My Dream Photo Studio

Written by: Tiffany Joyce

When it comes to photography equipment, I’ve had a nasty case of “Want Disease” for just about my entire life. Waaaaaay back in the day, before digital photography, I wanted my own darkroom. An enlarger, developing trays, chemical sinks, black bags, the whole nine yards. I envisioned myself cast in the red glow of the safe light, surrounded by lines and lines of my photographic gems, hanging up to drip-dry.

Today, as a digital photographer, the requirements for my dream photo studio have changed. I’ve moved myself from the darkroom and into the light, so to speak. Quite literally, actually.

I have a great camera. I have a couple of good, solid lenses. I have a laptop and Photoshop CS3. I have a tripod and a remote shutter release. I have books and magazines and the internet. I have everything I really need to be a perfectly acceptable amateur photographer.

To take things to the next level, though, I want much, much more.

First, I’d love to supplement my trusty Canon Digital Rebel XSi with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Oh, how I covet the 21.1 megapixels and expanded ISO range (50-25,600!!!). To me, this is my dream camera. And, at the current market price of $3,500.00, it’ll pretty much have to remain in my dreams for the foreseeable future.

In keeping with the “studio” aspect of things, I’d love to have a room (with north-facing windows, of course) dedicated to my photography. In this room I’d set up a small portrait studio with various backdrops, some posing equipment, and a light kit something along the lines of this one from Arri. I’d add in some table tops and shooting table backgrounds for the stills I take of food and flowers.

Finally, I’d beef up my lens collection with a few more items I’ve been drooling over. The EF 50mm f/1.4 is at the top of my wish list (literally, on B&H), and at just under $400, might be within my reach later this year. I’d love the f/1.2, sure, but I can’t seem to justify the $1,500 price tag. I absolutely loved the EF-S 10-22 f/3.5-4.5 wide-angle lens I rented this summer, and it’s not TOO pricey at just under $800. Then there’s the EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 telephoto that I rented, as well – a great price at around $550, and next on my list of things to buy within the year.

I doubt that even if I got everything on this list, that I’d consider myself “done”. There will always be some new piece of gear out there upon which I will cast longing eyes. It’s expensive, this photography obsession of ours!

So, tell me, what does your dream photography studio consist of?

(Photo credits: fotographix.ca on Flickr’s Creative Commons)

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