This winter M&M decided he wanted to build a cyc wall for me.  I was blown away when he suggested this.  It opens up so many opportunities.  I am no longer limited by time of day, weather, etc…  And I can shoot high key photography.  I set out to learn about studio lighting.  The plans for construction came together.  The process has taken longer than expected.  We were able to make adjustments along the way based on what we were learning & experiencing.  Have a peek at the cyc wall.

From the beginning we knew our space had to be multifunctional.  I think we’ve accomplished that.

Our space has a cathedral ceiling.  So height was not an issue.  We were limited by the width of the room.  The overall size of the cyc wall is roughly +7.5 feet high x +10.5 feet wide x + 13 deep.  The wall is a platform with a deck, we were limited in our space and could not build out the floor to be level with the existing floor.  We also decided to not go with a cove design, we didn’t want to slow the process.

You’ll notice at the top of the wall a seamless roll of paper and room for another roll.  I want to execute a couple of creative ideas and the seamless paper will save us M&M from painting the wall after the project.  I’ll be adding a roll of black seamless soon.  Under the paper holder running the width of the wall is a steel cable.  I knew I wanted to be able to hang backdrops.  Just gives us more options.

The space has 3 windows which allows an amazing amount of north facing natural light.  We have two rows of steel cables. Sheers to diffuse the light and black panels to cut the light.  Plus I have open wall space that I can hang additional backgrounds.

Behind the wall is much needed storage.  Camera left is where I have props…vintage baby scales, rugs, etc.  Camera right is all the tech gear…strobes, light modifiers, cords, etc…  We originally had the cyc wall positioned against the structural wall, thanking my lucky stars we changed that.  I filled up the space in no time!

I had no idea when I showed M&M photos of  ATJ’s studio and cyc wall he would be inspired to build one for me.  I think he was missing the smell of sawdust… or was up to a challenge.  Either way… I think he’s awesome and I love my new cyc wall!

If you notice the tape on the floor I was doing some lighting studies.  All the scuff marks on the floor are going to be a pain.  That’s what I’ve heard from fellow photos who have cyc walls.  Always painting the floor.

Do you want to know what materials M&M used, paint finish, how he built it, etc… leave a note in the comments are send a direct email.  Maybe we can get M&M to do a guest post.

In the coming days look for posts with lighting set ups.

XOX-S