First Client off my new website - DPChallenge Forums

10/28/2005 08:29:08 PM · #1

I got my first job contact today off of my new website. A woman wanting a portrait (canvas) of her 2 year old son on a tractor or near a barn. My concern is fill flash and lighting. I would love some tips on creating good light. I have an external flash but bouncing it off of anything outdoors will be out. Do you think natural light might be enough or too much? Also what time of day is best for outdoor photos so that the sun is not too strong?

Thanks,

Kelly

moodville

Nikon D100

10/28/2005 08:45:24 PM · #2

I'd say in the hour or so before sunset when everything is bathed in golden light. That would also go with the theme of a tractor or barn considering most farmwork is done early morning into the late hours. You should be able to get some good back/rim lighting with the natural light, and probably a gold reflector to bounce some light back onto the boy would be good too.

10/28/2005 08:46:53 PM · #3

I have taken outdoor portraits, but mostly evenings and worked with natural light and a reflector ( gold for evenings ). you can use fill flash directly from your camera as long as its just fill and it doesn't overpower the natural light.

10/28/2005 09:01:50 PM · #4

Thanks guys.

I have a gold reflector. I am wondering who will be holding it while Im taking the pics...LOL

Are you talking about an umbrella reflector on a stand or a handheld one?

10/28/2005 09:03:35 PM · #5

I used the normal handheld kind of reflector on a tripod as I was shooting handheld, I could use the tripod to hang the reflector. Its not that stable if there is wind, but can work. Take a beach chair, that also can help with your reflector

Message edited by author 2005-10-28 21:04:05.

10/28/2005 09:30:21 PM · #6

I may have a few more dumb questions so please bear with me.

The reflector needs to be at what angle in relation to the subject?

10/28/2005 09:37:01 PM · #7

it all depends on what kind of light you are getting. If you light is directional from lets say right, it will cast shadows on left, so your reflector should be on left. As for angle, it should be able to reflect light on to your subject, so the angle really depends on the position of your main light source relative to the subject.
hmm looks like I confused you more :)

Beetle

10/28/2005 09:38:19 PM · #8

how about you first find out which barn you'd like to use, then figure out which direction it faces - that will help you decide if late afternoon is in fact the best time to shoot there.

Once you have worked that out, recruit a volunteer (even a large teddy bear will do - being roughly the same size as a toddler) to practice using reflectors on.
Good luck!

10/28/2005 09:41:01 PM · #9

ex#1 just for the face, lighting form below..
//www.diynetwork.com/diy/hp_digital_photography/article/0,2033,DIY_13956_4140328,00.html

ex#2 look at last setup
//www.ephotozine.com/techniques/viewtechnique.cfm?recid=236

Message edited by author 2005-10-28 21:45:23.