Every studio needs a range of stands for different purposes ranging from supporting backdrops to fixing lighting, and there are various options you should consider when setting up your studio space. These stands fall into five main categories, which we have discussed below, along with their features and uses to make it easy for you to select your studio essentials.

Light Stands

This is the most basic stand, and it is typically included in commercial lighting kits. These light stands are great because they're versatile and they can become extremely small when compacted, and they can be used to set up relatively small and even bigger lights depending on the setup. They are the go-to standard light stand that can be used in different ways and for lighting both the subject and background.  

There are also some special considerations that you can consider before purchasing a standard light stand. For example, some of them are air-cushioned, which ensures the stand doesn't just collapse down if a screw is loosened as it actually has a little bit of cushion to prevent the light from dropping and being damaged. Another feature of these light stands is that they can net together, which allows them to take minimal space when being stored, which is beneficial if you have a small studio setup.

These light stands can be used to hold main lights, background lights, and fill lights, making them multi-purpose stands. The PIXAPRO light stands come in different sizes, but we recommend going for either the 190 cm Standard Light Stand if you're looking for a basic model or the 240 cm Air-Cushioned Light Stand, if you want a light stand with some cushioning.

Portable Lightweight 190cm Photography Studio Light Stand, 240cm Air Cushioned Studio Light Stand 4 Section Interchangeable Fitting and 300cm Heavy Duty Retractable Light Stand (Auto Stand) By PIXAPRO

3m Self-retracting stand  will automatically open and close when picked up of placed on level/hard surfaces suitable for using in a busy studio or busy event such wedding etc. Whenever you have to move a light, just lift it and go. The automatic legs collapse making it easy to move safely and easily through a crowded room without putting down your camera.  

C Stands

The c-stand is also known as a century stand and what's great about them is that they're highly stable, durable, and they can hold more weight compared to standard light stands, so when it comes to safety, this is one of your best options. You can use c-stands when you need to use modifiers with a large dimension or if they weigh a lot more than what your standard light stand can support. It can also be used with different arms, including boom arms which can project lighting equipment over subjects. These stands are excellent for use with boom arms as they can provide optimum support and maintain a low centre of gravity which leads to a stable setup.    

C-stands are also highly stable and can be used for different purposes, such as holding backgrounds, lighting equipment, light controlling equipment, microphones, and other gear. The stand can also be used to place the equipment at different angles and can be used to support main lights, background lights, and fill lights, especially if they are slightly heavy. They are a good investment for any photography studio as they are highly versatile, stable, and very safe.  

An important consideration when using c-stands, for example, when you're using it support overhead lighting that can affect the balance of the stand, you might need some help restoring the stability of the stand. You might want to consider some special safety considerations like counterweights and sandbags to restore the balance for such setups. The PIXAPRO 161 cm C-stand and the PIXAPRO 300 cm C-stand are sturdy and robust stands with different extension lengths that can be used with different fixtures. The PIXAPRO sliding leg C stand is also very popular when using it on the uneven floor, such as steps.

PIXAPRO 161 cm C-stand, PIXAPRO 300 cm C-stand and PIXAPRO sliding leg C stand

Boom Stands

A boom stand is commonly used for overhead lighting and placing microphones above the subject's head for ease of recording. These stands specifically come with a boom arm that extends to great lengths in multiple directions and angles.  A boom stand can be used to introduce overhead lighting to illuminate the subject without requiring the stand to be in the frame. It supports your lighting and modifiers, but before purchasing a boom stand for your studio, ensure it can support the weight of your equipment without tipping over. If you already have a light stand or c-stand, you can choose to purchase a boom arm with a sandbag for even weight distribution, such as the PIXAPRO Boom Arm with Metal Hinge (light weight) and the PIXAPRO Heavy Duty Rotatable Reclined Boom Arm. If you're looking for an entire setup and highly rated boom stand, you can go for the PIXAPRO 2in1 Reclined Boom Stand and Caster Wheels bundle.

PIXAPRO Boom Arm with Metal Hinge,  PIXAPRO Heavy Duty Rotatable Reclined Boom Arm and PIXAPRO 2in1 Reclined Boom Stand and Caster Wheels bundle

Wheeled Stands

This is a less common stand, but it makes your life so much easier and faster. Wheeled or roller stands can be used to move primary lights, such as the main light, which can be too heavy to move by dragging across the studio space. There is also a chance you can damage the equipment if you move it without removing it from the stand as it is easy to lose your balance or slip, which can damage expensive equipment. This stand is also beneficial if the lighting equipment is weighed down with sandbags and counterweights, so the delicate balance is not upset during the movement of the light. If you tend to move lighting around on your set, it is good to invest in a wheeled stand. It can also be a time saver as it reduces the need to disassemble and reassemble the setup when it needs to be moved. These wheeled stands can possess all the qualities of light stands and c-stands with the addition of mobility. The PIXAPRO 300cm Air-Cushioned Light Stand and Caster Wheels bundle and the PIXAPRO 225cm Wheeled Column Light Stand are great options if you're looking for smooth rolling stands for your studio.

PIXAPRO 300cm Air-Cushioned Light Stand and Caster Wheels bundle and PIXAPRO 225cm Wheeled Column Light Stand

Floor Stands

This is the smallest stand option, and it can be used in two major ways, including mounting a clamshell lighting so you can have a light directly aimed at your subject for filling in the shadows underneath without including the stand in the shot as it is compact and low to the ground, making it perfect for this setup. Another reason is to use the floor stand is to light the background. Lighting the background from the centre can be tricky as there is a need to hide the stand and light source behind the subject. The stand can be adjusted for different heights and provide an even illumination behind your subject or even make the most of a tight studio space. The floor stand is great because it's low profile, and it can easily be tucked behind your subject for unique lighting effects. The PXAPRO 18.5-66 cm Heavy-Duty Studio Floor stand is an excellent floor stand for meeting different lighting needs.  Portable and light weight floor stands are also necessary for location usage such as the 600 Floor Stand Backlite Stand.

18.5-66cm Heavy Duty Wheeled Floor Stand With Foldable Legs and 600 Floor Stand Backlite Stand With Extension Arm - Black

Conclusion

A range of stands are available in the market that fall into the main categories discussed above, but you might not need every stand for your studio. These stands are highly versatile and can be used for overlapping purposes which is why you should consider your studio needs and photography style before you decide to purchase different types of stands.