117 ☼ Setting up a Backyard Studio for $100
Plus: Substack Meetup Recap + Announcement
Dear friends,
In this week's letter I show you how I set up a photo studio in my backyard for less than $100 and shot medium format portraits of my friend, and a talented painter, Brie Noel Taylor. Also a short recap of this week’s Substack Meetup at the very end.
☀️ Shout out to my friends at Squarespace for helping make this issue possible ☀️
How I Built A Backyard Studio for $100
For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to have my own little studio. A space for me to take beautiful portraits without the pressure of time. Not only for clients but also for my personal projects. Next spring, for example, I’d love to create a body of work where I take portraits of people from my small neighborhood.
Personal work aside, having my own small studio also presents benefits for the client work I do taking portraits for artists, young entrepreneurs, and creatives. They need a great professional portrait to set themselves a part, and they know it requires an investment, but adding a studio rental fee on top of my photographer’s fee can be outside of their budget. With my own small set up, I can help manage that for them.
Last month, I finally made it happen. Just in time for a visit from my dear friend, Brie Noel Taylor, a talented painter visiting from New York City. She graciously agreed to model for me, and what followed was a day filled with creativity and experimentation.
With the sun's blessings, we set up our makeshift backdrop outside, basking in the soft, indirect sunlight. The play of light and shadow, as the sun peeked through the leaves of a nearby tree, was quite magical.
We created different looks every time Brie changed outfits or accessories, with each roll of film capturing a different atmosphere. Because of our existing friendship we were able to create a comfortable, safe environment in which self-consciousness and nerves were kept at bay. This is the key to capturing portraits that feel true to the essence of the person being photographed.
Having your portrait taken can be an intense experience, especially when you're not used to what effectively comes down to being stared at. Being truly seen, beyond a glance or two, can be intimidating. Creating a warm, comfortable environment is key to making portraits that are authentic and reflect the soul of the subject.
As you can see, my set-up was very simple. A seamless paper backdrop, a stand1 to hold it up, and natural light. You can acquire this same set up for under $100.
If that is still a bit much you can create your very own outdoor or indoor studio for even less. Here are some tips:
DIY Backdrop: You can use bed sheets, a big piece of craft paper, or even an old curtain as a backdrop. Get creative with colors and textures to match your style.
Lighting: Natural light can work wonders. Position your setup near a large window or take advantage of outdoor lighting like we did. You'll be amazed at the results.
Budget Equipment: Look for affordable second-hand photography items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. You'd be surprised at the deals you can find.
Borrow from Fellow Photographers: Reach out to local photographers in your community. They might be willing to lend or share equipment for your creative endeavors. ICYMI: Process 116 was about connecting with other photographers.
Go Stand-less: Even the great Richard Avedon would often just duct-tape his backdrops to a wall surface. If it’s a bed sheet or something else light like that, even a washing line will do the job.
Building your own studio doesn't have to be a daunting task. I waited way too long to do this and hope you jump on it now if you have any desire to do so. Embrace your artistic spirit and get creative in ways that don't break the bank. You can do it!
That’s it for this week! If you enjoyed this issue I’d love for you to share it with friends.
Next Week: What happened when I was invited to document the closing of a famous bakery that is a true community hub and gathering place.
Are you new here, and curious for more? Subscribe below.
Keep shooting and take good care of yourselves and others. <3
Wesley
PS If you're interested in supporting Process and seeing a body of work I’m very proud of, please consider buying my photo book NOTICE. Second print out now.
Gear & Tools Used
Camera: Pentax 67ii, the Hasselblad 500cm, and the Contax G2.
Film Stocks: Kodak 400VC, Fuji Velvia 50, Ilford Delta 100, Kodak Tmax
Lab: All my analog work is developed and scanned by my friends at Carmencita Film Lab. They’re my favorite lab in the world. Use code “PROCESS” to get a free upgrade.
Portfolio Site: Big shout out to Squarespace for helping make this issue of Process possible. If you need a website, I can’t recommend using Squarespace more. I have been a paying customer for more than 10 years (!!?) and it’s been so easy to build and maintain a beautiful and professional portfolio. I even added a shop to it recently.
Check out Squarespace and use the code PROCESS10 for 10% off your first order.
Substack Meetup Recap
Last Wednesday, I hosted the first official Amsterdam Substack Meetup and it was a huge success. Twenty wonderful, kind, creative, and interesting people got together for drinks and chats and by the time we left friendships had already started to blossom. Many interesting conversations about writing, publishing online, and just life! Check out some photos here and if you’d like to join for the next one, it’s November 22nd and it requires an RSVP here. There will even be a theme this time!
Can’t get enough Process? Browse the Process Archives, here are some recent favorite issues:
I used to carry a 10x10 canvas with me in the car. Rolled, not folded. That and a roll of gaffer's tape could give me that nice neutral background for portraits. My favorite place was to shoot in the downtown alley ways with bounced light from the buildings around. Fun shots, Wesley.
Wesley, thanks for sharing this insider's how-to. It's always inspiring to see just what good can come of an essential set-up when an artist is behind the camera--and the subject, in this case! Thanks again.