Top 5 Things Your Studio Needs to Make Your Subjects Feel More Comfortable

by Sean Setters

If you have a dedicated studio space, keeping your subjects comfortable and happy is important for getting the best images from your studio session. Below are a few items you should consider adding to your studio to maximize your subjects' comfort.

Whether from warm tea or coffee in the winter or a cold bottle of water in the summer, a hydrated subject tends to be happier than a parched one. As such, items like a coffee pot, electric kettle and/or mini fridge can make worthwhile additions to your studio space. I've had a mini fridge in my studio for several years now, and subjects always appreciate cold water and/or soda in between sets. And when shooting on location, I usually grab a few water bottles and bring them with me so that my subjects stay hydrated (especially important if shooting outdoors in the heat and/or sun).

You might also consider keeping a few granola bars or various snacks on hand in case your subject suffers from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or simply gets hungry while you're rearranging your lighting setup.

Many people tend to be self-conscious when a camera is pointed at them. And even if they aren't, they usually to want to verify they are presenting themselves at their best before the photo session starts. A full length mirror goes a long way in reassuring your subject that they have everything (especially hair) in order before stepping in front of the camera.

Speaking of hair, I've lost count of the number of subjects that have shown up to a shoot without a brush or a comb. Having these items on-hand can make a subject feel taken care of when they forget to bring their own personal grooming items. And, not only that, but a properly brushed/combed head of hair can save you hours of editing time removing flyaway stands if a clean/groomed look is what you or your subject is/are after.

Therefore, a jar with Barbicide disinfectant, an inexpensive hair brush and a comb can be worth their weight in gold considering the potential time saved in post-processing. Keep in mind, though, that shared grooming tools will need to be properly maintained in between uses. To avoid maintenance, you can choose to simply buy several inexpensive brushes/combs and give them to your subjects after use.

Of course, an accessible restroom is a requirement for just about any commercial space and can be used for changing outfits. However, most clothing changes in a studio setting tend to be minimal (changing a shirt, sweater, etc.). To provide some privacy for your subject, why not put up a panel room divider in an unused corner of the studio? The divider provides a convenient place for your subject to change and may even prove useful as a backdrop for various types of studio portraiture.

Either for your subject or for your subjects' family and/or friends who attend the studio session, comfortable seating will ensure everyone stays fresh and relaxed while not actively participating in the image making process. And just like the panel divider, an interesting chair can also be used as a prop, making it a no-brainer for addition to your studio. Interesting/comfortable seating may include papasan chairs, armchairs, love seats and/or couches.

Summary

As I mentioned in the introduction, a comfortable, happy subject is key to getting the most out of your studio sessions, making them all worthwhile additions for your studio space.

Do you have any suggestions for maximizing your subjects' comfort in a studio environment? Leave them in the comments section.