need help with lighting

[neb121]

So the biggest problem i been having is lighting. its very rare that i ever get the lighting good and since i don't have a grey card or reflector its even harder.
I can't get anymore equipment for my camera until September.

I shoot with a sony a65 and I have a 55mm lens Its a kit lens.I do have a fill flash. In September i will be getting a prime lens. probably the 50mm or 35 so i can get a wider appeture. so right now i am dealing with a f.5 i believe is the lowest.
I am shooting a family this weekend and then my niece and nephew next week so wanted to practice this week so i can get it almost perfect. Since i want atleast some of these pictures to go into my portfolio.

I will be shooting outside. I know it's best to shoot an hour before the sun goes down so i will try and do that.

Is there any ideas for posing of kids and families and also any advice you can give me on lighting.

Here are some pictures i have taken.The second picture of my dog was my indoor picture. Used with fill flash.


Thanks
-Natalie

 

[KmH]

Two 20x30 reflectors for $10. - Walmart.com: Elmer's Guide-Line Paper-Laminated Polystyrene Foam Display Board, 20 x 30, White, 2/Pack: Office

I highly recommend rethinking your logo. The camera graphic is very intrusive (way to big) and redundant, IMO.

 

[janineh]

Two 20x30 reflectors for $10. - Walmart.com: Elmer's Guide-Line Paper-Laminated Polystyrene Foam Display Board, 20 x 30, White, 2/Pack: Office

I highly recommend rethinking your logo. The camera graphic is very intrusive (way to big) and redundant, IMO.

Agree with the logo! Take off the camera graphic! Its way to big.

Photos are not too bad. You will love some primes!

 

[janineh]

Like the first one, but watch out for cutting off heads and feet.

 

[mommyof4qteez]

I agree..take the camera off your logo..pics look good.. you can get a 50mm 1.8 for $100.. I own this lens & it's great for the price!

 

[amolitor]

When you say you have a fill flash, do you mean that you have a separate off-camera flash?

You can use a tissue of a piece of white paper as a diffuser on either your on-camera flash, or a separate one. Just tape the paper so it stands out in front of the flash a ways, just having it right on the flash won't help much. You can use anything white or light colored as a reflector, either on a flash, or near the subjects to fill light in on them.

If you were, for example, to stand your subject next to a white wall, and photograph them but not the wall, there would appear to be a lot more light on them on the wall side -- the wall almost acts like a very low poer softbox, reflecting whatever light hits it. Same idea with a big piece of white paper, a light colored car or van, anything. Generally people will look good with light coming from the side and a little in front, ideally not too much from above. Sunlight in the morning or evening works well. Fill in the shadowed side by standing them next to a wall or van, as indicated.

 

[neb121]

thanks guys. i am going to be getting a new logo. just have that one for now. Going to have someone create one for me in september. I can make the logo smaller though.

and i try not to cut off hands and feet. i was upset her foot got cut off because i like the background of that picture.

can i use a poster board for a reflector?

thanks.