A Photo Studio of my Own--A Tutorial

I work with some interesting people at the San Diego Opera.  One of them, Susan Linnet Cox, worked at the table next to me, and together we cut out 52 pattern pieces for each tailcoat suit that we assembled.  We cut 12 tailcoats, 11 pairs of pants, and 4 or 5 vests (I'm not sure)...  We were busy bees!

But Susan also does something else as a career--she teaches photostyling.  She shows others how to set up different photogaphs for product merchandising such as food, clothing, mannequins, etc.  She actually has her own blog here, as well as her own website and teaching site!

The people you meet in your neighborhood!  LOL!

I've picked Susan's brain over the time that we've been working together, and as soon as she starts her next photostyling class, I'm signing up!  We exchanged ideas on marketing, the state of the economy, society, people, facebook...  I'm not sure there was much we didn't talk about, actually!  What a delightful conversationalist!  I could talk with Susan for hours if it didn't take away from my podcast addiction!  Haha!

Susan and I talked a bit about taking photos--I feel like I need some help with my own, and she was quite encouraging.  She prompted me to take a step forward and dive into setting up a little photography studio of my own in the middle of my sewing space!

I bought some stretch velvet and made "body socks" for my dress forms, covering them up so they looked a bit more presentable.  I bought both black and grey.  Then I bought a background fabric that was neutral in tone and could pick up light from different sources.  This picture below is the result!

It's a bit tough being able to take photos without much room, but I didn't have to invest in a bunch of lights either--I simply redirected the clip lights I already had and brought out my desk lamp to light up the backdrop.  I'm much happier with the results of the photos over what I was doing before--this kind of set up seems to elevate what I'm doing somehow...  I'm very excited!! Thanks, Susan, for the inspiration!!

Until next time--Live life with Relish!