Advice for shooting Kids with Santa

[wookie6262]

I have volunteered for shooting the kids on Santas knee shots at my works Kids Party. They normally have a simple point and shoot set up operated by a colleague who is unavailable this year.

I have just bought myself a set of Bowens and have a choice of 250 or 750w gemini heads with a Travel Packs.

I am still new to studio type photography and was thinking of a simple 100x100 softbox at 45 degrees. The background would be dark but I only have a few minutes to get the kit in position. I will be using a 5D with 24-70mm.

 

[Elli]

I know this is an old post, but I'm doing a Santa shoot soon and wondered what set up you went with in the end and if you had any other tips?
I've got a pair of Elinchromes, but one light needs sending off and repairing, and I'm wondering if I can get away with just one softbox and maybe a reflector?

Whilst I do a lot of portraiture, I've not done an event before and I think the space will be quite tight too. If anyone else has any other tips, feel free to chime in, all advice is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[mercmanuk]

Hi we have a log cabin Santa's grotto, using some very simple equipment, depends on what you have to work with, ours is very red of course with lots of twinkle lights big red fire and lots of colour glittery sweats toys all coursing lighting problems, our black celling helps, using flash diffuser and cooling filter as well 82c i think, we have tried some effects,star diffused spot etc as well, be careful not to blow out santa's beard very white and can blow right out especially if kids are dressed in white as well some quick adjustments needed. on our 500+th shot now and all very pleased with results, total camera kit cost £210.00. including flash, i originally did to see if a cheap set up could rivel a expensive set up and TBH i am very pleased with the results, +not worried about my 5D getting trashed,

Merc