This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Simple Setup
My basic beanbag setup is typically at a 45-degree angle to my north-facing window. I can shoot from this window all day long without any direct light coming in. Sometimes direct light will come in from the east-facing window and pour into my shooting area. If this happens, I block it off by either hanging a dark blanket or setting up a large floor board that I have in my studio to block the light. It’s best if your setup has only a single light source to avoid different light temperatures interfering with the white balance and exposure.
- My basic beanbag setup is typically at a 45-degree angle to my north-facing window.
Remember to layer your blankets or fabrics and pull them tight to reduce wrinkles and less time in postproduction.
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Position the beanbag at a 45-degree angle to the window.
ISO 400, 1/320 sec., f/2, 50mm lens
The Beanbag
For all my shoots, I exclusively use the SHOOT BABY! ottoman with the SHOOT BABY! adjustable background T-bar stand. I set the adjustable stand at approximately 45-inches tall and 55-inches wide, placing it up against the back of the beanbag. The reason I choose to use this beanbag over others is because of the remarkable way it is constructed.
The beanbag is about 40-inches in diameter and has a large zipper that extends three quarters of the way around the bottom. Inside are two inner bags to put your beans into, and each bag has its own zipper to contain the beans. One bag is larger than the other and is intended to go on the bottom; the smaller bag goes on the top. You can regulate how many beans you want in the bags by filling them a desired amount. My large bag is always full, but the smaller bag is only three quarters full. Be sure to fill the bag to the point (which is usually completely full) that when you push down in the middle of the ottoman, you can create a small dent. Firm is key!
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Layer blankets on the beanbag with waterproof pads in between each layer.
ISO 400, 1/250 sec., f/2.8, 50mm lens
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A front view of the beanbag showing the blankets and the use of the T-bar background stand.
ISO 400, 1/250 sec., f/2.8, 50mm lens
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This front view of the beanbag on its own shows you how full to fill it.
ISO 400, 1/250 sec., f/2.8, 50mm lens
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Here is a front view of the T-bar background stand.
ISO 400, 1/250 sec., f/2.8, 50mm lens