I've been asked to do a portrait!

Matt Charlton

Matt Charlton

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I've been asked by one of the ladies who works in the school to do a portrait of her grandson on a mutually convenient weekend at some point in the future!

I'm quite pleased at this but at the same time quite nervous. I think I'll use the nifty 50 for this one, and I need an ironed white sheet correct?

I don't own any studio lighting of any sort so I'll be using whatever is available on the day and also have my 430ex and a stofen - any tips and or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Ta

Matt
 
That's exactly what I'm doing on Sunday, nifty, white sheet, natural light, be "interesting" to see how it works out.
 
Have a bash with say a neutral/Impartial subject Sue/A teddy to get the hang of lighting and shadows. That way you know how to play.

To stop dark rings under the eyes you can use a reflector (a cheapo version can be a large sheet of card covered in tinfoil (shiny side out)).

The "real" fun bit is getting the subject to be at ease and look natural. Here I'm no good as I've all the charisma of a sprout on boxingday.
You could (!) try substituting alcopop for Fanta :nono: :)
 
I think the subject is only about 11 months old so it'll be less making him feel relaxed and more him keeping still.

I bet he'd fit into my ministudioXL :p
 
I thought every canon owner had one! :D
Best bang for buck there is.
 
Matt

For lots of great tips on using low budget off camera flash visit this site

This goes for anyone interested in adding light in situations where you can't take (or afford) studio lighting. Quality blog!
 
Matt, I took this with my 50mm using natural window/daylight & a silver reflector.
Havent taken any baby/toddler shots yet but, I'd love to.
Look forward to hear how you get on.



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thanks to everyone for the tips and advice, I will definately let you know how i get on, you lot will be the first to see the photos anyway ;)
 
Darksaber said:
I think the subject is only about 11 months old so more him keeping still.

I bet he'd fit into my ministudioXL :p
Click to expand...

I find super glue and sellotape work well in these situations, and if you get the lighting right you don't get reflections off the tape.

A word of caution though, don't use cheap glue....it's not the same as the locktite stuff :)
 
I didnt realize you'd agreed to photograph a rugrat....
In which case I advocate:
A) A small amount of gin in the baby milk.
B) Nailgunning the little **D to a suitable bit of MDF throught his/her/its romper suit. Which can then be suspended from the ceiling for extra effect.
C) The rest of the gin for yourself

Have fun.

My little **Ds never sat still ever.
 
Ohh you should talk to Dena that is her specialty.

Having a little one of my own I would recommend letting him play with toys in the picture preferably something new this keep them still and gets a more relaxed pic. At 11 months he may or may not be walking but will be very mobile without the ability to follow direction so props are a MUST! expect to spend at least an hour but probably more. Those are my tips from my very limited experience.
 
lol Paul,

Thanks for the advice Renee, I've still got to finalise details yet including how much I'll charge for it if anything. Part of me wants to do it for free because it'd be my first one, part of me wants to at least recover my costs for an hour of my time - I'd obviously charge for the prints but whether I print them myself or get them done at that pro lab I'm not sure yet.
 
I've got a portrait session lined up in the very near future, so gis a shout telling me how it went, would like it know :)
 
I might end up tagging along as entertainment, either that or to fix the problems caused by superglue and or staple guns lol
 
Joe T said:
Get a model release signed (by the parent) ;)
Click to expand...

You only need to do this if you are/ever intend to publish/use the photos you take elsewhere.

i.e: to show here...
 
I agree with the other forum members about lighting & reflectors etc. I have photographed a few new borns, infants & children at a fund raising event at a local nursey school recently. They wriggle a lot and one little darling scribbled red wax crayon over my hand-dyed muslin backdrop. My tips for what they are worth are:- Get the 'set' ready first - use a squidgy beanbag or cushions or pillows with a white or pale coloured blanket draped over it. Set up your camera and don't be afraid to get in for some close shots. Test on a teddy or toy for settings. Ask the parent to hold onto the 'sticky' until the last moment, then ask for it to be placed face down onto the cushion/beanbag (now, now, don't get any ideas) with its head up over the end. Babies as young as a few days will instinctively raise their head and if you are there with your 50mm or even better 85mm, and keep snapping. Get the parent to get down to the baby's level but just out of shot. Don't worry, Matt, you will enjoy it. If you go to www.lilymayphotography.com and click on babies & children gallery. Millie was 12 days old when I shot the ones of her on a beanbag with her lilac nappy on. I will post some new ones for you to comment on over the next few days. I am fairly new to all this as well. Hope this helps Matt.
 
Just had a thought.. prompted by GillyB

I used to use a swimring covered with a blanket for ours. You can prop em up/wedge them in it for all sorts of poses.
Especially good when they were learning to sit as you could plonk em in it and not worry aboyt them toppling over. They just land on the ring.
 
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