Lighting dilema

[jockwav]

Now here is the thing,quite a few people who have seen a lot of my motorsport albums have been asking me if i could do family member photos for them.
I dont have any studio lighting,i only have a speedlight 430EX mk11 & my lenses are 300mm f4 L lens,50mm F1.8,17-85 IS lens & most peoples houses in their living rooms would be a bit of a squeeze i would imagine.
But the lights i think would be the biggest problem,i am not sure i want to invest money into something i might only use a couple of times,any brainstorm welcome.

 

[AnnaV]

Use a big window? Nice soft diffused light - BUT not really that reliable at the moment

Prob take your 50mm 1.8 and have a play?

 

[jockwav]

I work during the day so at night windows wont help.

 

[Kemble3]

I would suggest you go minimalist to start with to keep your costs down. If you start seeing a return on your investment, you can always upgrade later. Maybe you could get yourself a cheap trigger and a couple of YN-460s, 2/3 cheap tripods to hold the strobes, a couple of umbrellas (+brackets) and your in business.

Also outdoor portraiture (weather permitting) could be an option, where just reflector would come in handy.

 

[MatBin]

Take the 430 off camera (Jessopps do a decent priced cord) and bounce the light off the wall behind you (if its white) that will create a near shadowless picture. Couple of cheap reflectors and you're in business.

Matt

 

[jockwav]

Thanks guys,keep them coming,i am open to all suggestions,all your help appreciated.

 

[EOS_JD]

You can do family shoots outside - Lifestyle images. Camera and a flash would be fine - 300 is a great portrait lens although for families the 17-85 may be better. If indoors the 50 will be good but probably not wide enough for a family shot.

Shooting with large apertures like f2.8 and larger may also mean that your depth of field is pretty narrow so be careful with group shots.

Decent lighting does make a big difference.

 

[jockwav]

Thank you all,this may be helpfull to other people as well.

 

[HoppyUK]

Good quality basic head and shoulders portraits are easy.

Your 430EX, shoot-through brollie or softbox on a stand (Konig, from Amazon, for a tenner) plus a reflector.

Use a plain wall for background. Sync up E-TTL using a dedicated lead (or two joined together) or go manual using a radio trigger.

Flash In The Pan has everything here at good prices, except the stand http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=157807

 

[jockwav]

Thanks all for the suggestions,the more the merrier