Why you should get a studio photoshoot
A lot of photographers offer studio sessions, and with good reason! Although I love the look of natural light - the random effects of wind and cloud, and the longer working distance of an outdoor photoshoot - there are still limitations due to things like temperature, rain, or biting insects (!) that can ruin a session.
Here are a few of the obvious advantages (and a couple of disadvantages) to consider when booking a studio session.
Pros
Cons
Pros!
This is a no-brainer, especially when you live in a location like Florida! Escaping the heat, or the random afternoon thunderstorm, can be a big pull towards booking a studio session. You'll usually get your best photos when you're feeling your best, and it can also allow for a wider variety of looks than you might otherwise be limited to if the outdoors is too hot (or too cold!) for what you want to be seen in.
Indoor Arch for a studio photoshootNot every studio has sets like this, but when they're available they're awesome!
Full-length sleeves and pant legs might be too hot to wear in the noontime summer sun, but no problem in an air-conditioned studio!
Most photographers I think use studios for their lighting options. If you can control the lighting, then it makes the images more consistent and easier to edit, and you can also get some amazing effects that simply aren't possible with natural light. The trick though is to be sure that the look is one that you're going for, and if you want more interesting settings than a literal blank canvas you should make sure that your photographer has those options available. Not every studio has the space or props available to provide variety beyond the basic "headshots".
Kiana closeup in the archUsing directional lighting here for a moody effect.
Kiana arch facing into the lightKiana using directional light to accentuate curves and add interest to her facial lines.
Two examples of using directional lighting to create different looks.
Kiana on the blocksKiana making use of some geometric shapes as part of her birthday photoshoot in the studio.
Flat lighting here to minimize shadows and a typically clean studio background.
If, like me, you still prefer natural light - I personally think that window lighting is superb for portraiture - then you definitely need to check that the studio location can provide what you need. I've been in a couple of studios that claimed to offer "natural light" but they were too limiting for what I really needed and it was clear that the studio was meant for strobes or continuous artificial lighting. There are a couple of very nice locations in Jacksonville that will fit the bill (my preferred location is Jax Mini Sessions on Philips Highway, which is where all of these examples were captured).
Kiana by the windowMaking use of large windows and sheer curtains for soft lighting.
This studio has floor-to-ceiling windows that are perfect for portraiture, but not every studio has this option!
Many studios offer the use of props, furniture, and even items of clothing to bring a bit of flare and fun to your photoshoots. This can be a big advantage, especially when you maybe don't know what to bring or don't want to lug a lot of stuff along to the session. Even something as simple as a small chaise can transform an otherwise plain-looking backdrop into something with elegance and class, and brings in a whole new set of poses and looks that are otherwise impossible. The controlled environment of a studio also means that there's less clutter and distractions than you might find in a real home or workplace setting, yet you can get the same kind of look for your personal or branding portraiture.
Kiana on the couchUsing a couch for added posing options in the studio setting
Kiana on the deskKiana made use of the desk set-up for some fun photos.
A couple of examples of in-studio furnishings to mimic at-home or at-work environments, but without the hassle of using real-world locations.
Although my sessions are fun and relaxed, some people just feel awkward posing in public, and a studio session is a neat solution to that. There are also certain looks and poses that are simply better to do in a studio, without the risk of any surprises from passers-by! It's unarguable that outdoor environments offer the potential for some truly stunning and beautiful artwork, but it's also sometimes just impractical and for many people I think a "closed set" is the way to go to be themselves.
Kiana topless on the chairMaking use of a chair for an artistic implied nude pose.
This topless pose would have been difficult to do in public without attracting unwanted attention!
Cons!
Cost:
Studio sessions are usually billed by the hour, and can easily add a couple of hundred dollars onto a photoshoot (especially if you book it yourself). An hour of studio time flies by quickly if you have to factor in things like outfit changes and setting up gear, so a longer session is definitely worth investing in. Photographers who own their own studio will generally factor in those overheads to their fees, whereas for others it might be an optional add-on. In any case, you definitely need to consider that the advantages of using a professional space come with a price. For my VIP clients and those who book a Premium Portraiture session, complementary studio time up to 2 hours is included.
Unlike the great outdoors, studio rentals need to be booked, and your preferred date and time might not be available, but then again natural light photographers also work around preferred times such as "Golden Hour" or entire days when the weather might be off, and a studio booking is at least predictable! Just be mindful that for last-minute bookings you may have to be flexible.
Studios are generally limited in size, which impacts the settings, posing options, and lens choices. Most of the time honestly this isn't a big deal, just don't expect any grand scenes from a small set. If you have a specific vision in mind, it might be better to execute that somewhere else.
Studios can add to your creative potential and your comfort, with more control over your environment, a variety of options to include, and privacy to be yourself. As a photography client, just be mindful that every place is different and if you have a specific concept in mind make sure you communicate well with your photographer ahead of time!
Many thanks to Kiana for providing permission for use of these studio shots from her 30th Birthday milestone celebration! Kiana is a mother, model, and entrepreneur who has worked with me on portraiture and fashion shoots for over 2 years.