CAMERA AND STUDIO SET UP

The way you set up your studio and camera is absolutely vital when shooting. The camera settings must be correct before you start this will prevent any photos being lost or any problems occurring during the shoot. It is also important to make sure all of the lighting, backgrounds and tripods are set up safely ready to use. 



CAMERA SET UP

You will need:

• Camera 
• SD Card- to save images onto 
• Hot shoe adapter- connect the camera to the flash 
• USB or a hard drive- transfer images to 

When setting up the camera there is a few important things that have to be done before taking a photograph...

• Go to menu and reset the camera, this will delete any photos from the camera and reset any settings.
   
• Set the camera to RAW image, this will take the picture and will look exactly like a jpeg but when it comes to post production the image will be a lot easier to edit. The picture will be more detailed than a jpeg and also when changing the light for example it will either add more light or less light without darkening or brightening the whole image like a jpeg does.
  
• Make sure the camera is in MANUAL. This will help you keep the images as you see them. If it was in AUTOMATIC it would automatically change the lighting and other settings which wouldn't work if you are trying to capture the lighting in a certain way. Learning to change the lighting yourself will help you to create the exact image you want rather than relying on the automatic camera settings.
  
• The camera's shutter speed should be set to IOS 1/160. This is the fastest shutter speed meaning when you press the button it will take the picture straight away. This will make sure you don't miss any shots. Although you need to wait for the flash to catch up with the camera before you take another photo. 

STUDIO SET UP 

• Set up tripod, this will create sturdy straight shots.
  
• Set up sync lead, this connects the camera to the flash and plugs into the hot shoe adapter on the camera
  
• Set up any lighting being used, make sure they are all working by turning them on and off and set it to the brightness you want it
  
• Get any attachments you may need for the lighting eg. Softbox, spotlight, beauty dish. Make sure you choose the correct one for your shoot depending on what kind of lighting you want.
  
  
• Make sure you have any reflectors you may need. White reflector will add light into the areas that need it, Silver reflector will add light and shine on top of the areas. The silver reflector really brings out shine and details in the models eyes.
  
• Get any accessories you might be using on the shoot such as props, chairs etc.
  
• Set up the background to the colour you want it.
  
• Make sure you have the right lenses for your camera. Eg. for a beauty shoot it is best to use a beauty lense which is made for very close up shots and captures all of the detail.