Mastering Studio Lighting in Small Spaces: Tips & Tricks for Stunning Shots

When you think of professional photography, I usually think of big commercial studios with endless backdrops, tall ceilings, plenty of lights, and a ton of room to move around. But truth be told, a lot of us work in small spaces. My studio is in my basement, and I have plenty of struggles trying to produce high-quality shots in such a small space. I've had issues with light bleed and not being able to use big modifiers. But somehow, I made it work, and I am here to tell you that small spaces shouldn't scare you. Here are some tricks and tips!

As you can see from this picture, the model has to stand relatively close to the backdrop. This can cause the light to kick back from the background or the studio lights.

When working in a small space, decisions are important. There is less room for bulky gear, and light will bounce around low ceilings and white walls. But that doesn't mean you can't create work. Think of your studio as your baby. Only you understand your baby!

Here’s what I’ve learned about lighting in small spaces:

Use Light Modifiers Wisely

So you're not fortunate with 10-foot ceilings? Neither am I. So, choosing the right size modifier is important. I can comfortably fit a 44-inch modifier with no issues.

Standard V-flats probably won't fit, so cut them down or make your own.

Control the Spill

In tight spaces, uncontrolled light can easily wash out your subject or flatten your shadows. That’s where tools like grids, flags, or even a simple piece of black foam core come in—they help you direct the light exactly where you want it and cut down on unwanted spill.

One of my favourite tools in the studio? Cinefoil. I tape it around my lights to block any stray light from hitting the model or bouncing off the backdrop. As you can see, the model is standing quite close to both the lights and the background, which means there’s a lot of light bouncing around. Cinefoil helps me keep things controlled and intentional, even in a compact setup.

Work with What You Have or AKA Embrace the Bounce

This shot uses the natural bounce from the model standing close to the background. You get a nice rim light around the chin.

If you have white walls in your studio, use them to create bounce. Just learn to expose for it correctly, so you don't lose any detail in the highlights. My walls are black! Models usually stand pretty close to the light and backdrop, which means I get a lot of light kicking back on them. I have learned to expose for it correctly, and this adds extra face and body highlights, adding dimension.

If you don't like extra bounce from your walls, put up black cloth to block some of that out.

Get Cozy with Your Setups

Learn to let go of needing every gear created. Get comfortable with a few good pieces and make those work. Remember, this is your baby. Maybe some cinefoil can change the light? Maybe you can put that grid on? Figure out how to use your gear well in a creative way with the limited space you have. Be intentional.

Know Your Angles

With a limited space, I have learned to step back or forward, carefully watching for distortion. I move around the model to get different shots and change the position of the light, so I don't always have to move the lights around.

I hate to admit it, but working in a small space might be better. It taught me to be more resourceful, think outside of the box and find creative solutions to produce high-quality work.

These limitations have sharpened my eye, improved my lighting control and made me a stronger photographer. Sometimes, tight spaces can lead to big growth.

Do you think limitations help or hinder creativity?

Team Credits:

Model: Nicolette Hernandez @nh__km

Photographer: Nirvaani @studionirvaani

Makeup by: Rhythm Malhotra @artistrybyrhythm

Hair by: Lorraine Hernandez @lorraineahernandez