How to Design Studio Lighting

Determine the physical space available in your studio for lighting. If space is not an issue, then you can buy and use lights that are on stands. If space is limited, you need to consider using ceiling-mounted track systems, which allows you to position lights along a track. The are no stands to take up floor space, but you are limited to the range the track covers for light placement.

Consider your budget and determine how much capital has been set aside for the purchase. As mentioned, studio strobes can be very expensive and may be an unnecessary expense, depending on the type of photography you will be shooting. If you can use continuous lights, that constantly remain at full power, you may be able to save money.

Determine if the lights should be portable for location shoots, because you need to decide if the studio strobes need to work from a portable power source. Studio lights give photographers a great amount of control over their images, and can be used outdoors. If your work will take you to remote locations where you cannot plug your lights in, then you will need to choose a portable power option.

Assemble and arrange the studio lights in a way that makes them easy to access and re-position for your photo shoots. The studio lights should be close to power outlets located either in the wall or floor. Select sturdy stands that will support the lights all the time and are easy to move and adjust. The attachments you use on the studio lights should also be easy to change. You may need to switch a light from a soft box attachment to a snoot attachment depending on the type of shoot you are doing. This should be a simple and quick change that does not take too much time away from your work.