Epic fail - natural lighting

[knjrphoto]

What can be done to more effectively use natural light? This was taken using light from a large window around 1:30pm.

 

[ghache]

its not that bad?

 

[Derrel]

You'll have to do much worse than that for that to be accurately called an epic fail...

 

[ghache]

the only thing i would have done is place the babies on the other side and slide them a little bit more in the light.

 

[Josh220]

What direction was the window facing? You always want a North or South facing window for the softest light. If it's still too strong (as you feel this is) buy a cheap frosted (cloudy) shower curtain to drape in front of the window to act as a giant diffuser. Just make sure it doesn't have any patterns on it.

You can also move the subject further away from the window.

 

[knjrphoto]

Well, now I feel like I can maybe mail the proof DVD out. LOL

I don't feel completely awful since I did this shoot for free.

My thoughts are that maybe next time I use some of my lights to fill in the shadows. I think if I didn't feel rushed I would spend a little more time trying to correct problems I see while I'm taking the photos - instead of kicking myself later.

I had really wanted to take pictures of these two when they were just a few weeks old - they aren't technically "newborn" anymore here.

 

[knjrphoto]

What direction was the window facing? You always want a North or South facing window for the softest light. If it's still too strong (as you feel this is) buy a cheap frosted (cloudy) shower curtain to drape in front of the window to act as a giant diffuser. Just make sure it doesn't have any patterns on it.

You can also move the subject further away from the window.

I'll have to research that one - I mean ask my husband when he gets home.

 

[Josh220]

Also, a reflector on the opposite side of the subjects will fill in those shadows for you.

 

[Scatterbrained]

What direction was the window facing? You always want a North or South facing window for the softest light. If it's still too strong (as you feel this is) buy a cheap frosted (cloudy) shower curtain to drape in front of the window to act as a giant diffuser. Just make sure it doesn't have any patterns on it.

You can also move the subject further away from the window.

+1, or you could hang some cheap IKEA white linen curtains! :mrgreen:
You may have been able to use a reflector for fill light.

 

[robertwsimpson]

the baby on the right looks like a giant!


+1 on using a reflector.

 

[katy625]

i find that morning light coming through a south facing window works wonders.....but if not i agree w others who say use frosted shower panel

 

[knjrphoto]

the baby on the right looks like a giant!

That is what I said when I was taking the pictures. I can't remember which is which, but I said "this one has a huge head compared to the other". The parents agreed.

 

[knjrphoto]

What direction was the window facing?

My husband has determined that the window is south facing.