seeking advice from your pros!

[Yates]

I have just transitioned from action videography to photography. I purchased a Canon T2i a few months ago...I have the kit lens, 50mm and 55-300....I also purchased a backdrop and continous light kit from "cowboy studio". I bought the camera for personal use, I bought the background to help some friends with babies too avoid the costs of a pro....well long story short....I can't seem to get the muslin to not look wrinkled....ever....even with ironing and wide apature....I was thinking about going with paper rolls instead.....any thoughts?

Also, the lights I purchased have the enourmous floresant light bulbs which are really harsh on the babies skin tones, I tried shooting with regular household bulbs which gave me a softer look but not enough output I dont belive....what types of bulbs should I be using?

Lastely, I belive I need a strobe/softbox/trigger and a key light to do a more professional job. I am trying to keep the cost down as this is a hobby not a business. Any suggestions?


I really appreciate the support, I have purchased 3 books which helped, I just need alittle more specific info as to my situation.

-Chris

 

[GeneralBenson]

Usually if your background is looking wrinkled in all your photos, it's because your background is wrinkled.

After dealing with that, put more light on it. You should have 1 or 2 lights just for lighting the background.

 

[Xo0]

I've never worked with anything else than while/grey/black wall or paper. My experience with paper is that it gets wrinkled as well. Especially when you also stand on it.

Secondly, a major factor in softness a light provides is the distance the light is standing from the subject. The closer a light is to the subject, the softer the light. So try to put the light real close to the baby.

And you can only get the right tone if you correctly configure your white balance.

 

[KmH]

Your subjects are to likely to close to the background. Ideally you want them 4 to 8 feet away from it.

 

[Yates]

Thanks everyone...yes the reason the backdrop looks wrinkled is the wrinkles hahahaha....I guess what I meant was I am looking for a better setup...and I have seen some other pro shots where it looks like they are using paper or some other type of "solid" background.

Also, does anyone have any ideas for a soft box strobe set up? I am alittle lost...I know these are basic questions, I am really just out of options for people to ask. I really apppreciatr the input...and I didnt consider the distance from the light source....thats a great tip I need to watch

 

[GeneralBenson]

Muslin works just fine, and will be perfectly white and clean if you pump enough light onto it. Paper works too.

 

[Yates]

Muslin works just fine, and will be perfectly white and clean if you pump enough light onto it. Paper works too.

Thank you for your reply. I am only using these cheap continous lights...I think I need a better light source...is there anything out there for someone like me that is not looking to spend thousands on lighting? Any advice is really appreciated!

 

[KmH]

If you look around the internet a bit using a search engine, you soon discover that it doesn't take thousands of $$$'s to put together a nice lighting setup.

Ultimately, relying on other people to do your research will cost you in missed information and sources.

 

[Yates]

I agree and not looking for anyone to do my research. I am just alittle confused on what makes a worth while light and what exactly is best to use. I have purchased some helpful books, however, most refer to a softbox...is this a continous or strobe? I have seen both avail and not sure which would be good for portraits. I already spent alittle bit on what I would consider a subpar set up, but I understand you get what you pay for.

I found this website and had hoped that some fello photographers could lead me in an informed direction, not asking anyone to do anything for me other than ofer some opinions on starting points, I.e. Trusted brands, some set up that is good for the money, etc.

I don't have the privledge of having a mentor I can talk to. I have been buying every book I see that applies to me, I just needed alittle more one on one advice. The fact that I posted this question and seeking advice from actual practicing pros is part of my research.

That being said, than you all for taking the time to post your thoughts. I know I am new here, but I really do need the advice beyond what I have been able to educate myself on indpendently. If this is not the purpose of this website then I apologize for landing in the wrong place