Paulo Lorenso Studios, Newcastle under Lyme

PAOLO LORASO STUDIOS
On Saturday Layla said she had a studio session and tutorial on Sunday, and asked me if I would like to go along to learn more about shoots etc. Needless to say no problem for me, hungry for knowledge and expertise.


And what fun and how interesting. So many tips and being made aware of what to look for. Most of it is only common sense, but you can get lost in taking the image as I discovered on Saturday. They are also the official photographers for the Signal 1&2 camera club.
The studio is a professional studio, and is set up to be very commercial. There were 6 photographers in the session, all working and Paolo introduced us to how he runs his business and where he makes his money. He showed us round his studio, the various lighting set ups he has, why he uses certain products etc for example a make of lights. The studio photographers showed us how to use the models in the studio with the various lighting effects, all operated by remote control, for instant changes.
The studio is permanently set up, and is adaptable for many forms of Photography, from single portraits to group shots. He also explained the various revenue streams that he uses to make his business.
We each of us then were given 5 minutes with each of the 2 models (Layla being one, dressed and made up totally different to Saturday, and Christy the other) with 2 different lighting set ups, but this got a bit higglely piggly, but we got there.
It was really useful and very eye opening to see a studio being run. Very relaxed but professional.
It was an experience that I did not think I would have and I am very grateful to Layla for the Invitation.
You can see some of the images here that I took.
Things I learnt are:-
Inkjet printers don't like dust so use in dust free environment
White ink is free(major cost for studio is the cost of ink-price per ml-generally allow twice the cost of paper for ink)
Models usually have a CD not prints because of this-only print when necessary-then usually 10x8.
Keep each area of the studio separate.
Use the best lighting equipment you can buy as this will last longer and work quicker.
Remote control of lighting leads to quicker changes, and turn round for different subjects, makes setting up the lighting really quick.
Using area lighting makes taking of images a lot easier where required.
Calibrate the camera to PC and printer(Spider Pro eg).
If cropping to 10x8 ensure your subject is in the correct frame when taking image.
Talk to the model not the camera
Don't stand on tip toe to take image.
Be very clear with your instructions to the model, talk face to face not through the camera.
When using projected backdrops be aware of any lines forming on the subject.
Check each picture you take, to ensure it is correctly exposed/in frame/composition is correct/enables feedback to the subject/ and you get what you are looking for.
This also allows you to rest your arms and prevents your hands shaking.
Always use a make-up artist, even for outdoors work.
Use of lighting to emphasize any aspects, or vica versa.

I used the studio 1D to take the shots, mainly as I had not used one before, and it was tethered to the PC. The set up was on 2 monitors, one for the photographer and one for the subject to see, but the results where after the shot taken.
The host Paolo was exceedingly knowledgeable and very hospitable and generous with his knowledge and answered any question put to him, with great amusement at times.
Here are some studio shots.