My small studio has huge north facing windows, so there is no harsh sunlight coming it. No windows on the east, west, or south. My background stand is on the east wall. When I shoot during the daytime, there is ambient light on the model's left side. I know if I shoot f/8 or f/10 at 250 shutter speed, it should have no effect. I guess I can even shoot at a large aperture and slower shutter and mix ambient. But my problem is I can't really use my modeling lights.

My question is, should I black out my windows, so I can see the effects of my modeling lights, or just shoot and upload a file "like a polaroid" to see the lighting? So those with windows in their studios, do you black out the windows and if so, with what?

Thanks,
John

I have six large windows in my studio that I have covered during the day. I took a piece of black fabric from the fabric store, cut it to the size of the window, then sewed velcro around the border of it. I then stapled the other part of the fabric to the outline of each window. Then I can just adhere the fabric to the window tightly and leave it there, or take it down when I need to. Very easy. Very handy.

Sounds like a wonderful set-up for daylight portraiture The daylight will still have some effect at 1/250th (take an shot and see) and "black-out" drapes are a practical solution.

Yes, I enjoy the windows for daylight portraiture, but at times, I want better control of my lghts and like to see what I am shooting.

John Ng wrote:
Yes, I enjoy the windows for daylight portraiture, but at times, I want better control of my lghts and like to see what I am shooting.

With a bit of searching at stage supply sources you can find a variety of ceiling track systems for moving backgrounds which would be ideal for that application. Similar ceiling mount curtain / track systems are used in hospital rooms and ERs for privacy curtains.

Standard window curtain hardware and valance would also work of course. Any type curtain can be made with an opaque blackout liner.

Chuck

I've had excellent results using mulching film to black out windows. It comes in two thicknesses -- get the thicker. It will feel like plastic garbage bags but it works if you want to put it up and leave it up. If you want something you can take down and replace easily from time to time, this may not be your best bet.

Henry Posner
B&H Photo-Video