Baby's and lighting, c & c welcome!!!

[LDPhoto]

I love photographing babies and am wanting to know an easy way to carry the proper lighitng with me into clients homes. Here are some photos I took this past weekend, C&C welcome. I'm shooting with the cannon eos 50d.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZkcSgfcIBsE/TUEHCu8Tb0I/AAAAAAAAAEs/ivwQRqyFVk4/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG

 

[3bayjunkie]

you need a big soft lightbox to photograph babies. otherwise they just wont look good. try like a 30 by 40 inch soft box...

 

[kundalini]

you need a big soft lightbox to photograph babies. otherwise they just wont look good. try like a 30 by 40 inch soft box...

I'm afraid that there is more to it than light modifers. Let's start with the basics..... Focus, Composition, Exposure, Aperture, Shutter Speed and Post Processing. These can be done without any additional investment. Get confortable and consistent with these first BEFORE you go to a clients' home. Not meaning to sound cruel, but your examples do not demonstrate enough skill yet to branch out into "clients". Practice, practice, practice. I'm sure you can get there in the end.

 

[For9Studios]

If you are traveling to a clients home - I would travel during the day and use natural lighting through the windows. Natural lighting in my opinion tends to work better for babies. In most cases, the nursery usually has some great natural lighting.

I think the only way you can practice is if you go to other peoples homes. It puts the baby in their setting. It keeps them comfortable. Keep going and take a look at other examples of baby photographs.

 

[fokker]

Damn, I thought the this thread was titled "babies and lightning" and I was preparing to be entertained.

Sorry for that useless post. To contribute, I'll back what For9Studios says, just use available window light. I don't know what you're currently using for lighting but it looks pretty bad. You could try getting a speedlite and bouncing from the ceiling if you can't shoot during the day. It would also be helpful to have a fast prime lens if you choose to use available light - the 50mm f1.8 is perfect for this situation and only costs $100.

 

[RockstarPhotography]

I concur. babies skin is very soft, They don't have years of sunlight, scars, and pollution taking its toll on the skin. Harsh light will blow it out badly. Natural light or a large softbox is the way to go. But you better figure out your focusing first. always focus on the eyes. I can post you up a picture of my son if you would like. although he's 11months his skin texture is still soft.

 

[Derrel]

How about a quality, 45 inch, reflecting umbrella and a 10-foot air-cushioned stand,and a fairly powerful flash unit? That would work pretty well. That would create much better looking lighting than what these examples were made with.