lighting, so once again, that light meter tip comes in handy!

In full transparency, off camera lighting was something that really scared me, especially when shooting with film, but once I took a course, I learned that it was actually quite easy and a good set up can be acquired for less than $750. I’ve learned from Sandra Coan (The Missing Link) and cannot recommend her course enough.

Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film
Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film
Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film
Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film

4. Know the Limitations of Your Space

It’s great to know what all your space can do for you and your shoot, but it’s just as important to know the limitations.

If you’re planning to do a family session, will you have enough room to style the group as you like? Will you have enough room for planned off-camera lighting? Do you have a wide enough lens to capture what you want?

These are just a handful of the questions to be asking yourself when you’re looking at a space to shoot in and choosing your gear. You’re going to have better results when you’ve carefully planned through your limitations.

Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film
Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film
Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film

5. Practice, Practice, Practice!

Practice is SO important with a studio space, especially if you’re planning to do client work.

Doing a mock shoot or going in ahead of time to practice will ensure you’re ready to go when your client shows up.

Practice and personal work is absolutely professional work, as it gets you ready and honed in for the “real deal.” Anytime I have a new idea for a shoot, or want to try out a different film stock or technique, I always go in and practice ahead of time, making sure I get my results before my actual session.

Your clients, without even knowing it, will appreciate the confidence you have the day of your shoot that can only come with having practiced beforehand.

Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film
Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film
Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film
Shooting Film in a Studio by Sara Johansen on Shoot It With Film

I would love to hear if you have more questions on how I shoot in a studio space! I’ve tried to cover the basics and hope this helps get you encouraged to go seek out a studio space to shoot in!

Thank you so much, Sara! Sara is a regular contributor here at Shoot It With Film, and you can check out her other articles here, such as 9 Amazing Experimental Film Photographers and 6 Tips For Starting Your Own Film Photography Personal Project.

You can also find more of Sara’s work on her websiteInstagram, and print store.

Leave your questions about shooting film in a studio space below in the comments!

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Sara Johansen

Sara Johansen is a lifestyle and family portraits and experimental film photographer and a regular contributor for Shoot It With Film. Find her other articles here, such as Five Tips for Shooting Film at Night and How to Edit Film Soup Images.

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Blog Comments

I recently did a shoot with a friends dog, and it mostly turned out well, but it made me really want to invest in a studio space, even if it’s just cleaning out a spare room. Definitely bookmarking this to come back to in the future!

Hello. Interesting article. I need to use a light meter but do not have the confidence to trust it. Maybe some day, I Use all types of film and film speeds when schooting indoors. I never follow the rules but they usually turn out good.

Great tips for shooting film in a studio space! Your insights on lighting, equipment, and set design are invaluable for aspiring filmmakers. Clear and practical advice for creating professional-quality productions.

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