Wednesday, December 28, 2011

It's a Start! (setting up my "in-home studio" space) {Lisa Rappa Photography}

     Over the last year my main focus has been in natural light photography which I LOVE and plan to still do the majority of the time. However, I started to notice that it was a little frustrating going into homes for baby sessions and being dependent on window light when there was none at times. I felt like a slave to the sun and decided it was time to face the flash! This is also a necessity with my plan to shoot weddings this year too of course. And what's the point of having a nice Canon flash if you don't know how to use it to it's potential?  So, I hit the books again and learned what I can from reading and attending an online workshop through Rock the Shot. I'm definitely seeing improvements and the many added conveniences in using my flash off-camera already. So, I decided to take the plunge and try out some AlienBees for my in-home studio space too and can't wait to learn more and put them to use in my sessions soon! With this new space (thanks to my husband for allowing me to take over the "Packers/Football room") I of course needed some Bad Sass Backdrops which have been so much fun and easy to use!

   Anyhow- I've had some people who have expressed interest in my new set up and in just seeing where I work when home. I don't know that it will help anyone with anything, BUT, just for fun...here it is so far! Now let me begin by saying this is truly a work in progress and I have big plans for making this all a little (ok, a lot) more of an attractive and better organized work space, but you have to start somewhere and it is very functional so that is what matters to me most at this point! I'm excited to have a few sessions already scheduled to be here and have done a few in the last couple of months here that went very well! My goal for 2012 is to continue to grow as a photographer in all areas. I love outdoor and on-location sessions and plan to do those always, but I also have high hopes for a studio outside of my home by 2013! I'll keep you posted ;)







And one more quickly snapped shot of my practice model who literally just woke up from her nap as I was taking these of the space.
 

5 comments:

The Zookeeper said...

I am just so proud of you!

Lisa Rappa Photography said...

Thank you Brooke! :)

Denise Ramos said...

OMG! LOVE IT! <3
I AM SOOOOO JEALOUS!

Unknown said...

Oh so fabulous!!! Nice seeing some behind the scenes things :) I've done a couple of newborn shoots the last 2 weeks - and I think I can echo pretty much your whole first para (well, replace Canon with Nikon!). I propped baby up next to these lovely windows - but was disappointed with how some of the shots came out (you know those moments where you stress that you are right back at the beginning?!). And like you, I have avoided using my speedlight for newborns - but I think I need to bravely enter that world too.
You are such an inspiration girl :D

Lisa Rappa Photography said...

Thanks Denise! Rebecca- I totally recommend trying it out! I'm still learning new things as I go with the lights, but it does make a big difference at times- and honestly even requires less post processing too! So that's just another plus! :) I'm sure you'll rock it!