From securing backgrounds and controlling reflections to keeping equipment organised, it's often the smallest accessories that make the biggest difference in a busy photography studio. We've picked five practical essentials that deserve a permanent place in every photographer's kit.
Gaffer Tape – The Studio Problem Solver
From securing cables and positioning backgrounds to marking equipment positions, good-quality gaffer tape is indispensable.
Unlike ordinary household tapes, professional gaffer tape is designed for demanding production environments. High-quality matt versions, such as MagTape Matt 500, offer a non-reflective finish, helping to prevent unwanted reflections when working with studio lighting.
They also provide strong adhesion while being designed for cleaner removal from suitable surfaces.
AJ's tip: Keep a roll of black/white matt gaffer tape in your studio kit. They may be inexpensive, but you'll be surprised how frequently you use them.
Pony Clamps – A Helping Hand When You Need One
Sometimes the simplest equipment makes the biggest difference. Pony clamps, also known as spring clamps, are a perfect example. Compact, affordable and remarkably versatile, they provide an extra pair of hands when positioning backgrounds, fabrics, reflectors and lightweight studio accessories.
These clamps can help secure background fabric to a support or pull material taut to reduce creases. For product photographers, they can hold lightweight diffusion material or temporary set dressing in position, allowing adjustments without continually repositioning equipment.
Their spring-loaded mechanism makes them particularly convenient for quick changes between shots. Unlike more elaborate grip equipment, there's very little setup involved: simply squeeze, position and release.
AJ's tip: Keep a selection of spring clamps close to your background support system. Choose clamps with suitable gripping surfaces and sufficient holding force for the task, without damaging delicate materials.
Dulling Sprays – Control Reflections and Get the Shot Right
Anyone who has photographed jewellery, polished metal, glass or glossy packaging will understand the frustration of unwanted reflections. Even with carefully positioned lighting, highly reflective surfaces can create distracting highlights that obscure product details and make achieving a consistent result difficult.
Professional dulling sprays offer a practical solution by temporarily altering the surface finish of suitable objects, helping to diffuse reflections and reduce troublesome hotspots.
The British-made SW Kenyon K-LINE range includes matt and semi-matt formulations, allowing photographers to select an appropriate level of reflection control. The matt version is particularly useful where strong reflections need to be reduced, while semi-matt can help retain more of the object's natural appearance and shape.
AJ's tip: Always test a dulling spray on an unnoticeable area first, check material compatibility and follow the manufacturer's application and removal instructions. Not every surface or valuable product is suitable for treatment.
Osram Modelling Lamps – Don't Let a Blown Bulb Interrupt Your Shoot
Professional studio lighting is designed for reliability, but even the best equipment has components that eventually need replacing. Modelling lamps are a perfect example, and having the correct spare available can make the difference between a productive shoot and an unnecessary delay.
In traditional studio flash systems, modelling lamps provide continuous illumination that helps photographers preview light direction, shadow placement and the effect of modifiers before taking a photograph.
Over time, these lamps can fail through normal use, leaving photographers without the visual reference they rely on when positioning lights.
Osram replacement lamps are used in a range of professional lighting systems, including selected Profoto, Broncolor, Elinchrom and other studio flash units. AJ's stocks a selection of replacement lamps for compatible equipment.
AJ's tip: Check the exact lamp specification for your lighting equipment, including voltage, wattage and fitting. Keep at least one compatible spare for each lamp type in your studio, particularly if you're working on time-sensitive commercial shoots.
Air Dusters – Small Details Make a Big Difference
Dust might seem like a minor inconvenience, but in professional photography it can quickly become a time-consuming problem. Whether you're photographing products for an online catalogue, preparing equipment for a shoot or working with detailed close-up imagery, keeping suitable surfaces clean is an important part of achieving professional results.
Dust particles become particularly noticeable in macro photography and when working with dark or glossy products. Removing them before shooting can save considerable time in post-production, where even small imperfections may require individual retouching.
A purpose-made air duster, such as the Kenro Kenair system, provides a convenient way to dislodge loose dust from suitable equipment and accessible surfaces without direct physical contact.
For busy studios, keeping an air duster readily available alongside cleaning cloths and other maintenance accessories makes routine preparation considerably easier.
AJ's tip: Use air dusters only as directed, keeping the can upright where specified and avoiding delicate sensors, internal camera mechanisms and surfaces that could be damaged by propellant or high-pressure airflow.
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