need advise on lighting for a shoot

[kgauger30]

I have been asked by an aquatiance to take pictures of her 6 month old at her house. The only problem is I do not have any studio lighting or an external flash unit. I have never been to her house and I do not know what kind of lighting I will be walking into.. Is there anything that I can use to help with the lighting that will not cost over $50?? I don't think I will make much money off this shoot, and I am doing it mostly for experience, but I also do not have the money to run out and spend on flashes and expensive lighting.. Any suggestions on what I should do?


Thanks alot

[Mounkey]

your lenses that you have won't do well without a flash. you can get your hands a on a 50mm 1.8 for like $80 and that would help tremendously if you don't want to use onboard flash. other then that i'd recommend that you hopefully shoot in the day and open all blinds. lol

good luck!

[kgauger30]

It will definitly be in the day, morning actually between 8:30 am and 10:30 am... Where can I get one of those for $80???? I would love to be able to do that, I just don't know if I can swing it or not. This time of year is not the time for me to be buying stuff LOL We are always tight on money at this time of the year.. Thanks for the suggestions..

Kim

[zacker]

try to find out if there is a nice window that gets good sun at that time, position the subject with the windo so the sun shining in is coming from either the right or left front at about a 45 degrees and then position a big piece of bright white paper or foam core as a reflector on the opposite side just out of camera and try to reflect some light back onto your subject. ORRRR> go get some white, ultra sheer cloth at a fabric store, and hang it in the window to diffuse the light coming in... give it the artsy, soft look.
good luck...

[Sylvester X]

It seems you will need to use your on board flash. With this being the case you may want to consider something like this;

http://lumiquest.com/softscreen.htm

to help you diffuse the light.

[kgauger30]

Thanks everyone.. Do you think I could make one of those softscreens? Maybe with a little cardboard frame and tracing paper? Or something of the sort?

[konstantin]

Why don't you rent lighning stuff arround your area. that is how i do it.
if you pic it up and bring it back the same day you should be fine. of cource you could also invest in the 1,8 50mm lens ,it is a good one, and use window light and a white foam board (60cm by 80cm or so) to light the shadows. Or you go into a homedepo or so and get 2 or three construction spotlights. but be alert they get really hot over time.

[kgauger30]

I would rent the lighting but I live in a very small town and there isnt anywhere here to rent anything like that... I was thinking about the spotlights, since it wont be that long of a shoot.. Thanks for the tip.

[zacker]

do you have a flash like the 580 ex or 430 ex? they can also be used and help out allot.

[zacker]

Thanks everyone.. Do you think I could make one of those softscreens? Maybe with a little cardboard frame and tracing paper? Or something of the sort?

yes, go to a fabric store and get some white "rip-stop" nylon.. and then use gard board and tape to make it.

[Geo]

I would rent the lighting but I live in a very small town and there isnt anywhere here to rent anything like that... I was thinking about the spotlights, since it wont be that long of a shoot.. Thanks for the tip.
Hi, drive a 2 or 3 hour to Miami and look for Pittman Photo Supply, I guarantee it that you will found a lot of you need lol.

[smdevo]

I would just use what you have and try to find a spot by a window and open up the blinds or even go outside to the backyard. Don't spend money if you don't have to. Use the widest aperture you can manage.