How realistic is the lighting grid preview — does it distinguish between modifier types?

Yes. The AI renders the visual difference between a softbox, a strip light, a beauty dish, and a gridded reflector, positioned at realistic key/fill/rim angles for the shoot type you specify. Photographers evaluating coverage can see modifier size and throw, not just a labeled dot on a floor plan.

Does it account for the client's actual ceiling height and obstructions like columns or ductwork?

Yes. The preview is generated from a photo of the specific unit, so existing support columns, low ductwork, sprinkler heads, and the room's real ceiling height all show up in the render — which is exactly where a generic grid spacing diagram falls short.

Can I show a motorized rigging system versus a fixed pipe grid in the same space?

Yes. Run one preview showing a fixed pipe grid with manual C-stands, and a second showing a motorized winch system with cabled rigging. Photographers comparing the two setups on cost can see what each actually buys them in the room before deciding.

Can I preview more than one lighting configuration in the same unit — a headshot setup and a full-body or group setup?

Yes. Generate separate previews for each configuration — a tight two-light headshot setup versus a four-to-six-light full-room or group setup. This is usually what settles the point-count argument: photographers can see whether a smaller grid actually covers their most common shoot type.

Are the studio photos we capture stored or retained?

That's your call, not ours — it's your software. We build the storage and retention policy around what your business needs and make sure it meets HIPAA, GDPR, or any other regulation that applies. No training on your data, ever.

There's no off-the-shelf plan, so there's no published price list. Share your details and we'll discuss project scope and pricing on a free consultation call — see /pricing for details.

How is this different from lighting-diagram software like Set.a.light or a CAD floor plan?

Diagramming software places icons on an abstract floor plan — useful for planning angles, but it doesn't show the photographer their own room. This tool generates a photorealistic render of the grid and modifiers in the actual unit they're standing in, which is what moves a stalled quote to a signed order.

Does the preview factor in where power and circuits are for strobe packs and continuous lighting?

The preview itself is a visual render of grid and modifier placement, not an electrical load plan. Most installers use it alongside their circuit assessment — the visual gets the equipment order approved, and the electrical walkthrough happens as part of the install scope.

Photography Studio Setup

Show photographers their lighting grid before a single point goes into the ceiling

Photograph the raw studio shell. Makeover generates a photorealistic preview of the grid, softbox positions, and C-stand layout in under 10 seconds — their actual unit, lit for their actual shoot, not a manufacturer's spec sheet.

Custom-built for your industry · No commitment

What is a lighting setup preview preview?

A lighting setup preview tool uses AI to generate a photorealistic image of a proposed studio lighting grid — softbox and modifier positions, C-stand placement, and overhead rigging — installed in a photographer's actual raw space. Studio build-out companies and lighting equipment dealers photograph the empty unit, and the tool renders the grid, light stands, and modifiers in place before a single point is drilled into the ceiling. Photographers use this during the design consultation to evaluate coverage and workflow before signing the studio lease or approving the equipment order.

Why it matters

A full motorized grid with rigging, softboxes, and stands runs $8,000–$40,000 depending on square footage and point count; a fixed pipe grid with C-stands can still run $3,000–$10,000. That's a permanent decision — moving grid points later means new ceiling penetrations and a second invoice. Photographers routinely collect three grid quotes and stall for weeks because a spec sheet listing "12 grid points, motorized winches" doesn't tell them whether they can actually run a four-light beauty setup and a full-length cyc shot under the same grid without repositioning stands between every session. A preview of their own raw unit, gridded and lit, turns a spec-sheet comparison into a signed order.

Who uses this

Studio rigging and grid installation companies use it during design consultations, before quoting a motorized winch system or a fixed pipe grid build-out. Professional photo and video equipment dealers use it to bundle studio design services into strobe and modifier sales conversations. Commercial photo studio design-build contractors use it to scope a raw warehouse or loft unit for a photographer or production company client. Photography retailers use it to run "studio in a box" consultations for photographers converting a spare room or garage bay into a shooting space.

Heard this from a photographer?

They ask "can I run a four-light beauty setup and a full-length backdrop shot under the same grid, or am I moving C-stands between every session?" and a grid-point diagram can't answer that.

You walk them through a raw unit with 12-foot ceilings and two support columns, and a spacing spec sheet doesn't tell them whether those columns will shadow the cyc wall on a group shot.

They've priced the same motorized grid from three dealers and can't tell the quotes apart because none of them show what the light coverage actually looks like in their unit — so they take the cheapest bid, or they don't order at all.

How lighting setup preview previews work

Three steps. Under 10 seconds. No design skills needed.

Photograph the raw studio shell

Shoot the empty unit from where you'll actually be shooting most often — ceiling height, support columns, and ductwork included. No rigging installed yet, no special lens required.

AI generates the lighting grid preview

The model overlays grid points, key/fill/rim softboxes or strip lights, C-stands, and boom arms sized to the room's real ceiling height and square footage — not a generic studio stock photo.

Present during the design consultation

Their own raw space, gridded and lit for their actual shoot type. They sign the equipment order instead of walking out to get a fourth quote.

Common questions about lighting setup preview

Straight answers. No jargon.

Let's build the version made for your business

Every preview on this site is a variation of the same engine, tuned to one industry. Tell us about yours, and we'll show you exactly what we'd build for it.

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