Video & Photography – The Studio Using the studio can cross over into all aspects of media coursework - whether it’s video production promo shoots or DVD covers, posters for a radio show, full page spreads for a magazine or using the studio as a film-set. Most things you should know will be covered by setting up for a photo-shoot, such as setting up lighting and backdrops. We’ll start at the beginning with setting up the Stills Camera. You can use any video camera in the studio but for photo-shoots it has a designated stills camera, this is because it is always linked to the infrared signals on the flash equipment. The device on top is the transmitter, which signals to the flash equipment when you have pressed the trigger or capture button.
The camera is capable of being mounted on a tripod if you don’t wish to use the camera free-hand. You do this the same way as a video camera; detach the panel from the top of the tripod,
Your camera should come set up correctly and with a 1 or 2GB SD Memory Card inside; but it’s always best to double check. Next you should go to the studio, and set up the lights like the diagram above – not forgetting to turn off the ceiling lights.
The final part of the required set up is to synchronise the infrared signals on the flash equipment. Press and hold the button on the lights until the green bulb comes on and flashes.
There are extra things you can do to enhance your photo shoot such as extra lighting; this can be from the light-rig in the roof or a floor mounted fixture. Both are available in the Control Room.
These lights will have to be set up by a technician, or a teacher who knows what they’re doing. The controls are in the Control Room on the wall. The photography studio also doubles as a TV Studio used for Winstanley TV, which you can be a part of by contacting Martin Hurst [martin.hurst@winstanley.ac.uk].