Basic Camera Settings for Studio Shoots
(With & Without Constant Lighting)
Let’s get this out of the way first:
Your camera is not the problem. Your settings probably are.
Studio lighting is actually one of the easiest environments to shoot in once you understand the basics. Controlled light equals predictable results. Whether you’re using our constant lighting setup or shooting with natural light, this guide will help you get consistent, clean images without overthinking it.
We happen to shoot Canon around here (hello, R5), but these settings and principles apply across the board, no matter what brand you’re holding.
First Things First: Shoot in Manual
If you’re shooting in a studio and still relying on Auto… it might be time to break up.
Manual mode gives you:
Consistency
Control
No weird exposure shifts mid-session
Set your camera to M (Manual) and take the reins. Once you do, studio shooting gets way less intimidating.
The Big Three (Camera Triangle, Simplified)
You only need to understand three things:
ISO – How sensitive your camera is to light
Lower = cleaner image
Higher = brighter image, more grain
Aperture (f/stop) – How much light comes through your lens
Lower number = more light + blurrier background
Higher number = less light + more in focus
Shutter Speed – How long light hits the sensor
In the studio, this mostly affects brightness, not motion (unless your subject is moving a lot).
Studio Settings WITH Constant Lighting
(Our suggested setup)
Constant lights are great because what you see is what you get. No guessing.
Starter Settings (All Camera Brands):
ISO: 200–400
Aperture: f/2.8 – f/4
Shutter Speed: 1/125 – 1/200
These settings give you:
Clean images
Soft depth of field (great for branding + boudoir)
Enough light without pushing ISO too high
White Balance (This Matters)
Set this manually if you can.
Start with Daylight or Kelvin 5200–5600
Keeps skin tones consistent
Makes editing way easier later
Studio Settings WITHOUT Constant Lighting
(Natural Light Only)
Natural light studios are still controlled, just a little less predictable.
Starter Settings:
ISO: 400–800 (go higher if needed)
Aperture: f/2 – f/3.2
Shutter Speed: 1/160 – 1/250
Pro tips:
Open your aperture before cranking ISO
Watch shutter speed to keep images sharp
Position your subject closer to windows for softer, more flattering light
Autofocus Settings
(This matters more than people realize)
Most modern cameras handle this well, let them help you.
Recommended:
AF Mode: Face + Eye Detection
Continuous / Servo AF: ON
Eye Detection: Enabled
This is especially helpful for:
Boudoir
Branding
Movement-based posing
Clients who don’t want to feel stiff
You focus on directing, the camera handles the eyes.
Lens Matters (Keep It Simple)
You don’t need a massive collection. These are the most commonly used and studio-friendly options:
Popular Studio Lenses:
24–70mm f/2.8 or f/4 – versatile, great for branding
24–105mm f/4 – flexible, especially in smaller spaces
35mm prime (f/1.8–f/2) – lifestyle, editorial feel
50mm prime (f/1.8–f/2) – classic, flattering, easy to use
With studio lighting, you don’t need to shoot wide open. That f/2–f/4 range is your sweet spot.
Common Studio Mistakes (And Easy Fixes)
Images look dark?
→ Raise ISO slightly or slow your shutter speed
Images look flat?
→ Adjust light placement before touching settings
Skin tones look off?
→ Fix white balance first, not exposure
Photos not sharp?
→ Increase shutter speed or double-check autofocus mode
Not Shooting Canon? You’re Still Good.
Different buttons. Same mindset.
Manual mode
Low, intentional ISO
Thoughtful aperture
Consistent white balance
Controlled light
Once you understand the why, the camera brand stops mattering.
Final Studio Truth
You don’t need perfect settings.
You need repeatable ones.
When your settings are consistent, the studio becomes a playgroundnot a stress zone.
And if you want to practice without pressure…
Join us for coworking days
First Tuesday of every month | 10am–12pm
Come shoot, test settings, and get comfortable with our lighting setup.
That’s how better photographers are built.
