Backdrops and lighting?

[K-lou]

Hello everybody

I am new to this site and I am trying to get into baby photography I have taken picture of my little girl and have a few other babies to practice on but before I do I really want to get the right kit.

I need to find a good place that sells good backdrops and also have no idea about what lighting would be best, I am told as I will be taking most of the picture in peoples houses that I maybe better off with a softbox but I am not really sure where to get one from and which one would be best?

Can anybody help at all

K xx

 

[V8burble]

Hi Karen, wow you need to do a bit of bedtime reading. Lighting is such a wide subject to try and answer in a single post... as far as light mods go, a softbox is a very common selection due to its wrap around 'soft' light... nothing to do with being in anyones house or otherwise really, just the type of light it produces. Without trying to plug Garry's Lencarta lighting range (I don't have them myself) have a little look at the section on Lencarta's website that should at least give you a good idea of what the different mods do. Do you even need lighting? for example is a good question.

 

[Kemble3]

Karen

My only advice to you is find a local studio that offer lighting tehcnique courses and book youself onto one. This should give you some great ideas and advice on the type of equipment you need.

Also if you are planning to visit clents houses, please dont forget to make sure your public liability insurance is adequate.

 

[TimSandhu]

Hi Karen,

Andrew has a point - try working with available light before forking out on expensive lighting gear and modifiers. Some people rely on natural lighting for child & baby portraits as it can be very flattering. Usually setting up next to a large window or patio doors is a good place to start. A reflector is useful for filling shadows. It's also inexpensive. Keep it simple to start with.

But if you are dead set on getting some lighting gear then yes, a softbox with a hotshoe flash is a viable option.

 

[cambsno]

Flash in the Pan sells softbox kits for around £35 you can use with a flash (off camera if you get a stand for a tenner, probably your best bet to start.

I have a backdrop from photodeals.co.uk - arounf 2.15x2.15m I think, black one side, white the other with a train. Great, as long as you have space. It almost hits ceiling in modern homes and you really need flat wall space (i.e. no units or chairs in way) to lean against. I also have a Lastolite 1.5x1.8, around £90 which fits on a stand (other one will but not that well) or against wall and more manageable. Like the softbox they take a while to know how to fold up!!!

Flash in the Pan also has Hilite copies. Not used one but the look good!!