Tips for taking/lighting portraits inside?

[connersz]

Increasingly I'm being asked to go to peoples houses for special occasions. The usual scenario is that the family are gathering for an 80th birthday for example and want a photographer to come and take some portraits of them as a family, each family unit and the kids. They often ask for the photos to be a more natural candid style.

I usually take outdoor portraits or in client homes using paper backdrops but I've never been great at taking the around the surrounds of the home. The main issue I have is lighting which often seems very shadowy and harsh due to the low light.

I could use some tips to help progress with these, probably from someone with experience photographing families around their homes.

 

[Phil V]

I think the closest to this scenario is bridal prep, which a lot of us do, and worst case scenario is a hotel room with barely any natural light, best case open plan modern home with large windows.

Like most people photography it's about reading the light, when you walk into the space for the first time look at all your light sources and pick your positions for shooting based on the light.

The common mistake is to chase the action into crap light, the smart choice is to wait for (or encourage) things to happen in the better light.

If necessary, add bounced flash to the ambient, but again, the secret is the careful balance.

 

[Alastair]

I have the same problem with family and friends gatherings. I'm coming to the conclusion the best way to get natural, candid style shots is some subtle staging with the assistance of the organiser.

If it's granny's 80th birthday, arrange with whoever's brought you in (probably one of her children/grandchildren) to make sure that granny is seated where there's good light and you find yourself an out-of-the-way position (or two) giving a clear view and a decent background. Now you stake out granny and wait as everyone else takes their turn sitting with her for a chat, and take your chances with what else you can get from your chosen position. If it's a christening you position mum and baby in that key position, etc.

It's a variation on the comment from @Phil V above - put the action into the good light.

 

[Alastair]

Another thought.. candids aren't about the location, they're about the emotion. If you've a second body with a longer lens you can get some good candids as everyone shuffles about for the big group shot. Just think of all those government summits where the shot that makes the paper is the tight shot of Merkel making a jokey aside to Hollande target than the dull group shot they were all lining up for at the time it was snapped. To me this is the essence of the second shooter's role, or if you're on your tod it's why you've a longer lens on your second body within easy reach whilst someone is wrangling the family together for you (ushers aren't just for weddings).

 

[Livin The Dream]

If there really isn't enough decent light around then flash is going to have to be your solution. Bounced flash will be the preferred choice if you are following people and if you dont mind quite flat lighting then a stofen diffuser acting like a bare bulb (pointing up) will give you that. Bouncing can provide better sculpting but whether it's a ceiling or a wall, the colour needs to be as neutral as possible to avoid colour casts.