A studio shooter must be error free to build a roster of clients.
Photojournalists must capture events as they happen and rarely get second chances. Studio photographers, on the other hand, have the ability to take their time and compose the perfect shot. Meticulous execution on each photograph, acquired by managing many different factors, is necessary for studio shooters to build a quality portfolio and keep clients returning for more.
Natural Light
Even when limited by a small window or time of day, natural light can create shadows and silhouettes without the substantial cost of light rigs and shading. Natural light rarely overwhelms a shot inside a controlled studio setting, and it can provide soft edges on the subject.
Lights
Hot lights leave no mystery about the subject because targeted areas are awash in bright yellow. Cold lights give off more of a bluish tinge, but provide more even illumination of all surfaces. Studio photographers need to make adjustments for the color, but they also must consider the subject's well being. Hot lights give off intense heat within tight settings and may affect performance and appearance during potentially long sessions.
Flash
In addition to lighting, studio photographers must learn the possibilities of the flash available with their cameras. Flashes can make up for small deficiencies in overall lighting sets and often are neglected because of the more expensive and dynamic equipment in play.
Camera Settings
Studio photographers must experiment with the different settings on their equipment to achieve the best results. Different shutter speeds can give an indication of a subject's movement through the frame or capture a focused action and freeze it in time.
Tripod
Photographers must understand their personal limitations. The shutter speed is so incredibly fast, it's not likely to affect focus. But a photographer's movement can bring about subtle, but unwanted angle or framing changes. By using a tripod, a photographer will get a true result every time.
Communication
When working with a model, one of the most important techniques to be learned by a studio photographer is verbal communication. A shooter must be able to accurately describe how the subject needs to position himself. The photographer also must be able to calm or encourage the subject when things aren't working out or equipment problems have caused delays.
Framing
Photographers can create visual interest and find new interpretations of still life shots by filling the entire frame with the subject. Other times, space on either side of a subject may be more appealing and set a tone, whether for professional head shots or magazine-quality poses. The frame can be considered a nine-box grid, like a tic-tac-toe board, giving a photographer options beyond just centering the subject.
Background
Even if a studio is just starting up, a photographer can create clean and unobstructed shots with a paper or fabric backdrop hung from the rafters. Otherwise, a cluttered background will obscure the purpose of the photo and potentially confuse the person looking at it.
Props
If geared to personal, family or child photos, props are an important piece for visual interest. A photographer must select items that complement the setting, such as large, light-colored shells for a beach scene or white pedestals for a politician's campaign shot. The items, though, must always be kept secondary to the main subject.
Production
The newest technique successful studio photographers have had to learn is computer technology. Image-editing software gives shooters a chance to repair minor flaws in lighting or color, soften edges or insert an entirely new background. Using a stark white or solid light color for a background makes computer touch up easier.
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