A workable space with little money.
WHAT A BASIC SPACE NEEDS
Control over light Reasonable acoustics Somewhere to place a subject Power
WHAT LIGHT CONTROL MEANS
The ability to block daylight when needed.
WHAT ACHIEVES IT
Heavy curtains or blackout fabric.
WHAT BACKGROUNDS COST LITTLE
A painted wall Fabric on a frame Paper on a roll
WHAT COLOURS ARE MOST USEFUL
Mid grey, which is neutral and can be lit to any tone White Black
WHY GREY FIRST
It can be made to appear white, grey or black depending on light.
WHAT LIGHTING TO BUILD UP
One controllable source with diffusion A reflector A second source, later A light for the background, last
WHAT ACOUSTIC TREATMENT COSTS LITTLE
Thick curtains A rug Furniture and soft materials Panels made from mineral wool and fabric
WHAT TO AVOID
Egg cartons, which do nothing Foam alone, which addresses only high frequencies
WHAT TO MEASURE
The space, before buying anything.
WHY
Distance between subject, background and light determines what is possible.
WHAT TO PROTECT AGAINST HERE
Dust, humidity and power fluctuation.
