First baby photo shoot

clawz

clawz

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Said I'd do a little photo shoot of a friends 'semi' newborn :baby: (he's about 3-4 months old) I like to do plenty of these type of photo, because I've heard it can be quite profitable! :naughty:
As I've never done this sort of thing before, well posed pictures anyway, I'm not going to charge them and print them a couple of shots off. I'm also going to ask for their permission to use them in a portfolio I'd like to set up for myself.
I've picked up some basic tips from 'Digital Camera's' November issue about backdrops, lighting etc, but will my setup be enough to offer them what they would like? (nice photo's of them and their son) kit: 350D, with 18-55m and 55-200m lenses, I've no cable release or separate flash/flash gun.... will this cause any problems? :thinking:
Any advice would be GREATLY received folks, btw.... I know I've left it kinda late as the shoot is tommorrow about 4ish..... ooopps! :lol:
 
Well ... the so-called 'ideal' focal length lens is 85 to 100 mm for portraits ... :thinking:

However you seem to have the full range covered even if not with prime lenses ... ;)

Best try with natural light ... you can use any white sheet or card as a reflector if you don't have one ... and just take a range of shots ... on different settings ... ;)

As it is such a young one you shouldn't have too much trouble with keeping it still but ... don't make the mistake of shooting down on it too much ... try and get it sat or held upright and down at its level ... :shrug:

Try not to use flash ... especially on-board unless it is strictly for 'fill' flash ... if in doubt ... don't ... imo ... :D

HTH ... :shrug:




:p
 
Thanks venom, I've already got a few ideas on what I'd like to achive, ones with the baby lit by a solitary candle, over his mums shoulder sucking his thumb.
Need to get some backdrops though, thought about just a plain white length of cloth for high lights and black/dark purple for lowlights. Is it really advisable to shoot with C/R then or is jst using the timer enough, (if not then I'll have to pop in to the city a get one! :thinking: ):lol:
 
I suppose ultimately it depends on your total exposure combination ... :shrug:

If you can keep the shutter speed up through a combination of aperture and ISO settings you should be OK without either ... :thinking:

If you must or want to use timer then given the subject and the fact it is not going anywhere fast you should be alright with just a timer ... imo ... ;)

Only really need a cable release for really slow shutter speeds ... again depending on focal length ... as a rough guide you should try and use a shutter speed equal to or greater than your focal length ... e.g. using a 100mm lens setting you would use 1/125th shutter ... etc., ... :D

You should be able to do what you need to within these parameters if you set up with a bit of thought and care ... :shrug:

Good luck ... look forward to seeing the results m8 ... :thumbs:




:p
 
BTB ... in your shoes I would probably try and do all the shots with the 18 55mm ... it is going to have a faster aperture and also should give you enough range for the subject matter in hand ... imo ... :D



:p
 
Using a timer will be tricky with babies because you really need to look through the viewfinder and take plenty of shots whenever the baby poses correctly or smiles or looks at the camera/you. If you use the timer, it will be pretty random when the shot is taken and it's a 10 second wait.

I just tried out my 50mm f/1.4 yesterday at my friend's house with his babies and it was a good learning experience. In doors with natural lighting and aperture priority at f/1.4, I was getting shutter speeds of around 1/50 - 1/100. Even 1/30 if I was doing a close up. A problem for me cause I really have very shaky hands. :(
 
Great tips guys thanks! :wink:
I'll give it a go with both lenses, see what I get. Rest assured the pic's will go up right away! :lol: I'll put a link in hear so you can find it easy enough.
 
Good luck ... and whatever you do enjoy it ... :thumbs:

Remember ... you can always go back for another go ... :D ... as babies generally tend to develop quite slowly ... :lol:







:p
 
I do loads of baby sessions, but my approach may be a bit different. I use all natural light and in most cases incorporate the baby's home surroundings. I do, however, take a large black fleece blanket to most sessions to use for a few shots. Sometimes when the baby is fussy and needs to be held I can cover the parents' arms and lap with the blanket to get solitary shots of the bub. I don't use a C/R, timer or tripod. On some sessions I use most of the lenses in my bag--17-40, 50mm 1.4, 85 1.2, 100mm macro and now my 24-70 (shooting fullframe with 5D.) It all depends on the shot, the light needs and the size of the room I am working in.
I hope your shoot goes well and will come back to look at what you've done!
if you are interested in seeing any of my baby work (my style could be very different from what you are trying to achieve) my site is http://www.studiosolphotography.com/ (it IS a flash-based btw) and I have just realized it needs some updating as I have had several newborn sessions in the last month to add-doh!
 
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