Portrait Advice Please

Andysnap

Andysnap

Suspended / Banned
Messages
16,322
Name
Andy Grant
Edit My Images
Yes
Morning,

I've been asked by a friend if I would be prepared to take a portrait of him, his sister and his nephew to be printed fairly large and framed. Now I do have some lighting kit (a background stand, small off-camera flash softbox, Nikon SB-600 and SB-400) but no proper backdrop.
At the moment I don't know where the shoot will take place but I suspect it will be at their house inside.

So, the questions are a) apart from a backdrop can I manage a reasonable shot with the current kit b) have you any tips about poses (the nephew is 3 1/2) and where to set the flash etc. c) is there a cheap way of making a backdrop or do I need to buy one and d) where the best (i.e cheapest) place to get one from?

Thanks in advance

Andy
 
Oh I've just remembered I also have a white reflective umbrella and stand.

Andy
 
Thanks for that Paul, very useful.

Andy
 
That was my thread that was linked to!
If you are wanting to get away without buying a background pick a nice big plain coloured wall in the house and just do 3/4 length. WHat size is your umbrella? With 3 people if it's quite small you will struggle, mine is 45" or something like that, the biggest I could find. If you think yours is too small calumet does good quality ones at pretty good prices!
Good luck!
H x
 
Thanks Helen, its a small umbrella so I think I may invest in a bigger one.

Andy
 
Also if you have them stand a bit away from the background it will help you avoid shadows.
H x
 
Have you considered taking them outside to a park? Backgrounds are more interesting there.
 
helen_s said:
Also if you have them stand a bit away from the background it will help you avoid shadows.
H x
Click to expand...

Thanks Helen, room permitting I will.

The23rdman said:
Have you considered taking them outside to a park? Backgrounds are more interesting there.
Click to expand...

Its definitely an option Dean and one I will give some thought to.

Andy
 
2 light it will be enought for the shot..

and never forget allways start with the main light, or key light, with this light the photo will be almost done, after this one is set start with the second one. Never set all the light at the same time .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top