09/07 📸 Live Studio Session – Notes & Breakdown. (Patreon)

🎯 SESSION CONTEXT

• 20-30 people shot in one day for campaign shoots (e.g. student elections, campus campaigns).

• Goal: Exposure, future bookings, rent covered through monthly studio subs.

• Despite being sick (sinus/respiratory), still pulled up and ran the session.

• Tools: OBS, Lightroom Classic, multiple strobes, Nanlite spotlight, tethered camera setup.

🧠 MINDSET + BUSINESS GEMS

🧩 Long-Term Play vs. Short-Term Greed

• Was gonna charge individuals separately, but accepted group booking for exposure.

“If I get all these folks in now, my work spreads fast with the new students.”

💰 Monetization Strategy

• Studio exposure turned into:

  • 5 photogs wanting monthly rental @ $350 each.

  • Rent x3 covered.

“Sometimes it's not about the quick cash. It's about longevity.”

📢 Marketing Reminder

• Kids about to get financial aid = perfect time to post graduation flyer promos.

• Reuse old PSD flyers with updated colors.

“I'm just gon’ drop the same flyer I used in spring, change the colors, boom — done.”

💡 STUDIO LIGHTING – TECHNICAL SETUPS

1. Hair Light Setup

Gear Used: Strip box (not a full softbox)
Key Tips:

• Use a boom arm to hover light above the subject (not behind).

• Add sandbags for safety.

• Always place it based on where the subject will stand, not sit.

“You don’t want to kill your model. That’s not what we on.”

Placement:

• Behind the subject’s head — high angle, slight downward tilt.

• Adds halo/rim for separation.

2. Butterfly vs. Tilted Key Light

Butterfly Lighting:

• Modifier directly in front, slightly above eye level.

• Use only the edge of the modifier to softly hit the subject.

• Great for beauty shots, soft shadows, and even skin tones.

Tilted Light:

• Used when you want more defined shadows or highlights.

• Gives wraparound effect with more contrast.

• Middle of the modifier = harsher light.

Side Tip:

“For deeper skin tones or textured skin, the light hits differently. Move them closer to soften shadows.”

3. Fill Light: Stripbox vs. Reflector

Option A: C Light (Fill Stripbox)

• Placed low in front, angled up.

• Adds subtle lift to shadows under the chin/lashes.

Option B: White Reflector

• White side = softer fill

• Silver side = harsher fill

• Can mimic a fill light with no extra power draw.

“Use the white side to keep it natural. Silver sometimes blasts too hard.”

4. Spotlight Setup (Nanlite FC120B + Projector Mount)

Why Constant Light Over Flash?

• What you see is what you get.

• No guessing, no misfiring.

How to Use:

• Use projector lens to focus beam (sharp or soft edges).

• Adjust circle size by distance.

• Shape light with built-in barn doors or accessories.

Settings Used:

• f/5.6, 1/100s, ISO 400–500 (adjust as needed)

“ISO is your best friend here. Adjust until the subject pops.”

Creative Add-On:

• Angle subject slightly off-center to cast shadows for 3D depth.

“Clients love that shadow behind. Gives it real drama.”

📷 CAMERA SETTINGS & GEAR FLOW

Studio Default Settings:

• ISO: 100

• Shutter: 1/200

• Aperture: f/5.6

Standard for strobe; change only when needed.

Spotlight Settings:

• ISO: 400–800 (for constant light)

• Shutter: 1/100

• Aperture: still f/5.6 (for detail)

Modifiers & Lights Mentioned:

• 600W strobes (Godox AD600-style)

• 200W (smaller strobes; one was water-damaged)

• Strip boxes

• Beauty dishes (used for profile pic)

• 7ft Parabolic Umbrella

• Nanlite FC120B + projector mount (constant light)

🔥 BTS MOMENTS + CREATIVE HIGHLIGHTS

• Snake shoot inspired by Doechii’s alligator cover

“She had that snake all over her head. And she was serving that shit.”

• File Struggle:

“I can’t find the damn PSD file. One of them hard drives somewhere... y’all know how it is.”

• Quick Tip on Grid Use:

“Without a grid, light flies everywhere. You lose control. Hair lights need grids to keep that rim tight.”

• On Working Sick:

“I’ve been in this same spot since 2PM coaching, fixing, posing. I wasn’t even supposed to do all that.”

• Client Experience:

“One girl told her whole squad — that one shoot just tripled my pipeline.”

💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER

“Start with one light. Build as you go.”

“You’re not just taking photos — you’re engineering light.”

“People be overcomplicating it. ISO 2 million? Triangulate what? Man, move your light and shoot.”

“Clients don’t care about the technicals. We do.”

“OBS was the cheat code. I’m running all my shoots like this now.”

📍 WHAT TO REPLICATE

If You’re Running a Studio:

• Push volume on low-cost campaigns.

• Use studio time to create content (BTS + tutorials).

• Sell monthly studio subs to other creatives.

• Build reputation with unique setups (ex: spotlight, props, snakes, etc).

For Marketing:

• Recycle old flyer designs — tweak color & drop again.

• Make TikToks off niche shoots (ex: “Reptile shoot POV”).

• Share client shots ASAP when financial aid drops.

• Screenshot your OBS setup with engagement during lives.

🚨 FINAL REMINDERS

• Grads are coming. Post your flyer.

• Don’t overcomplicate lighting. Move the light, take the shot.

• Use continuous light when you want predictability.

• Grid your hair lights.

• ISO is your main tool for spotlight.