Toma | FD Photo Studio
Main +1 (323) 454-2323
530 East 8th Street; 5th Floor
Art Studios +1 (213) 536-5631
1048 Santee Street; 5th Floor
Hill Studios +1 (213) 536-8030
1808 S Hill St; 2nd Floor
Olympic +1 (323) 968-1089
3316 E Olympic blvd
Yukon +1 (424) 453-2162
12828 Yukon ave
LA Lofts +1 (323) 997-8644
656 s Los Angeles st.
LIC Studios +1 (844) 644-3377
4020 22nd street; 4th floor
N.Y. Astoria +1 (917) 745-0053
35-58 37th Street, 3rd floor
Scott (Brooklyn) +1 (929) 337-6425
114 Scott Ave, 3nd floor
Metro (Brooklyn) +1 (347) 227-7629
1003 Metropolitan ave
booked now
Studios in:
FD Photo Studio
Log in

How to Use a Cyc Wall #1

Rent Photo Studio Stage C

Updated May 2023 If you’re interested in using a white cyclorama wall in your photography, consider renting a photo studio with the white cyclorama wall already set up. A rental photo studio with a white cyc wall can save you time and effort in setting up your shoot, allowing you to focus on creating stunning images that showcase your subject in the best possible way. Using a white cyclorama wall in photography can create stunning, clean, and minimalist images that are perfect for a variety of applications. A Cyc wall, also known as a cyclorama wall, is a curved wall commonly used in photography and video production. At FD Photo Studio, we have a state-of-the-art Cyc wall that provides a seamless background for a variety of photo and video shoots. To get the most out of your Cyc wall, it’s important to understand how to use it properly. When shooting with a Cyc wall, it’s important to consider lighting and placement. The curved shape of the wall can create interesting shadows and reflections, so experiment with different lighting setups to see what works best for your particular project. Additionally, the position of the subject in relation to the wall can greatly impact the final result. Experiment with different distances and angles to see what works best for your shot. With a little practice and experimentation, you can use your Cyc wall to create professional-looking images and videos. In this article, we will give you some useful tips on how to use and light the cyc-wall. Cyc-wall or Cyclorama, also known as Infinite-wall. It is a construction with two planes smoothly merging – horizontal and vertical. It helps to create that infinity effect of the same tone. Such constructions first were used in television and news. Later, they were emerged in photo and video studios. How to Use a Cyc Wall #1 -white infinity background, white cyc, shoot, rent a photo studio, how to use cyclorama, fashion, cyclorama, cyc wall, beauty shoot Since cyclorama provides very smooth background, it is very convenient for a photographer to create gradient lighting. For videographer it is easy to cut the background. Lighting can be controlled so the background appear light or dark. When lit evenly, the smooth surface, even as it goes around the corner of a studio, can provide an “infinity effect” — an endless space behind the models. How to Use a Cyc Wall #1 -white infinity background, white cyc, shoot, rent a photo studio, how to use cyclorama, fashion, cyclorama, cyc wall, beauty shoot If you don’t want any shadows on the cyc, light it with two sources placed mirror-like on either side on the cyc. If you decide to log for more art-y look, think of a cyc as a prop or interior – try different angles. How to Use a Cyc Wall #1 -white infinity background, white cyc, shoot, rent a photo studio, how to use cyclorama, fashion, cyclorama, cyc wall, beauty shoot Cyc-wall is very useful for e-commerce, catalogue, fashion or any other style of photography. Because of its infinity, it helps to drag attention to the model or product you’re shooting, without distinctive background or wall-floor corners. But with all the benefits there are several downsides – cyc walls are usually painted with matte or semi-gloss paints to avoid reflections and the dirt easily sticks to it. If you have a long photoshoot and don’t want to spend time later in post-production cleaning up the floor in your pictures and removing footsteps on the cyc wall, here are a couple rules for you. When some dirt is stuck to cyclorama it is hard to wash it away , the only solution is have it re-paint. But it takes time and may postpone your shoot or  even push it to another day. To get the best experience with a Cyclorama just follow this simple rules: 1. Clean the shoes’ soles before you step on cyc wall or bring clean shoes for only walking on a cyclorama. You are not going to be happy re-touching all the footprints later. You can either wash and dry the soles beforehand or tape the soles. Best way is to have a separate pair of shoes for a model to wear while he/she is not walking on cyclorama. Just prepare the modeling shoes, make sure the soles are clean/taped and leave them on the cyclorama. 2. Avoid walking on cyc before the shoot, otherwise you are gonna have it dirty not even starting shooting. 3. Let only the model walk on the cyclorama and make sure he/she wears cleaned shoes (see #1). 5. Sometimes there is an option for using a sticky mats. Tap on a sticky mat until you get rid of all dirt from the soles, try stepping on the edge of the cyclorama. If you don’t leave marks – go ahead, otherwise try tapping more. 5. Warn a studio representative ahead of time if you want to shoot a model with paint, confetti, glitter, dry color, oil, liquid or alike materials. Think first, because if you throw confetti/glitter etc for one shot, you will have to clean both the model and the cyc wall for the second shot. All these materials stick to surfaces easily and are hard to clean. If you still decide to do so, double check with a studio representative beforehand. If you are approved on using any of those, ask the studio if they can provide shower for your models and don’t forget about towels! 6. Avoid eating/drinking near the cyc wall. Food stains also do not look flattering on the final frames. 7. Don’t think your bare feet cannot leave marks! 8. Obviously, don’t skate or ride in any ways on the curved part – you don’t know what it is made of, it might be easily broken. Repair costs are estimated in hundreds or even thousands dollars and it is very time consuming, too. 9. Don’t drag stands, tripods, furniture or any other heavy equipment over the cyclorama in order not to scratch it. Instead, lift it and carry over to the cyc wall. 10. Feel free to ask a studio representative any questions regarding any additional rules of using the cyc. We have 19 ft wide cyclorama wall here at FD Photo Studio in Stage C. Come and try it out yourself! How to Use a Cyc Wall #1 -white infinity background, white cyc, shoot, rent a photo studio, how to use cyclorama, fashion, cyclorama, cyc wall, beauty shoot How to Use a Cyc Wall #1 -white infinity background, white cyc, shoot, rent a photo studio, how to use cyclorama, fashion, cyclorama, cyc wall, beauty shoot How to Use a Cyc Wall #1 -white infinity background, white cyc, shoot, rent a photo studio, how to use cyclorama, fashion, cyclorama, cyc wall, beauty shoot

Spring 2016 Contest Winners!

Spring 2016 Contest Winners! -
Spring 2016 Contest Winners! -We have had such a great year at FD Photo Studio – and the feedback from our loyal clients has been extraordinary and very constructive. FD Photo Studio keeps growing and now we have  now interior changes in some of Art Stages! We are so thankful to everyone for their patronage and kind words, we’re happy to announce the winners of our Spring 2016 Yelp Contest. The rules were simple; all of our creatives were welcome to participate, including photographers, videographers, hair and makeup artists, models, talent, etc.; and all you had to do is write a review about your experience at FD Photo Studio. In total, we had 20 reviews for the spring months, and we randomized the names and selected to generate our winners! Here they are: 1st Place: 12-Hour Package or 4-Hour Rooftop Pack – The first place prize goes to Olme P. You can check out his review HERE. 2nd Place: 8-Hour Package – In second place, Sebastian L. receives an 8-hour package! You can view his review HERE. 3rd Place: 4-Hour Package – Robert D. will receive a 4-hour package ! View the review HERE! Be sure to keep those reviews coming in! We’re doing another drawing in the fall 2016! Thanks again to all of our great clients that shared their feedback with us, we will grow and continue to provide you with great spaces for your creative projects. To see the full details of our package giveaways, visit our website: //www.fdphotostudio.com/win-12pack/

Edward Tsui

Edward Tsui -photo shoot, mimicking the style, like Terry Richardson, like Annie, fun photo shoot, beauty portrait

Edward Tsui visited our studio not so long ago. He produced some images for I Love Hate Photo. Edward explained the concept: “The shoot we had at FD Photo Studio was one of eight shoots I did for the “How to Shoot like Terry Richardson” series on iLHP. The Terry style is deceptively simple, but capturing that spontaneous and raw emotion requires a private workspace. Studio B was the perfect setting for what I needed. It had dark curtains so I could dim the ambient lighting and let the harsh direct flash take center stage. It is also closed off from the other studios and the reception area, so the model and I were able to work without being disturbed. A lot of other studios I have worked with were too open and busy in the background to get into the right mood.” Edward Tsui -photo shoot, mimicking the style, like Terry Richardson, like Annie, fun photo shoot, beauty portrait Edward Tsui -photo shoot, mimicking the style, like Terry Richardson, like Annie, fun photo shoot, beauty portrait Edward Tsui -photo shoot, mimicking the style, like Terry Richardson, like Annie, fun photo shoot, beauty portrait   “I want to emphasize that the core of Terry Richardson’s genius is his ability to connect with the models. His style is raw, uncensored, and full of energy. His style is an inspiration to us at iLHP and though no one can replicate Terry besides Terry himself, we do hope to share our own interpretation and provide a working guide to our readers.” Edward Tsui -photo shoot, mimicking the style, like Terry Richardson, like Annie, fun photo shoot, beauty portrait Edward Tsui -photo shoot, mimicking the style, like Terry Richardson, like Annie, fun photo shoot, beauty portrait Edward Tsui -photo shoot, mimicking the style, like Terry Richardson, like Annie, fun photo shoot, beauty portrait

“Finally, Studio B’s available lights also allowed me do some test shots for my upcoming series called “How to Shoot like Annie Leibovitz.” She uses a single large soft light source, and the equipment FD Photo Studio provided were more than adequate. Thank you FD Photo Studio!”
 Edward Tsui -photo shoot, mimicking the style, like Terry Richardson, like Annie, fun photo shoot, beauty portrait  Edward Tsui -photo shoot, mimicking the style, like Terry Richardson, like Annie, fun photo shoot, beauty portrait  Edward Tsui -photo shoot, mimicking the style, like Terry Richardson, like Annie, fun photo shoot, beauty portraitEdward Tsui -photo shoot, mimicking the style, like Terry Richardson, like Annie, fun photo shoot, beauty portrait
Photographer: Edward Tsui, iLHP
Edward Tsui is the Founder and Creative Director of iLHP, a brand new online magazine dedicated to bringing high quality original content in the art and craft of photography. iLHP is run by an enthusiastic team of international photographers exploring diverse genres including fashion, rooftopping, travel, street, and macro photography.
Model: Ro Danishei, a singer songwriter and a member of the duo “Wrathschild.”
Edward Tsui -photo shoot, mimicking the style, like Terry Richardson, like Annie, fun photo shoot, beauty portrait

Yuna Leonard

Yuna Leonard -natural light, fashion photo shoot, clothing photo shoot, catalogue photo shoot

Yuna Leonard visited FD Photo Studio. Japanese-born, she is in love with vintage and pretty things. Be aware, love is her super power and her best friend is natural light! She likes to tell a story with her images. Besides digital, Yuna enjoys shooting film on her Holga, Polaroid and a 35 mm camera. Yuna had a killer session for Potter’s Pot. She was creating fall/winter 2014 lookbook for them. Check it out! Yuna Leonard -natural light, fashion photo shoot, clothing photo shoot, catalogue photo shoot Yuna Leonard -natural light, fashion photo shoot, clothing photo shoot, catalogue photo shoot She used our Stage A during the first part of a day to get most of the natural light! Yuna Leonard -natural light, fashion photo shoot, clothing photo shoot, catalogue photo shoot Yuna Leonard -natural light, fashion photo shoot, clothing photo shoot, catalogue photo shoot   Two walls with windows provide you with lots of natural light. Yuna Leonard -natural light, fashion photo shoot, clothing photo shoot, catalogue photo shoot White walls can serve you as a background. Yuna Leonard -natural light, fashion photo shoot, clothing photo shoot, catalogue photo shoot  Yuna Leonard -natural light, fashion photo shoot, clothing photo shoot, catalogue photo shoot  Yuna Leonard -natural light, fashion photo shoot, clothing photo shoot, catalogue photo shoot   See the full session on Yuna’s blog and more of her work on her web site. Yuna Leonard -natural light, fashion photo shoot, clothing photo shoot, catalogue photo shoot You are welcome to schedule an appointment to see Stage A (our sunny stage)!

Model Mayhem!

Model Mayhem! -video introdyction, video blog, video, model mayhem

I am pretty sure most of us know what Model Mayhem is. For those who don’t ModelMayhem.com is the #1 portfolio website for professional models, photographers, makeup artists, stylists, designers and digital artists. You can easily register there, upload your work on your profile, post castings, meet people and organize your shoots! We hosted Model Mayhem not so long ago. They came in to shoot their intro to their youtube series with wonderful Kelly Kickham. Check it out! //youtu.be/Pz__bXYPlMo And there is one more, about some modeling industry lingo. //youtu.be/W59vUs14EH0 If you are still not on Model Mayhem, try it out. There are lots of both amateurs and professionals of any kind – MUAs, variety of models, stylists and of course photographers. These videos were shot in our Stage C, the biggest one, with a combination of sunset window light and simplest cowboy studio lights that we have here, at FD Photo Studio.  

“Bravery For All” Collection Photoshoot

"Bravery For All" Collection Photoshoot -how to use cyclorama, fashion photo shoot, clothing photo shoot, catalogue photo shoot

Fd Photo Studio had an honor to work with Bravery For All clothing line. They shot their Holiday Autumn 2014 Collection at our Stage C. "Bravery For All" Collection Photoshoot -how to use cyclorama, fashion photo shoot, clothing photo shoot, catalogue photo shoot

Founded in 2013, Bravery For All blurs the lines between contemporary sportswear,
street fashion, and loungewear. Born from the need to have style right pieces
with functional uses, the collection has evolved into a travel friendly luxury brand.
"Bravery For All" Collection Photoshoot -how to use cyclorama, fashion photo shoot, clothing photo shoot, catalogue photo shoot
Using modernized fits and innovative fabric techniques, the line has the look and
feel of American classics, with the functional applications and comfort usually
associated with lounge wear. Focused on choosing quality over commodity, the
following is a strong but tight knit community of forward thinkers and tastemakers.
"Bravery For All" Collection Photoshoot -how to use cyclorama, fashion photo shoot, clothing photo shoot, catalogue photo shoot
Classics reinvented. Innovation over stagnation. Quality over commodity.
"Bravery For All" Collection Photoshoot -how to use cyclorama, fashion photo shoot, clothing photo shoot, catalogue photo shoot
Check out more at Bravery For All website  and our Stage C with 19ft wide cyc wall, which has been re-built and repainted!

Tayler’s head shots by Kate Hagerty

Tayler's head shots by Kate Hagerty -portrait photo shoot, natural light, modeling headshots, headhots, beauty portrait, acting headshots

Kate Hagerty is an LA based photographer. She likes Ethiopian coffees, David Lynch movies and cats. Her works are very colorful and sensual. She is shooting everything – from LA streets to weddings. At FD Photo Studio Kate Hagerty did headshots for beautiful Tayler. Tayler's head shots by Kate Hagerty -portrait photo shoot, natural light, modeling headshots, headhots, beauty portrait, acting headshots Tayler's head shots by Kate Hagerty -portrait photo shoot, natural light, modeling headshots, headhots, beauty portrait, acting headshots Tayler's head shots by Kate Hagerty -portrait photo shoot, natural light, modeling headshots, headhots, beauty portrait, acting headshots   Done with only natural light at our wonderful bright Stage A! Check out Kate’s website for more of her works!

Ideas For Your Photography.

Ideas For Your Photography. -props, grass wall, fog-machine, creative

Have you ever though that your simple images are too plain? How many times you have shot a heavily made up model with a soft light and against simple background? How many times you have shot a model demonstrating some newest outfit, but surrounded by emptiness or just a shadow. Often, playing with light and shadow is fun and can create great composition, attitude and grace. But what if you are tired of it? There is a decision – add some props in the frame! Tell the viewers a story with your photograph, make our eyes wander around your image. Even a product commercial frame can be supported with a prop. Just think, our photo studio is in the heart of flower district, so there are so many flowers and garden-related items to get! So I found these flower-y classy shoes and got an idea to surround them by the same kind of flowers and a butterfly sitting on a shoe. I did not want to include a model at all. Finding the same flowers did not take a lot of time, there are PLENTY PLENTY of flower shops around FD Photo Studio. Finding the right butterfly took a little longer. I spent about $50 for both flowers and a set of butterflies. Ideas For Your Photography. -props, grass wall, fog-machine, creative For another shot I had a smaller budget and again, with no model, I decided to create some texture in the frame with some fog. Thanks God there is a fog-machine available for an affordable rate. What is more,  there are 7″ reflectors and color gels that actually come with your photo studio rental, just ask!

Ideas For Your Photography. -props, grass wall, fog-machine, creative

FD Photo Studio C-stand with alien bees head and 7” reflector

I used yellow gel coming from behind left and a blue gel from front right. Looks great to me. Ideas For Your Photography. -props, grass wall, fog-machine, creative   If you would like to include a model in your picture, think of what kind of object can support the image, the atmosphere and/or the background your are trying to create. It can be anything, starting from a vintage furniture to a contemporary hi-end accessory.Ideas For Your Photography. -props, grass wall, fog-machine, creative You are welcome to request a fog-machine for just a little extra or ask for 7” reflectors and color gels, they are already included in your photo studio rent. Of course, 3D looking grass backdrop (wall and floor) comes with the rental as well.    

Very Young LA Photographer Harris Federman

Very Young LA Photographer Harris Federman -grass wall, female portraits, cyc wall, confetti

A very young photographer, Harris Federman had a blast at FD Photo Studio! He is only 15 years old and have been shooting for two years already! Harris was inspired by his friend and though whether he would be able to achieve the same result or not.   Very Young LA Photographer Harris Federman -grass wall, female portraits, cyc wall, confetti Very Young LA Photographer Harris Federman -grass wall, female portraits, cyc wall, confetti   He started with a cheap camera and an idea. In the beginning, it was pretty difficult for Harris to separate himself from others. He didn’t know to better explore his imagination.   Very Young LA Photographer Harris Federman -grass wall, female portraits, cyc wall, confetti Very Young LA Photographer Harris Federman -grass wall, female portraits, cyc wall, confetti   As Harris says on his web-site, “…15,000 Shots later I just realized I couldn’t put my Camera down… So I hope you enjoy.” Very Young LA Photographer Harris Federman -grass wall, female portraits, cyc wall, confetti Models from this photo shoot: Sofia Jamora, Amanda Williams and Oliver Krentzman Check out Harris’ website for more of his wonderful work! And don’t forget, FD Photo Studio is always there for you, for your photography ideas! Our fabulous 3D grass backdrop is set up and available with Stage C rental!