Everything You Need to Know About Opening a Home Photography Studio.

Naomi Kimhi
Aug 1
3 min read

Updated: Nov 25

Opening your own home photography studio is one of the most exciting (and smart!) moves you can make as a photographer. Whether you're starting a side hustle or transitioning into full-time creative work, having your own space can level up your workflow, branding, and client experience. But what do you really need to get started? Let's break it down: the gear, the setup, and the must-haves you shouldn’t overlook.

Your Home studio ? ;-)

📷 Essential Camera & Lenses

Your camera is your ride-or-die. While DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are both solid options, make sure you’ve got one with manual controls and high resolution. Here are a few key lens options:

50mm f/1.8 – Affordable and amazing for portraits.
24-70mm – Versatile zoom, great for full-body shots and tight spaces.
85mm f/1.4 – Beautiful depth for close-up portraits.

💡 Studio Lighting

Natural light is great, but reliable studio lighting is everything. Here are the must-haves:

Two softbox lights or LED panels.
Light stands.
A reflector or V-flat to bounce light and reduce shadows.
Optional: A ring light for beauty shots and video.

Pro tip: Get daylight-balanced bulbs (5500K) for consistent, flattering tones.

🎭 Backdrops & Stands

Even in a small space, backdrops help you control the vibe. Start with:

Seamless paper (white, beige, gray = classics).
Muslin or fabric backdrops for texture.
A backdrop stand or wall-mounted system if you’re short on floor space.

🧱 Space Setup Tips

No, you don’t need a massive loft. A spare room, garage, or even a cleared-out corner will do if you set it up right:

Choose a room with good natural light (big windows = bonus).
Use blackout curtains to control lighting when needed.
Keep a tidy and uncluttered shooting area.
Add a mirror, stool, and full-length mirror for clients.
Consider soundproofing if you’re doing video.

🧲 Comfort & Client Experience

Even in a home space, give your clients the boutique treatment:

Candles or essential oils for a calm vibe.
A chair or sofa for waiting.
Bluetooth speaker for chill music.
Clean bathroom access + a touch-up station.

📅 Scheduling & Boundaries

Don’t forget this part:

Set clear business hours.
Use an online booking system.
Create a client prep guide (what to wear, makeup, etc.).

This helps you stay professional, even in cozy slippers.

💰 Bonus: Budget Tips

Starting out? Don’t stress. You don’t need to buy everything at once:

Look for secondhand gear (try Facebook Marketplace or local photo groups).
Use what you have and upgrade slowly.
DIY backdrops or use textured walls creatively.

🌟 Creating Your Unique Space

Your home photography studio should reflect your personal style and brand. Consider adding elements that inspire you. This could be artwork, plants, or even a mood board. Personal touches make your space feel inviting and creative.

Ready to Build Your Studio?

Setting up a home photography studio is an empowering step toward growing your business, and making your creative life way easier. It’s about creating a space that works for you and reflects your brand. Start small, stay consistent, and create magic right from your living room. You’ve got this, and if you need help designing your dream studio layout, you know who to call ;)

Stay inspired, and happy shooting! Last one thing, I recently opened my home studio, which I'm very proud of. And lest tip, don't forget to look also for second-hand things that can help you and also deals online; you never know what you will find.

Written by PixArt by Naomi