The modern Studio Stand
The Studio Stand -- also called a Column Stand or Camera Stand-- is a piece of equipment that you find in all kinds of studios. From large retail and e-commerce companies to luxury brands and independent commercial-, food-, and fine-art photographers.
You might wonder: What is the meaning and purpose of this relatively heavy piece of material in today’s photography? Today’s cameras usually have very effective Image Stabilization. Many photographers never ever use a tripod, let alone a Studio Stand. We will answer this question in the next sections. First, a small piece of history.
The Cambo MBU
History of the studio stand
In the pioneering days of photography using a stand was a no-brainer. Exposure times were long, cameras large and heavy. A stable platform was essential. Often it was an integral part of the camera’s construction. So did the early Cambo's. While photography continued to develop, so did its support equipment. During this time the Studio Stand reached its current form. They usually consist of a relatively heavy base (often made from cast iron), a column and a cross-arm.
An early Cambo with integrated studio stand and a Cambo AST from 1957
So what are the advantages of a Studio Stand?
Stability
In the Studio, the stand's construction and weight works in its advantage. It's ideal, for product photography, fine art, and also reproduction/archival work. It's a relief to know that you can move freely around your studio, your camera won't trip over, settings are perfectly repeatable and efficiency is greatly improved.
Fun Fact: Over many decades Cambo has established a solid reputation in this industry. Our studio stands aren’t exclusively used by photographers but also offer a stable platform to high end measuring and scanning equipment.
Efficiency and Flexibility
The stand's cross-arm moves laterally, rotates around the column, and is height adjustable. Allowing you to move your camera towards or away from the subject with ease. Changes to the composition are made effortlessly and shooting flat lays has never been easier! A studio stand allows you to do more in less time.
You can mount various accessories
Next to ensuring that your camera is secured on a stable platform, you can mount an array of other components to your stand. Adding a table for your laptop along with an accessory tray won’t be a problem! Cambo offers various accesories, brackets and adapters that enables you to configure a stand to your own specific needs. The stand adjusts to your workflow-- not the other way around.
It tidies up your studio
A studio stand helps to keep your studio organised. First, less tripod legs means more space. Open space contributes to a sense of order. Next to that, this camera support system goes hand in hand with good cable management. Since, a lot of peripherals can be mounted on a single platform, it is simple to guide the cables instead of having them lying all around the floor. Furthermore, a studio stand allows you to keep your equipment together and not scattered over the studio. This allows you to organize a consistent workflow. A studio stand helps you to create a tidy and safe workplace.
They are built for a lifetime
Or even longer. Many are passed on from one photographer to the next generation. Buying a good Studio Stand is a decision you won’t regret and an expense you’ve only need to do once. At Cambo, we take our heritage seriously. Our newest stands are designed and manufactured to continue that tradition -- No planned obsolence.
A lasting impression
A column stand is a signature of professionalism. It displays that you care about photography and are willing to invest in proper equipment that adds value to your work processes. You do not only create a workplace where you wish to work yourself, but you also shape a space where you can receive clients and leave them with a lasting impression.