Softbox Positioning

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kkschiff

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Kim
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Hi, I am new to this site and running out of time, so I haven't done much searching and I'm sorry if this has been asked and answered already. I did some word searches, but no luck so far.

I have been photographing for a while, but mostly outdoors. I prefer natural light. However, I have been photographing families (mostly kids) in our neighborhood and I recently ordered some lighting equipment to move my photos indoors.

Well, I have a shoot of a toddler tomorrow (so he's short) and I am wondering where to position my lights? I have 2 strobes, each with a softbox, and another fill light. I even have a gold umbrella as well. I am wondering where to position the lights best for portraits?

Due to time constraints (shipping took WAY longer than expected), I cannot buy anything new before the shoot. I'm just looking for a solution. I will use a black drop and a white one, so if that changes different settings, i would like to know.

Ive been playing with the lights but haven't found a perfect solution. The boy is small, and i'm practicing with an adult (that's all i have) so it's hard to find the right mix.

Thanks for your help!
 
the classic simple one is above and to the side, with a fill reflector the other side, with a black BG a hard hairlight from behind is nice to give separation and remember white must e lit separately to go white
 
Natural light outdoors is mainly from above but can also come from any direction.
The same applies to room lighting indoors.
Because of this there are no rules about where studio lighting should be placed. The beauty of studio lighting is that you can create literally any effect you want, you don't have to worry about the weather, time of day etc, so just place it wherever it produces the effect you want.
 
Keep it simple! Don't go using multiple studio lights if you are new to this - one softbox and brolly + reflector would be a good start and give you loads of options.
 
thank you. I am excited about trying it out. I do great outdoor portraits, so this will be an exciting new challenge.

I appreciate the input. This seemed like a nice site compared to some other forums. I'll be around from now on...
 
As said, you can achieve fine results with just one light and a reflector (which is what I use with a reflective or shoot through brolly). But if using a reflector, make sure you've practiced folding it back up before you go to a clients house and look silly. Mine's a 1m across one that takes a bit of force to get it started in the twist LOL.
If you are using a backdrop, make sure you have plenty of room between it and the subject.

Toddlers tend to move about LOTS, I much pref getting them outside and attack from a distance with my 80-200mm


Welcome to TP btw :wave:
 
Don't tempt me! :eek:

To be honest they are great fun and once you get them playing you can almost not be there, rather than in their faces with a standard or WA lens
 
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