A studio allows a photographer the leeway and freedom of controlling both their environment and lighting. The type of work for which the studio is used determines the requirements of space and layout. A few daylight studios exist, making use of large windows in the same way as an artist's studio. However, for controlled work, particularly in color, a photographer needs photographic lights as well. Studio design must usually conform to available space as full purpose-built studios are an uncommon luxury.
The choice of lens focal length also affects the dimensions of the studio. A long-focus lens, for example, gives more flattering proportions than a normal lens, but needs more room. A high ceiling is an advantage for still-life photography and a requirement for any larger subject. The main reason for this is to provide lighting positions, as lights frequently need to be rigged overhead.
Lighting is the principal equipment in a studio, followed by a range of backgrounds. The larger the subject, the bigger the background area that is needed. Seamless paper rolls are a basic staple background and need a rigging system. It is usually much more effective if the background can contribute to the image in some way rather than just fill in the space around the edges. The choice, or invention, of a background derives from the photographer's imagination.
