First try at portraits

[Susan]

Hi

I had a go at some portraits the other day, was my first ever try and it didn't go very well.
I didn't have any lighting, other than the natural light coming in the window and the flash on my camera. I had my reflector with me, but didn't use it, was quite nervous being my first time and the living room wasn't very big. I know I should have and I'm quite disappointed with the results. I've burnt out the background in photoshop to get rid of teh edges of sofas and door frames etc.
Not the ideal location for taking portraits, but just wanted to try it out.

The baby's only 6 weeks old and got a bit unsettled at this big black camera being pointed at her for over 30mins. If anyone could suggest any good positions or tips for taking photo's of young babies it would be much appreciated. I've arranged to go back and take some more shots, with my reflector this time

Thanks in advance
Sus

[Jim Ford]

Re: First try at portraits

The top one would improve enormously by adjusting the levels with Photoshop. Pull the RH slider to the left to give a white point - there's no clean white I can see in your image.

Jim

[B.P.S Studios]

Re: First try at portraits

Hi Susan,

I do portrait work all the time and the one thing I will say is that babies and toddlers are very unpredictable and get bored very quick. If the baby is very young (new born) I find the best thing to do is lie them on the floor near a bright window with a white blanket or rug underneath them and shoot from above. Get the parent to use a rattler to attract the babies attention.If they are a little older put them sitting on a sofa or deep chair,again with a blanket or rug underneath. I have a beanbag that I use for posing babies/toddlers and it works a treat.However for portrait work indoors I would suggest getting a 2 head lighting kit and a backdrop. Reflectors work well in soft light but if the natural light coming into a room is strong the reflector can cast a very strong light.Using at least one flash head with your reflector you can get a nice soft light on your subject.

Best of luck

[B.P.S Studios]

Re: First try at portraits

Here is a sample to give you an idea

[DTD]

Re: First try at portraits

If the light in doors was a big problem, try doing some outside.

[Jim Ford]

Re: First try at portraits

I have a beanbag that I use for posing babies/toddlers and it works a treat.

Good tip - do you slug them with it?
;^)

Jim

[j.baker]

Re: First try at portraits

"Good tip - do you slug them with it?
;^)"

Does it help keep them quiet? My sister had her third baby last week. Its very noisy.

[Jim Ford]

Re: First try at portraits

My sister had her third baby last week. Its very noisy.

A week old baby is just exercising and tuning up its lungs. Wait until it's 6-9 months old!

Jim

[B.P.S Studios]

Re: First try at portraits

Nothing that a dose of Calpol won't cure

[j.baker]

Re: First try at portraits

for the baby or the adults?

[B.P.S Studios]

Re: First try at portraits

Valium for the adults

[OlyPaul]

Re: First try at portraits

Hi Susan,

The built in flash is possibly the worst lighting source for a baby portrait as it is harsh light!

I do not usually do baby pics but the next door neighbor popped around with her latest addition to the family a few months ago so I just popped him next to the living room window which has net curtain to diffuse the light and took a quick snap with the E-510 as you can see here.

[Graham_of_Rainham]

[Susan]