Preparing a Studio Set: From Sliders to Curtains

Setting up a studio for a photoshoot or a video production can look effortless when you see the final polished product, but the reality is that there’s a lot of preparation behind the scenes. Whether you’re capturing products for an e-commerce brand or taking portraits of people, the way you prepare your studio set makes all the difference. The tools you choose, the placement of your equipment, and the workflow you establish all directly impact the quality of the images or footage.

In this post, we’ll dive into the key components of studio set preparation, covering everything from camera sliders and lighting setups to client monitors, clamps, and curtains. Think of this as your blueprint for a smooth, professional, and efficient shoot.

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1. Planning the Shoot Before the Gear

Before touching a single piece of gear, ask yourself: what’s the goal of the shoot? Product shots often require controlled, consistent lighting with minimal distractions in the background. Portraits or person shots, on the other hand, may need more creative lighting, flattering shadows, and a comfortable set for the subject.

Make a checklist:

Shot list (products or people)

Desired aspect ratio and resolution

Lighting style (soft, dramatic, flat, high key, etc.)

Background requirements (seamless, textured, branded)

With this vision in place, you’ll know exactly what equipment to set up—and where.

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1. Camera Support: The Slider

A slider is more than a piece of gear; it’s a storytelling tool. For product videos, a smooth slider shot adds dynamism, letting the viewer experience the product from multiple angles without breaking visual continuity. For portrait or lifestyle videos, subtle slider movement can add energy and presence without distracting from the subject.

Key tips for sliders in studio:

Stability first: Make sure the slider is firmly mounted on a tripod or directly on a stable surface. Even minor shakes will be noticeable in macro or product detail shots.

Motorized sliders: If budget allows, motorized sliders ensure repeatable, consistent movement—great for multi-take shoots or time-lapses.

Short vs. long sliders: Short sliders are more portable and ideal for tabletop products, while longer sliders add cinematic motion for wider portrait setups.

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1. Lighting: The Heart of the Set

Lighting is arguably the most important element in any studio setup. It dictates mood, texture, and detail.

For product shots:

Use soft, even lighting to reduce harsh reflections and ensure the product’s true color is captured.

A light tent or diffusion panels can help minimize unwanted shadows.

Backlighting can add depth and separate the product from the background.

For portraits:

A three-point lighting setup (key, fill, and backlight) provides a balanced and flattering look.

Softboxes and umbrellas are excellent for diffused, skin-friendly light.

Experiment with colored gels or accent lights to add style when appropriate.

Don’t forget that lighting is not just about brightness—it’s about shaping the subject. Small tweaks in angle or height can completely transform the result.

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1. Monitors: Seeing What the Camera Sees

When shooting in a studio, having a monitor is essential. The camera’s tiny display isn’t reliable for catching subtle focus issues, exposure mismatches, or distracting details in the frame.

On-camera monitor: Great for the operator to ensure framing, focus, and color accuracy.

Client monitor: A secondary display that allows clients, art directors, or stylists to view the shot in real time without hovering over your shoulder. This keeps collaboration smooth and prevents interruptions during the shoot.

Investing in a color-calibrated monitor ensures what you’re seeing in the studio will translate accurately when the footage or photos are edited.

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1. Lens Sets and Filters

The right lens is as important as the right camera.

For product shots:

Macro lenses are perfect for detail work—jewelry, electronics, or any small product where texture matters.

Standard primes (50mm or 85mm) give a natural perspective with minimal distortion.

For portraits:

85mm or 105mm primes provide flattering compression and beautiful background blur.

Zoom lenses (24–70mm, 70–200mm) add versatility for quick adjustments in framing without moving the camera.

Filters can also play a big role:

Polarizing filters reduce glare on reflective surfaces (like glass bottles or watches).

ND filters let you control exposure without sacrificing aperture choices.

Diffusion filters soften skin tones for portraits while maintaining detail.

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1. Clamps: The Unsung Heroes

Clamps might not sound glamorous, but they’re lifesavers on set. They secure lights, hold diffusion gels, keep backdrops taut, and even manage cables.

C-clamps: Strong, reliable, ideal for heavy gear.

Spring clamps: Quick, versatile, and inexpensive—perfect for holding fabric or lightweight items.

Specialty clamps: Designed for attaching accessories like monitors or microphones to stands.

Keep a box of assorted clamps on hand. You’ll always find a use for them, often in unexpected ways.

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1. Curtains and Backdrops

Curtains aren’t just decorative—they control light and set the scene. Blackout curtains can block unwanted light leaks from windows or doorways, giving you complete control of the environment. White or neutral curtains can double as a clean background or even a bounce surface for softer fill lighting.

For product work, seamless paper or vinyl backdrops in white, gray, or black are common staples. For portraits, fabric curtains or textured backdrops add personality and dimension. Remember to keep them wrinkle-free and clean—wrinkles are hard to fix in post.

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1. Workflow and Comfort

Finally, don’t overlook workflow and comfort. A tidy, organized studio saves time and reduces stress. Tape down cables to avoid tripping hazards, keep gear cases off the floor, and ensure there’s seating or resting space for clients and talent.

If you’re photographing people, keep the environment comfortable. Warm the room if the subject is in light clothing, offer water or coffee, and create a positive atmosphere—it shows in the final images.

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Conclusion

Studio set preparation is more than just placing lights and rolling cameras. It’s about building an environment where creativity can flow freely while ensuring technical precision. Sliders provide dynamic motion, lights sculpt the scene, monitors ensure accuracy, lens sets and filters shape the image, clamps keep everything secure, and curtains control the atmosphere. Each piece plays its part, and when combined thoughtfully, they create a professional, reliable workflow.

Whether you’re shooting a shiny new gadget for an online catalog or a series of professional headshots, taking the time to set up your studio properly ensures that you—and your clients—walk away with images worth showcasing.

Camera: Fujifilm X-H2s
Lens: Fujinon several lenses
Filter: none
Location: Switzerland

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I'm a freelance Filmmaker in Zurich, looking forward to meeting you here on HIVE and explore visual Art.
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