Home graphics studio - how to do it?

There are a few important things to keep in mind when setting up your first home graphics studio. It is worth taking the time to choose equipment that will allow you to make good graphics. To help you create a functional space for your hobby, we've put together a quick guide that shows you what to look out for when setting up your home studio.

A graphic umbrella or softbox is the perfect play with light

Skillful lighting control is just as important in graphics as talent, insight and creativity. That is why one of the main elements of studio equipment, including home equipment, should be a graphic umbrella or softbox.

• Graphic umbrella - how does it work?

Umbrella graphs are responsible for reflecting or transmitting flash light in the desired direction. Scattering patterns made of translucent fabric distract them in many ways. They also don't direct the light in a particular way - instead they let it pass evenly around the object being drawn.

A reflective umbrella can be recognized by its characteristic black fabric, thanks to which light does not pass through it, but is reflected. This allows you to freely change its direction without moving the flash. An interesting choice are 2-in-1 models, for example, from Massa, in which you can remove the black element and use a diffuse umbrella.

There are also more advanced, more expensive types of graphic umbrellas: parabolic and spherical. The former are very large, about 130 cm in diameter, and effectively reflect light in a certain direction. In turn, spherical ones exceed a diameter of up to 2 meters and are intended for photo shoots with models (for example, fashion graphics), since they evenly illuminate the entire figure.

• Softbox - how does it work?

A softbox serves the same purpose as a graphic umbrella - it must diffuse, reflect, or soften light in order to maximize natural light. It consists of a mounting ring, two diffusers, a frame and a covering material. The most popular are rectangular models that are suitable for all types of graphics, as well as the so-called. strips for contour lighting and vinegars, large softboxes for fashion graphics.

Softboxes are more expensive than graphic umbrellas, but are more recommended for professional graphics due to the ability to control the direction of light, lack of reflections from walls and loss of power (in this regard, for example, a model with an iShoot tripod will be ideal). Fans will appreciate the portability, low price and ease of assembly of umbrellas that are easier to use.

Lighting tripod and flash - take care of the lighting

A lighting stand with a flash lamp allows you to illuminate the depicted person or object. Without them, having an umbrella or softbox does not make sense. After the camera, a tripod with a lamp is the second most important element in the equipment of a graphic studio. For a tripod to last as long as possible, it must be made of durable quality materials, and the flash must provide power from 200 to 400 watts.  

At home, inexpensive Quadralite reportage lamps are suitable. Despite their journalistic purpose, they are great for illuminating the face, whole silhouettes of models and objects, and they can also be used on the street. In turn, when choosing a tripod, you should pay attention to the range of its height adjustment and the tilt of the attached lamp in order to efficiently and conveniently manipulate the light.

Shadowless awning - for advertising graphics

A shadowless tent, also known as a shadowless camera, is designed to eliminate all kinds of light reflections from a graphic object, as well as shadows falling on it. Therefore, it is a necessary equipment for professional graphers who take advertising photographs. Visually, such a gadget resembles a small box. the graphic product is placed in the tent and a photo is taken through the opening. Such equipment is offered by the Puluz brand.

Studio set - the perfect combination of accessories

If you find it difficult to select individual products or just takes too long, you may decide to buy a studio set. This is a ready-made set of basic graphic accessories, matched to each other according to the quality of workmanship and assembly. Moreover, with such a kit, you can save a lot, since items sold together are usually cheaper than assembled separately.

Packages are available on the market that combine accessories in various configurations, such as a lamp with a softbox, background, umbrellas and lens hoods, and many others. Thanks to this, everyone can find a suitable set for themselves!

You can find more interesting guides in Electronics Fascination.