Child Portraits

[Pinkeez]

Hi Guys

I have been asked if I will take some portraits of a work colleagues grandson, and some family portraits while I am there. going to be going to their home so the little chappie feels more at ease, he's only five months old or so. The daughter has a good size living room (25ft or so), so space shouldn't be an issue. I have a basic light kit of an Apollo 180 light, which has a white brolly and silver/gold reflector as well as a Nissin flash gun. I also have white and black background material and a green tutonic background, a tripod and softbox sleeve for the Nissin.

Any tips on basic set ups, iso, light positions. do the reflectors help, or is the child likely to go for it as a bright new toy? Are there any definite do's or don'ts?

[briansquibb]

Re: Child Portraits

Use as much natural light as possible

Use 100/200 iso

Keep as far away from the background as possible so that it is OOF

Bounce the Nissin from the ceiling as this is the best softbox

Brian

[mikep]

Re: Child Portraits

Hi David

I'm not an expert, so will not comment on the technical side... however...

I would recommend changing location or position several times, and changing the child's outfit / hat etc. This will ensure the results are quite mixed and not all looking the same! Recently saw the results from another shoot (family member), looked good with different hats / colour and B&W shots, different places and props (on floor / sofa / wrapped in towel etc.)!

Hope that helps. All the best, Mike.

[celtex]

Re: Child Portraits

Also take some shots of child and mum together first - not necessarily to use - so Mum does not have to worry about her appearance (unless she wants to of course) but might put baby at ease and get used to lights and flashes etc - plus get Mum to interact with baby, and slowly put more distance between them so you can zoom in on baby while baby's focus is on mum - you might get some really nice expressions and candid portraits that way

Ian

[Pinkeez]

Re: Child Portraits

Thanks guys, much appreciated. they are very happy for me to use them as an "experiment"/ "experience" and I can have whatever ones I like for my portfolio, so I will share them with you as well once I have taken them.

thanks for the feedback guys.