DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Shooting available light portraits
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 8 of 8, (reverse)
AuthorThread
09/12/2013 12:07:12 PM · #1
In an unprecedented gesture by my 16 year old daughter which, to me, was taken as "maybe dad's cool after all", she asked if I'd shoot her senior pictures next year. Well, who was I to say "no"? So after digging out and dusting off my gear I was quickly reminded of how much I don't know about this hobby, let alone shooting a good portrait.

I'm not wanting to go out and make a big purchase of lighting and all that. Rather, I'd like to use available light and reflectors. Is there a good book or web site anybody could recommend I look at? I'd sure appreciate the help!

Thanks!

Kelly
09/12/2013 12:56:22 PM · #2
Strobist. 'nuf said.

ETA: While the linked blog focuses on flash lighting, the same ideas can be used to implement limited flash assistance to available light.

Message edited by author 2013-09-12 12:57:42.
09/12/2013 12:57:29 PM · #3
Thanks much!
09/12/2013 02:25:10 PM · #4
just be sure she's clear on the difference between doing a senior shoot and shooting the drape shot ;-)

i'm sure ya'll will have a lot of fun with this. i did!

Message edited by author 2013-09-12 14:26:41.
09/12/2013 02:53:52 PM · #5
check out photovision, so much great stuff on there. If you have any specific questions you can ask me as this is what I do. Of course I prefer to use artificial lighting but I can hold my own all natural.



Those are all natural light shots.
09/12/2013 04:47:24 PM · #6
First thing I would do is ask her to show you a few examples of senior/fashion portraits that she loves! this could be from magazines, online, friends photos, other local photographers, etc... Once you have a look/idea down, start thinking of locations for that look.

I shoot 100% natural light for senior portraits (the majority of my clients lately), all I use is a reflector. Parents love to help so they are my assistant for the day, so in your case have either mom or one of her friends join you to hold the reflector. A friend might work best so it's not mom AND dad hehe :p

For the best light, photos should be taken early morning or a couple hours before sunset.

Since it's your daughter, maybe have a few "mini" shoots before her actual senior session ;)


09/12/2013 04:49:42 PM · #7
I almost forgot, this image:

(actually a crop of same) is the one that got submitted for my daughter's yearbook. The details give some information on how the shot was executed.
09/12/2013 06:01:04 PM · #8
Thanks all for the advice and great examples. This may be the excuse I "need" to go to the 1.4 50mm, right? :D mwuhahahah!
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 03/29/2024 06:16:47 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/29/2024 06:16:47 AM EDT.