Well, we finally got around to covering and paneling our cyclorama and backdrop wall. The drywall is typical of any normal interior wall, 1/2" sheet rock with joint compound and tape on the seams. For the radius of the cyc we used Durham's Rock Hard Putty. It comes in a

powder form and you simply mix it with water. We used this for all the seams in the wood used to cover the radius of the cyc and the wood that extends out 15' onto the floor that completes the backdrop. A word of caution mix it in small amounts and mix only what you need as it dries extremely fast. That an also work as an advantage as with in a hour of applying it you can sand it and move on to you next step. This worked perfect for all the seams, staple and nail holes, and any imperfections if the surface of the wood. The only prep work that was done to the plywood subfloor before applying the new surface, was to make sure it was swept clean and we apply 3M commercial spray adhesive.
 After giving the putty on the seams ample drying time, I used a belt sander with medium grit paper to smooth the seams and staple holes that were filled. With the belt sander it took about 10 minutes to do all the sanding. Now we are ready for primer.

  For primer I chose BULLSEYE brand water based primer/sealer. I wanted a sealer because I intend to use White exterior porch and patio paint as a final top coat. With the wood being sealed and the paint having a smooth hard exterior type finish to it, this will allow it to be wiped clean when needed.

 So for now I will  prep and prime it
white along with any of the other areas in the space that we will be changing the color of. As you can see I still haven't made the cover for the electrical panel.










 I just couldn't resist trying it. So while I was taking my update photos today I took a moment and turned my strobe up to 1/2 power with it about 8' of the backdrop this is what I got with a single speed light. This is going to be a dream for my wife to use once we mount the two adjustable Manfrotto arms on opposite sides, each with one of our Paul Buff Einstein E640 strobes. We also plan to install a ceiling mounted strobe.

 Well, I final got started covering our cyclorama, only to run out of sheetrock screws before closing up the top right corner. Covering the curved radius of the cyc went easier than I thought it would. I used door skin material with a smooth sanded finish. I wet it with a spray bottle the night before, and left it leaning against the wall at an angle. The next morning it had a nice curve to it, and didn't take much effort to force it into place. Now I have to mix up some epoxy for the seams in the wood on the radius and floor. The pieces on the floor are glued then stapled with a pneumatic stapler with 1 1/2" staples. Next step will be to complete that last corner of sheetrock, and make a removable cover over the electrical panel.

  Today we got the base for the radius of our cyclorama framed and installed.  I wanted to build it a little larger, but we are working with a limited amount of space to start with. So, I only went 2 1/2 feet up the wall.
    Through this weekend I will try to complete the few remaining task that will allow me to cover this and start painting. I have to make a trim ring to go around the electrical panel in order to conceal it but still have easy access to it. I also have to relocate a receptacle that is on the wall, behind the framing for the cyclorama. Once these two task are complete, I can apply the wood covering to the radius and sheetrock the back.  My wife wants the backdrop lights, and possibly a hair light mounted on track system overhead. I will have to do some price shopping and decide if this is something I will buy or attempt to fabricate.

 We just purchased a Phottix Strato II setup. Two Transmitters and four receivers. This will be replacing the TwinLink T2D set we were using. I won't compare and say how good or bad they are until I have used them for at least 3 or 4 months. That wil allow me to see how dependable they are. That's whats most important to me, knowing they will work every time I reach for them. With my first TwinLink set it worked great, at first. After about 4 months of moderate use they began to misfire. Then the radio signal completely failed. Only the infrared signal would work, which is line-of-sight. For that I may as well have used the pop-up flash to trigger the strobes. The second TwinLink transmitter would eat batteries as fast as I could put them in it. I had it checked out. When I got it back, I would have to tap on it just to get it to power up. Finally, after going through 3 sets of 032 batteries in the transmitters during a single basketball game. I said never again.

  So here we are with a handful of new radio triggers. The feature set seems nice with the groups A-D. I also like the fact that the transmitter uses AAA batteries, and not some odd watch style battery. Size wise they are nice. Slightly smaller than the T2Ds, with no antenna. I haven't had a chance to test the range of the Stratos, but they should be about the same. I will be using these 3 to 4 times a week, as part of my 365 Photo Project this year is focusing on off camera lighting. I was off to a good start, when my T2Ds failed. I carried on with my TTL cord or shooting in the studio with our Einsteins and Cyber Commander. So these will see a fair amount of regular use. Let's see how they hold up.

 Completed the framing to even out the wall that will serve as the back to our 10' wide cyclorama.

Before I can cover it, I have to first relocate a receptacle and build an access panel over the electrical panel. I decided to use 2"x6"s for the framing. That way I don't have to so precise when placing the vertical  curves supports for the radius of the cyclorama. Plus I already had the 2"x6" boards from tearing down the platform that held my back row of theater seats. So instead of letting go to waste. I reused them. I've already cut half of the radius boards for the curve of the cyclo. Hopefully this weekend I can cut the rest and mount them.

  This week Marlisa and I decided to start the construction that would give us a dedicated space for a full time studio. After much debating I reluctantly gave up my Man Cave. Yep, no more theater. I sadly pushed the button to roll up my 120" theater screen for the last time. Carted off two rows of theater seats and packed up my HD projector and  Harmon Karden  surround sound system. All that remains are the five in-wall speakers that will be used for background music while the studio is in use.

 I have to be honest though. We really needed to do this. With this room set up as a theater on one side and gym/ workout space in one corner, it was a real pain to constantly setup and tear down with the amount of photo work she does. It had got to the point that sometimes she would actually delay or push back doing a shoot, due to the effort it took to set up for a indoor shoot. Not to mention that it was a cramped space to work in.
 In this picture you can get a feel for what I'm talking about. After moving the front row of theater chairs up onto the platform in front of the second row, this was what our first setups used to look like. With only a two light setup it was tight. Our setup has really grown since this photo was taken. Our original studio strobes have been replace with 4 Paul Buff Einstein E640s. There's a large cabinet that now holds all the softboxes, umbrellas, reflectors, grids, cables and others items when not in use. Folding light stands have been replaced by   "C" stands. We now have a Manfrotto Super Boom, which needs a room to it's self. So the decision was made to convert this space solely to photography. It can be entered through the house or from outside, as it has a door that exits directly in a small courtyard patio in the front of our house.
 

 So with all the unnecessary electronics out, platform removed, and replaced with a new section of floor. It is time to make the required alterations to make this a comfortable work space. First order of business takes place in the back corner. This area used to be home to a huge home gym with all the cables and weights. This will become a Cyclorama. A permanent built-in seamless white background that extends out 15' on the floor. A small existing closet in the room will be enlarged to accommodate all of props and accessories we have gained over time. A computer workstation will be added, as well as studio camera stand and a folding product shot table.