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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Need advice on taking a casual business portrait
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11/21/2012 11:40:14 AM · #1
Quick advice needed. My neighbor asked me to take a photo of her in her business office. She suggested either a Monday morning or Tuesday afternoon next week. She mentioned her office windows face east (not directly east, but almost).

I would like to use natural light and possibly a single bounce fill light. I realize this is scant information, but advice on which would be better -- morning or afternoon -- or any other helpful advice (aside from "hire a professional") would be appreciated!

Thank you,
Larry
11/21/2012 12:20:01 PM · #2
Afternoon, for that soft light, probably about an hour before sunset is a good time to set up.

Bring a big diffuser, (42" shoot through or bounce umbrella will be fine) a snoot, and a couple of speedlights with radio triggers (you can slave them optically, but that's pretty hit&miss in my experience, and you don't need to add variables)

Setup the diffused light at a slight angle above the person and slightly in front, setup the second flash as a rim light from behind with the snoot, or as a hair light from above and behind with the snoot, either choice will add pop to the photo.

If you wanted, you could use a third or fourth flash, gelled, or gridded to add some ambiance to the office.

..

Of course, you can get away with just a single speedlight and use it to fill. But where's the fun in that? ;)

If you do really want to go this way, just bring a white card and some gaffers tape, so you can at least shape the light somewhat. Try bouncing off walls, or at strange angles to get that "look".

Still, if you can take it off camera and diffuse it, you'll LOVE the results.

Message edited by author 2012-11-21 12:22:03.
11/21/2012 01:31:01 PM · #3
The location will matter. I suggest not too much clutter behind and enough light on hair to seperate subject form background. Window light+bounce can certainly work, but bring two reflectors and a scrim if you own one. Single bounce is a good idea for this kind of shot, but if you end up going wide open on the lens, be sure to make a point to focus on subject eyes. Be prepared to compensate for glasses if need be.

hope this helps

11/21/2012 02:35:57 PM · #4
Thank you both, Cory & Devinder! I should have mentioned I have limited gear. I'm going to set up some practice shots over the long weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.

By the way, my first response to her actually was that she should hire a professional, but the idea made her uncomfortable. I don't think it's about the money; I think she really is camera shy and wants to keep it low key. So I said I'd help her out and it would be a good experience for me, but that she should be prepared to hire a pro if the results aren't good enough for whatever she wants to use them for.

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