Portrait Parties

[Familyphotog]

I am having my first portrait party next weekend and I need some advice as to backdrops & off camera lighting. I currently own a D90 and an SB-600. I also have a reflector & diffuser. I am looking to get my flash off of my camera since I am sure that will produce better images. This is my first indoor studio type shoot since I am always on location with natural light. Can I use the reflector with the SB-600, or even the window light? The space does have pretty decent light sources.
I LOVE the backdrops I have seen online that look like hardwood flooring and old barn doors, etc. They are around $80 for a 5 ft. size...is that pretty reasonable?
Thanks everyone!

 

[Emilymarie]

yes, I paid about $90.00 for my flooring and found a few "backdrops" at the fabric stor

 

[KmH]

I am having my first portrait party next weekend and I need some advice as to backdrops & off camera lighting. I currently own a D90 and an SB-600. I also have a reflector & diffuser. I am looking to get my flash off of my camera since I am sure that will produce better images. This is my first indoor studio type shoot since I am always on location with natural light. Can I use the reflector with the SB-600, or even the window light? The space does have pretty decent light sources.
I LOVE the backdrops I have seen online that look like hardwood flooring and old barn doors, etc. They are around $80 for a 5 ft. size...is that pretty reasonable?
Thanks everyone!

You need the SB-600 on a light stand, shooting into an umbrella or softbox, with the reflector providing second light/fill light from the opposite side of the camera. Impact Digital Flash Umbrella Mount Kit DFUMK B&H Photo Video

The umbrella or softbox makes the light source appear much larger, which softens the shadows that the light casts. softboxes allow more precise control of wwhere the light is going, but they cost more.
Here is a softbox for a speedlight like the SB-600; Westcott Apollo Softbox with Recessed Front - 28 x 2334 B&H

You would configure your D90 in Commander Mode/rear curtain sync and put the SB-600 in manual mode set to 1/8 power. You would then use the lens aperture to control the flash exposure and use the shutter speed to control theambient light exposure. The flash of light will stop any subject motion because at 1/8 power the flash duration of a SB-600 is about 1/6600 of a second.

 

[Familyphotog]

Wow,that was so helpful. Thank you! I will be shooting next to a window , so I was hoping to utilize that as much as possible. I didn't really want to spend so much, would a softbox on the speedlight on the opposite side of the window be enough for fill?
Thanks again!!

 

[Familyphotog]

Just woke up and reread your post, and realized you meant one or the other...
Would I be able to get away with just the reflector on a stand bouncing the window light?

 

[KmH]

Maybe. It really depends on what direction the window faces, what is outside the window, and what the weather is doing. North facing windows give the most consistant light throughout the day.

How effective a reflector would be for fill depends on it's size and shape.

The trouble with using available light is you have so little control.

You don't need 2 light stands/umbrellas right away. I just referred you to that kit because it shows all 3 pieces you need: stand, umbrella bracket, and umbrella. Actually, bigger umbrellas would be better, 45" to 60".

 

[Familyphotog]

I don't have any off camera flash equipment yet or a backdrop stand either. Any input with that? I was looking at pocket wizards...
Thanks so much. I better get moving with this!

 

[Familyphotog]

Emily, I just fanned your page...so cute! Do you have any pull back images I can see for your shoot with your daughter? This is the setup I am looking for!

 

[Familyphotog]

Just mounted my SB-600 on a tripod..now off to try out bouncing off the reflector. All I need now is a pocket wizard & a backdrop stand. Anyone have suggestions?