PRE-SHOOT INFO
Learn How To Make The Most of Your Rental
Camera Setup | Lighting Information | Tutorials | Lessons
STEP ONE
Pre-Setting Your Camera For Success
Before you arrive, it’s always good to familiarize yourself with your camera settings and what will work best in the space. We want you to spend the majority of your time focused on creating amazing art and not worry whether your camera settings are limiting your creativity! Below we’ve outlined optimal camera settings for all three of the lighting scenarios you’ll encounter at Motive.
Daylight
Motive is filled with natural light from both the east and west with large windows. This light changes throughout the year.
After many many shoots, we’ve found the following camera settings to achieve the best results for daylight photography:
All settings below can be accomplished by placing your Professional DSLR or Mirrorless Camera into manual mode. For refreshers on the following terms, click the names for links:
Aperture: F1.8-F.5.6 (The lower the number, the more background blur will be achieved. Your image will also be brighter with a lower number as the camera lets in more light to the sensor)
Shutter Speed: 1/50th-1/125th (For still portraits, 1/50th will achieve high sharpness with only a slight blur. For lots of movement, you’ll need to compensate with increased ISO or lowered Aperture)
ISO Speed: 800-1600 (The lower the number, the less noise. Modern DSLRs & Mirrorless cameras will resolve 1600ISO and up to 3200 with minimal noise)
White Balance: 5500k-6000k (the lower the number, the warmer the colors. We recommend setting white balance manually instead of relying on auto white balance. This makes all the photos you’ll shoot consistent in color, which helps editing speed)
Our space is blessed with continuous direct sunlight through large windows all year round. Optimal times of day for shooting with natural light are 7AM-12PM on the east side of the building and 3PM-8PM on the west side.
Strobe
Our studio is equipped with high-end Westcott studio strobe lighting. We include a large variety of Westcott studio strobes for bookings.
The following camera settings can be used to achieve the best results for Strobe Photography. The goal is to light your subject ONLY using the strobe lights. Your camera settings should make your photo completely black without the lights turned on and your settings correct:
All settings below can be accomplished by placing your Professional DSLR or Mirrorless Camera into manual mode. For refreshers on the following terms, click the names for links:
Aperture: F4-8.0 (The lower the number, the more background blur will be achieved. Your image will also be brighter with a lower number as the camera lets in more light to the sensor)
Shutter Speed: 1/125th-1/200th (For still portraits, 1/160th will achieve high sharpness with only a slight blur. For lots of movement, you’ll need to compensate by changing to high-speed sync mode and increasing the shutter speed beyond 1/200th. WARNING. The strobes will NOT work correctly above 1/200th without High-Speed Sync engaged.
ISO Speed: 100-400 (The lower the number, the less noise.
White Balance: 5500k-6000k (the lower the number, the warmer the colors. We recommend setting white balance manually instead of relying on auto white balance. This makes all the photos you’ll shoot consistent in color, which helps editing speed)
Please follow this link for a compatibility chart for the Westcott FJ-X2 Universal Trigger: Click Here
Constant
We provide high-end professional continuous lighting via two aputure 120d and one 300D. These are available upon request.
The following camera settings can be used to achieve the best results for Constant Light Photography.
All settings below can be accomplished by placing your Professional DSLR or Mirrorless Camera into manual mode. For refreshers on the following terms, click the names for links:
Aperture: F1.8-5.6 (The lower the number, the more background blur will be achieved. Your image will also be brighter with a lower number as the camera lets in more light to the sensor)
Shutter Speed: 1/50th-1/100th (For still portraits, 1/50th will achieve high sharpness with only a slight blur. For lots of movement, you’ll need to compensate by changing your Aperture or ISO.
ISO Speed: 800-3200 (The lower the number, the less noise.
White Balance: 5500k-6000k (the lower the number, the warmer the colors. We recommend setting white balance manually instead of relying on auto white balance. This makes all the photos you’ll shoot consistent in color, which helps editing speed)
STEP TWO
Choosing Your Backdrops
Our space will have a large variety of backdrop colors to choose from. We curate colors that will make your portraits pop! When choosing your backdrop colors, keep in mind how different colors and shades complement or clash when placed together. We’ve added complementary color swatches to each backdrop photo below for inspiration!
STEP THREE
Lighting Your Subject & Being Creative
Lighting is where you make or break your portraits. The key to great lighting is understanding how to mold light around a subject to create the artistic idea you have. All three lighting styles above can be incorporated and share the same principles. Your aim is to accentuate the best parts of your subject or create a mood.
STEP FOUR
Photo Editing & Retouching
Editing and Retouching are your final tools to create a truly spectacular image. In portrait photography, editing & retouching can truly distinguish good photographers from incredible photographers. This final step is the sheen on your piece of art and should be taken seriously.
Looking For More Guidance?
Hire Us For Lessions & Guided Shoots
Students will receive hands-on training with a professional photographer. At the conclusion of this lesson the student will leave with a basic understanding of studio lighting, a lighting “cheat sheet” pdf, and a 15% off coupon for a future booking
– Lighting Fundamentals
– Camera Settings & Setup
– Types of Studio Lighting
– Lighting Modification4
