Do it Yourself Photography Equipment

Add backdrops to your studio by purchasing a few yards of muslin fabric. It is available in white, black and ecru. Paint or dye it any color you need to match clothes or skin tones. You can even create scenic backdrops for holiday or special occasion shoots. Just project an image onto the fabric, trace the picture onto your fabric and paint in the scene with acrylic paints. Coat with flat varnish to avoid stains and wear.

Look around your house for lights that can double as studio equipment. A shop light works well as the main light source. They come on a stand and have the same output as a professional studio light. Use a white sheet hung in front of the stand to diffuse the light. Be sure the sheet doesn't touch the light directly because it will get hot. A clip-on light with an aluminum hood can serve as a fill light. The hood permits the light to be directed more accurately. Use a small clip-on desk lamp as a hair light. This creates separation between your subject and the backdrop and can be directed toward the head with a snoot, which allows you to control the direction of the light. Fashion a cone shape with aluminum foil and attach the wide end to the lamp. The smaller end should point to the top of the subject's head. Use a white poster board as a reflector to add lights to your subject's eyes.

Re-purpose household or holiday items to add props to your studio. A step ladder makes a good poser for children. A child can sit on each step and one can even lie on his belly under the ladder. If you have created a scenic backdrop for winter, use a small artificial fir tree to add dimension and use a sled as a poser. Old-fashioned clothes and steamer trunks work well for a dress-up or tea party theme. If you can't find what you need in your own home, try local thrift stores.

Don't limit yourself to studio lights and props. Offer your services on location -- families often like to be photographed at a favorite park or landmark. Don't forget to bring your white poster board or a reflective car shade to manipulate the natural light. If you need posers, look around for natural elements such as large rocks or fallen logs.