How much space do I need for a home photo studio?

Minimum for headshots and product photos: 6x8 feet of clear space. Minimum for half-body portraits: 8x10 feet. Minimum for full-body portraits: 10x15 feet. You also need distance between the subject and backdrop (3-6 feet) to avoid backdrop shadows. A spare bedroom, garage corner, or living room section works for most home studio needs. Collapsible equipment lets you set up and tear down as needed.

Can I use household lamps instead of studio lights?

Household lamps produce inconsistent color temperatures, insufficient output, and harsh lighting that is difficult to modify. You can get acceptable results with window light (free) combined with a reflector ($15-25). For consistent, controllable results regardless of time of day and weather, dedicated studio lights are necessary. The Godox SL60W 2-pack at under $200 provides a massive quality improvement over household lighting.

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