What lighting set up?

[satans worm]

Hi

So whilst ive been into photography for many decades, ive never been interested in portraits especially indoor ones

However, as im about to be a father for the first time, i figure i need to turn my attention to tackling this genre, the big question is what do i need?

So to start with what i know, and the equipment i currently have (and want to use);

Canon EOS6, 28-135 f3.5, 70-200 F2.8 18-35mm F2.8

Hasselblade 500

Most shots would be for the canon but id love the option to shoot with the hassy as im kinda a analogue guy now, that said, digital is a great way of learning as you see what youve taken and can adjust straight away, not to mention lack of cost in taking lots of pictures!

Im guessing camera equipment wise people will be suggesting a 100mm prime for the Canon?

Lighting

So i am assuming 2 off camera lights with soft boxes, the question is continuous or flash? for a new born/ baby if it makes a difference, and after that route has been decided, cost wise, what do you get for more money over basic entrance level lighting?

Soft box recommendation or doesnt matter much?

Can the Hassy work with it, what would i need to connect the old fossil to the lighting set up?

Backgrounds etc a given and no issue deciding there

Any one know some famous baby photographers i can follow and get inspired from?

Anything im missing?

[Simpo Two]

satans worm said:

So i am assuming 2 off camera lights with soft boxes, the question is continuous or flash? for a new born/ baby if it makes a difference, and after that route has been decided, cost wise, what do you get for more money over basic entrance level lighting?

Soft box recommendation or doesnt matter much?

I started with continuous, because 'it's easier than flash isn't it' - but soon switched to flash for the extra power it offers. Softboxes and other modifiers can soak up a lot of light. They have modelling lights so you can get a slight preview of the effect. Babies aren't bothered by flash.

Soft is good but you also want modelling; sometimes I just bounce a light + reflector off the wall for a quick easy result. In short there's no 'right' answer, it's whatever works for you and gives the results you like.

Like camera, studio flashes (monoblocs) come with different fittings depending on the make. I started with a s/h Elinchrom kit from eBay and gradually modified it as my needs evolved. Choose heads with a good range of power adjustment.

I've never had a Hasselblad but for a DSLR I use a cheap wireless flash trigger that sits on the hotshoe. Or you can use the Synch socket. Wireless is defo best as there are fewer wires to trip over. I set the shutter speed to 1/200, set the aperture for the DOF I want, and adjust the light power for the correct exposure. With practice you'll get it pretty close first time.

Edited by Simpo Two on Tuesday 27th December 19:19

[steveatesh]

When we were doing new borns in the studio we used a single very large umbrella as a softbox, very feathered, along with the baby posing platform and an array of colour matched blankets and accessories. We used Elinchrom kit.

First 14 days is crucial as they sleep a lot more and less chance of them doing what little humans do on your nice set.

Loads of poses if you want to learn them……

For my own grand daughter I didn’t use the studio and did them in the house using a plain wall as background, or being held by the parents both wearing plain clothing and for which I used a Godox speedlight and softening modifier. Processing them into black and white proved very popular with my son and daughter in law and the single light added “drama” to the shot.

As she has got older I tend to bounce the flash off the ceiling or walls (t685 again or AD200) balancing with ambient.

I have a parabolic umbrella softbox for when she’s a little older and will pose for me without deciding she wants to see what the hell that box is I’m Holding and with lots of buttons and clicks……

For an expert look at Kelly Brown ( https://kellybrown.com.au/ )

Got to say we have moved more and more to using Godox speedlights and AD200 in the studio and location work, hardly ever use the Elinchrom stuff nowadays.