How to plan a cyclorama shoot
A cyclorama day goes well when the decisions are made before anyone arrives. Use this plan to turn an idea into a schedule that fits the hours you book.
1. Write a one-page brief
Put the purpose, the deliverables and the look on one page: how many photos or videos, which formats (vertical, horizontal, square), where they will be used, and three to five reference images. Everyone on the day should read the same page.
2. Build the shot list
- List every shot with framing (wide, medium, close) and any movement.
- Group shots that share a lighting setup so lights move as little as possible.
- Mark the must-have shots so they are done first.
- Note talent, wardrobe and props for each shot.
3. Plan the light
Decide early whether the cyc should read white, grey, dark or coloured. A clean white background needs its own even light, separate from the light on your subject. A rigging grid lets the gaffer hang lights overhead and keep the floor clear for movement.
4. Choose the right booking length
Add up setup, lighting, each setup change, hair and makeup, and pack-down — they all count inside your booking. At Obscura you can book by the hour at EGP 300 (minimum 2 hours), a half day (5 hours) at EGP 1,200, or a full day (10 hours) at EGP 2,200. If you are unsure, a half day with room for extra hours is a safe start.
5. Crew and roles
- Director or photographer: owns the look and the shot list.
- Gaffer or lighting assistant: builds and changes the light.
- Producer: keeps time, talent and catering on track.
- Hair, makeup and styling: work in the dressing and makeup room so the floor stays free.
6. What to bring
- Cameras, lenses, cards and batteries — charged the night before.
- Shoe covers or clean shoes for anyone stepping on the cyc.
- Wardrobe on rails, steamer and a kit for quick fixes.
- Hard drives for backing up during the day.
7. On the day
- 1Start with the must-have shots while energy is high.
- 2Back up footage at each break.
- 3Leave the last half hour for wrapping and leaving the studio clean.
A sample half-day schedule
- First hour: load-in, lighting the cyc and the first setup; talent in hair and makeup.
- Next two hours: the must-have shots, grouped by lighting setup.
- Following hour: secondary shots, detail shots and alternates.
- Last half hour: backup, pack-down and leaving the studio clean.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking only the shooting time and forgetting setup and pack-down.
- Too many lighting changes — every change costs time.
- Walking on the cyc in street shoes and spending time cleaning footprints.
- No backup plan for files: always copy cards during the day.
Questions to settle with the studio before the day
- What time can the crew arrive, and is your booking long enough to include setup?
- Which equipment will you add to the booking, and what will the crew bring?
- Do you need the makeup room for the whole booking or part of it?
- Is anything being built, hung or fixed on the set that needs approval?
- How will the deposit be paid — cash at the studio or Instapay?
Questions
How early can we arrive?
Your booking starts at your booked time; book an earlier start if you need setup time.
Can we hang lights from the ceiling?
Yes, the 5 m ceiling has a rigging grid for hanging lights.
Is there power for heavy lighting?
Yes, the studio has three-phase power.
