Toma | FD Photo Studio - Part 2
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
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Planning a Photo Shoot

Planning a Photo Shoot -tips, planning a photo shoot, helper

We are so lucky and happy to work with many both beginners and professional photographers in our photo studio! It’s a pity to see something going wrong at the shoots. So we summed our experience and came up with some advice for photographers on how not to waste your time and max out the possibilities while renting a photo studio. A lot of problems usually comes from bad planning, so here are some tips for you! At the pre-production stage, most planning is happening. Photographer and client discuss what they are going to produce. Don’t hesitate to ask if you don’t understand something. Make sure you negotiate all the necessary details with the client – starting from eye shades color and ending with the final rate.It’s better to discuss options, too. Our photo studio is located in flower district. You are welcome to scout the location in advance and think of possible places where to park,  get food, coffee or props for your session. Planning a Photo Shoot -tips, planning a photo shoot, helper If you have your photography lighting crew, discuss the lighting for the session with them in advance. See, if you need to bring more equipment/props, if you can make two or more sets at a time, etc. Do it however it is convenient for you. The key point here is you want your crew to start setting the approved lighting as soon as they walk in the studio. Planning a Photo Shoot -tips, planning a photo shoot, helper It doesn’t hurt to have a helper, whom can be your friend, a fellow-student or just another professional you hire. He or she would run errands for you while you need to be on the set shooting. The duties can be various, like bringing coffee and food, going/driving to a store to get props/equipment, making sure everybody is happy on the set, collecting and keeping model releases, etc. Look for models and MUAs and stylists, explain exactly what you want them to do. Explain that their presence and work is very essential on the set and confirm dates and times with them. Don’t forget to bring printed model releases for models to sign. If you are planning to work with paint, water, powder colors, glitter, confetti or something messy, think how you can do it carefully. Our photo studio offers shower for your models as well, just don’t forget to bring towels and body wash for them. We encourage you to contact us in advance as well and see if we can help with something else. Planning a Photo Shoot -tips, planning a photo shoot, helper It is also helpful to have references images printed and to hang up on the wall/board. Cell phones can be very distracting, so you can kindly ask everybody to not use them during the actual shoot as you will need full attention of your crew. Again, imagine the shoot step by step, from packing to she shoot, arrival till leaving. This is your rehearsal. If you have enough time and budget you can pre-light it – choose a day with your photo crew and create the same lighting set up, check it, practice with it and solve the problems. We are always excited to see how happy you are with your work at our photo studio!            

Photographer Chad Finley for DJ Dior

Photographer Chad Finley for DJ Dior -portrait photography, celebrity photography
FD Photo Studio welcomes all the photographers, from beginner photographers to professionals.  How does it matter anyways if you create unforgettable imagery for someone? Come rent a photo studio with us and try your creativity out!
We would gladly post your work on our blog and give all the credits!
Chad Finley shot at our studio recently. He is a native of West Palm Beach, FL with roots tracing back to the Bahamas. From early childhood, Finley had always enjoyed the Arts; rather it was drawing, dance or music. He also enjoyed dissecting fashion magazines and the album art of his favorite artist. Finley was inspired by the vivid imagery and compelling graphics. Thus, Finley went on to pursue a higher education in the field of graphic design and photography at Florida A&M University (FAMU).
At FAMU, he was involved in numerous organizations such as the Marching “100” band, Graphic Arts Club, and Epsilon Pi Tau (International Honor Society for Professionals in Technology). While studying at FAMU, he was inundated with the educational resources and opportunities needed to fuel his burgeoning talents as a graphic artist and photographer. Excelling in his academics, Finley received an exclusive invitation to intern at two internationally known magazines, InSpire Magazine in Tallahassee, FL and VIBE Magazine in New York City.
Upon graduating with honors from Florida A&M University in 2008, Finley relocated to Atlanta, GA. In Atlanta, he was able to mold his skills as a photographer and quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the most sought-out photographers in the city.
Finley relocated to the Los Angeles area in 2012. Today, Finley is bi-coastal (between LA and NYC), continues his career as a beauty & fashion photographer. He is currently expanding his career in music video and commercial directing.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChadFinleyPhotog
IG: @chadfinleyphoto
Twitter: @chadfinleyphoto
Here is his work for DJ Dior.
Photographer Chad Finley for DJ Dior -portrait photography, celebrity photography Photographer Chad Finley for DJ Dior -portrait photography, celebrity photography
Book your photo studio today, try your ideas out!

We just got new C-stands!

We just got new C-stands! -news, grip, equipment

FD Photo Studio is happy to announce that we have just received three professional C-stands and two black metal booms! Guess what? It is also included in your photo studio rental, just ask! We just got new C-stands! -news, grip, equipment  We just got new C-stands! -news, grip, equipment Our lights will easily fit them! We just got new C-stands! -news, grip, equipment Now you can easily raise the light and tilt it with no fear if it is going to crush or to be in your view. We just got new C-stands! -news, grip, equipment  We just got new C-stands! -news, grip, equipment Metal joints will provide tightest and strongest connection! We just got new C-stands! -news, grip, equipment  We just got new C-stands! -news, grip, equipment Rubberized handle will provide more comfortable grip. We just got new C-stands! -news, grip, equipment Don’t forget to sand the base down and the light stand will be super steady and stable! We just got new C-stands! -news, grip, equipment  We just got new C-stands! -news, grip, equipment Don’t hesitate to ask for a C-stand and a boom upon arrival/setting up/booking! It is included in your photo studio rental!

New 3D Grass Backdrop at our Photo Studio

New 3D Grass Backdrop at our Photo Studio -prop, news, equipment, decor, backdrop

We are happy to announce a new 3D Grass Backdrop at our Photo Studio. It’s already set-up for you in Stage C and included with studio rent. Natural-looking grass on both – a grass wall and grass floor. It is already set up and included with rent, just come and shoot! New 3D Grass Backdrop at our Photo Studio -prop, news, equipment, decor, backdrop New 3D Grass Backdrop at our Photo Studio -prop, news, equipment, decor, backdrop

Marla Marinelli

Marla Marinelli -white brick wall, portrait photography, fashion photo shoot

Marla Marinelli, a Los Angeles-based commercial photographer, is our regular! Here are some photos she made at FD Photo Studio. Marla Marinelli -white brick wall, portrait photography, fashion photo shoot Marla Marinelli -white brick wall, portrait photography, fashion photo shoot More of her work is here //marlamarinelli.com

How to Rent a Studio? Tips.

How to Rent a Studio? Tips. -

You feel confident about your photography and want to try renting out a photography studio? We are here for you! Don’t be scared and it’s not that complicated after all. Here are some useful tips for renting with FD Photo Studio! 1. If you would like to scout our studios, do it prior to your shoot. Check out the calendar to see the availability for checking. We will gladly show the space to you according to the availability. 2. Think of what kind of lighting you are going for, create a lighting set-up in your mind before hand. You can sketch it or print the reference images for you to look at and compare during your shoot. 3. Plan ahead. Confirm, double and tripple confirm with your team. Things happen, but to avoid cancellations and no shows think of your possible options. Have a plan B. It’s a pity to see shoots getting cancelled because of the model’s or somebody else’s no show. Make your team understand that this is as important for you as it is for them. How to Rent a Studio? Tips. - How to Rent a Studio? Tips. - 4.  Arrive on time or 10-15 minutes before your booking time. You don’t have to arrive half an hour or an hour before or any time earlier (the studio might be still closed or your stage still occupied). If you are running late, call us and let us know 323.454.2323. 5. Sign the rental agreement and make a payment upon arrival at the photo studio. No deposit is required! 6. Use a wireless sync system. Professional photographers and photo studios use wireless strobe sync systems, it helps to stay mobile and move freely during the shoot. Big plus, the sync system is already included in your rent of photography studio!  How to Rent a Studio? Tips. - How to Rent a Studio? Tips. -   7. Plug the lights in (regular household plug), turn them on (the switch on the back of a light), set your lighting and start shooting. Three heads are already included in your rent! How to Rent a Studio? Tips. - How to Rent a Studio? Tips. - 8. Try shooting tethered or check the images on the computer, because everything and everybody looks good on a small screen. 9. Keep in mind it usually takes 20-30 minutes (or more for bigger sets) to clean up and pack, so factor it in your time for a better photo studio rental experience. Neither we nor the next team like to rush you or keep bugging you reminding your time frame, so please be courteous and respectful to others. 10. Ask questions! We are here to help, so don’t feel stupid or embarrassed – we all started from nowhere. Remember, that Auto mode will not work for the studio session, it has to be Manual with special settings. So if you are completely new to strobes and never ever shot with them, we recommend you to take our beginner photo studio workshop (a private session can be scheduled). 11. Enjoy your shoot, love what you do and be grateful to your team and you will get the maximum of your photo studio rental!  

Film Noir Lighting

Film Noir Lighting -

I bet most of you can recognize film noir style – deep dark shadows with hard edges, bright highlights, high contrast, shooting through go-bos or cucoloris – all that creates dramatic lighting. This style has been used by filmmakers for ages. George Hurrell is the one who mastered film noir technique in glamor Hollywood photography. He used tungsten lights and played different tricks to achieve nice soft skin, like putting a mesh in front of the lens or manipulating negatives, but you can easily achieve the same (or very close) results with studio strobes and Photoshop. Film Noir Lighting - First of all, decide on the model, outfit and the make up. If you decide to shoot in black and white, it’s better to use brownish tones for the eyes, eyebrows and deep red for a lipstick (then make up will stand out and you will get nice contrast). Just try shooting different colors in black and white and see what works for you! Film Noir Lighting - Film Noir Lighting - Second, decide on the lighting. You can easily do it with two or three lights, but of course always can go up to infinity. I would suggest to use 7” reflectors and/or beauty dishes (no soft boxes, umbrellas or any other diffusion materials, maybe just for a little fill, but not for the main light source. One of the most popular lighting patterns on the face is called ‘butterfly’ or  ‘paramount’. It creates a little butterfly-looking shadow under the nose and the position of this light ‘smoothes’ the pores and the face look just drop dead gorgeous! Film Noir Lighting - So let’s set up the lights! Here is one of the basic set ups. One light on the face, one light on the background and the third light is a ‘kicker’ or accent or call it however you want. Film Noir Lighting - You can put a grid on the background light to create a spot shape of it. What is more, you can put something (‘go-between’, ‘go-b0’, or cucoloris) between this light and the background to create a patterned shadow or any kind of shadow. You can also narrow the light for just the model’s face by putting a grid in the reflector. Film Noir Lighting - Film Noir Lighting - You can cut your own pattern in a piece of foam core or any other material, you can cut a profile of a person and cast a shadow of it on the background. Come over to our studio and try it out! Here are some more photos for your inspiration. Film Noir Lighting - Film Noir Lighting - Film Noir Lighting -

Raul Romo

Raul Romo -

Young and fabulous Raul Romo shot at FD Photo Studio. This nineteen year old is already full-time fashion photographer!

Model Paul Klein @ PYD MM and NEXT LA
Grooming by Cristina McLamb
Wardrobe Styling by Malcolm Bacani
Raul Romo - Raul Romo -
Raul Romo - Raul Romo -
Raul Romo - Raul Romo -
Raul Romo - Raul Romo - Raul Romo -
Check out his work at //www.raulromo.com

Lost Galaxy by Dimitri Fevrier.

Lost Galaxy by Dimitri Fevrier. -

  PHOTOGRAPHER: DIMITRI FEVRIER RETOUCHER: GUSTAVO WIJEWEERA MAKEUP ARTIST: TARYN FELDT @ TARYNLOVESMAKEUP.COM HAIR ARTIST: GELLISA FEVRIER NAIL TECHNICIAN: CHANEL CAPRA MODEL: AVA CAPRA @ OTTO MODELS   Lost Galaxy by Dimitri Fevrier. -