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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> In need of a little advice on a shoot scheduled...
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06/06/2008 10:08:29 PM · #1
â€Â¦for tomorrow or Monday. I hope it’s Monday because my backdrop has not arrived nor has my light meter.

Here̢۪s what I̢۪m up against. My neighbor asked if I could take some portraits of her grand baby, he is approximately 5 months old. I did not solicit the shoot; she approached me after seeing several photographs that I have taken.

I have most of the equipment need to do a good job but as I stated my background and light meter have not arrived by UPS. If any of you have advice on what kind of temporary background I can use for the shoot and how to get the proper lighting, your advice would be appreciated.

I will be using my Canon 40D and Canon 50mm f/1.8. I think that lens will work best in the limited space (20̢۪x18̢۪) and it̢۪s very sharp. I don̢۪t know about my other lens on baby portraits. I will be using 2 - 580EX II flashes, both off camera and remotely fired by a Canon ST-E2 speedlight transmitter with umbrellas on stand that can reach 10 foot. So I will be working with a two-strobe system. I also have a few props and a contour pillow that can be put under the baby for support.

I̢۪m NOT adept in portraiture shots but willing to give it a try. So to say the least I am very nervous with my reputation at stake. But if I can pull it off and please the grandmother and mother then I can build my confidence and start thinking about turning my hobby into a part-time business.

Thanks,
In need of advice!
06/06/2008 10:39:55 PM · #2
Hi Scott.

I've used sheets for backdrops with good success. A twin sheet, bought on sale or not - they don't cost much, works well. Just find a good color, then make sure the wrinkles are out. Put it in the dryer with a wet cloth and let it run for 15-20 minutes. That will remove wrinkles quickly.

I've had shoots to do when I don't have a light meter. By using your histogram, you can get the lights set up quite nicely. I'll set up my shot and equipment early. Then I up a stuffed animal or doll in the place of the subject and start taking trial shots. By looking at the preview and checking the histogram, I can get my lighting set ahead of time. That way I look intelligent when the shoot is going.

When looking at your previews, check for pleasant lighting, not too contrasty, and no hot spots. Adjust the placement of your lights until you get a the look you want. Check your histogram for correct exposure. If the histogram is too far to the right (light image), lower your exposure through the aperature, or reduce your lights. If to far to the left, do the opposite.

Simple fixes, just do the work in advance and look awesome for the client.
06/06/2008 10:44:40 PM · #3
Thanks for the help and advice.
Scott
06/07/2008 03:41:16 AM · #4
Let us know how it goes.
06/07/2008 06:29:51 AM · #5
If you're using two 580s, I have to ask whether you really need a light meter. You can use the flash system quite happily. In that sort of space, you can go manual and stop right down, using the flashes to provide all the light using ETTL.

Just another thought, if you're having trouble getting a sheet to be perfectly flat and crease-free, why not go in the opposite direction and make a feature of its rumpledness (if that's even a word).

I don't need to wish you luck, you'll do it easily.
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