Natural Window Light Portraits

[jamiepeter]

I bought some black velour to experiment with some window light portraits. Even with on F/1.8 the shutter speed won't be faster than 1/2 second (Av priority). I know the answer to this question is lighting, but what type? How can I create cheap home studio lighting?

Thanks.

[dsze]

I'm not sure what your question is here. Your title says natural window light portraits, but your askign about cheap home studio lights to buy??? You have a 420EX to supplement window light. Cheap home lighting to supplement window lighting would be reflectors along with a higher ISO. Maybe you could be a little more clear with what you're actually trying to achieve.

[mattgreg]

An example might help as well with some exif data.

[jamiepeter]

Haha yes, now that I re-read I was a little jumbled, was I not? That's what happens when I talk before noon!! Well I'm looking for two answers:

1) Creating a natural window light portrait with just a reflector. (Tried and my lense won't budge about 1/8th of a second on Av priority mode - nifty fifty)

2) Creating studio lighting cheaply on a budget just to experiment further on portraiture.

Hopefully I am more clear now. Although I am encroaching on "evening" brain fairly quickly.

[dsze]

I understand "morning brain." ;)

Try getting out of Av mode, put that 30D on spot metering and M mode. Don't let the camera try to meter the whole scene. Spot meter under the eye and see what you get. If you're using an f/1.8 aperture and not getting any faster and 1/8 then either your just not using a window that offers much light or you can increase your ISO.

Cheap studio lighting can consist of shop light from home depot. Studio lighting is a beast all its own and there actually is a separate section for it on this forum. I'm sure you'd get better answers from the very knowledgable folks there. Personally, I use only combinations of natural light, reflectors and 3 wireless flashes...sometimes (rarely) with umbrellas.

[mattgreg]

Jamie,
Also it sounds like you are in experimentation and learning mode as I am. Someone on POTN recommended the site www.strobist.com. That is a cool site. You should check it out.

Good luck!
Matt