Studio build progressing well, first shoots done!

It’s been almost a month since the last update, and what a busy 3 or so weeks it has been. Floors are in and complete, we now have 2.5 cycs (the corner cyc 3 is still a work in progress, but the main half of it is functional). The portrait walls are done and came up really well with the chosen colours, but there are still more coats of paint required on the cyc curves (masonite is a resilient product, but pretty ordinary to get filled and painted). The biggest challenge has simply been time and the weather – hot humid conditions has not been ideal for plastering, sanding and painting, but we are getting there. We’ve encountered some cracks in some of the plaster and may need to revisit that if time permits.

First shoots happened today in the studios, and they appear to have been successful – got some positive feedback, and hopefully we’ll see people back in the studios in future. It was great to get back in the studio and work with other shooters – while I like nothing better than having a great shoot myself, I also get right into helping others solve their challenges, particularly when it works out and they are getting the results they want!

Did some light testing as well, initial tests to see what the cyc looks like under strobe – seems to produce workable results so far. As mentioned above, the cracking may be an issue depending on light angle, but in most cases it is not even visible (so perhaps I worry too much about it being perfect?). Here’s a candid shot of me taking a look, shot by the wonderful and supportive Morgana (of Morgana Creely Photography. Model is the ever talented Martin (of Martin Creely Photography) who’s also a great sport and event shooter too! Go check them both out!

More images to come, as the build wraps up! Thanks everyone for your support so far – feel free to check out the ShutterClass site, and drop past the studio or keep an eye on the upcoming workshops (announced via the ShutterClass Facebook page)