Good quality portrait photography for amateurs?

[FlipsidE]

I will admit that I'm very new to photography. I haven't had any formal training. But, I have been showing some pictures I've taken to a friend of mine, and she seems to like them.

Today, we struck up a conversation about photography, and she asked me if I might be able to take some photos of her baby (she's seven months pregnant).

Now, it'd be great if I could snap some photos of her, her husband, and her baby (whole family) and some of just her baby. I'm sure she'd really appreciate it.

So, question, where should I start first and what equipment is more-or-less needed for amateur potrait photography? Right now, I have a Digital Rebel and kit lens. I have a feeling that a decent flash (maybe a 420EX) and a better lens would both be good starting points, but I'd like to hear your opinions.

Also, what books would be good to give me a good primer (and maybe some advanced topics) on potrait photography...maybe an emphasis on infants?

Thanks in advance

Flipside

[PhotosGuy]

Try a google search for"
baby photography "how to"
:wink:

[FlipsidE]

I will do some looking around. I just figured that there may be some on the board who have a good bit of experience with baby photography. If they could give me pointers, that would be great.

FlipsidE

[Lisard]

She's 7 months pregnant, right? So why we're talking about tips on baby photos? Are they looking for a couple photo with an emphasys on her belly? Maybe I missed something...

[FlipsidE]

Yeah, she's 7 months pregnant, so I have about two months to learn as much as I can about portrait photography.

FlipsidE

[Harry Settle]

Hey Flip. You can start with your on camera flash and a Stoffen Omnibounce, Lumiquest pocket bounce and reflectors. You can get a simple strobe setup consisting of a couple strobes, umbrellas and 6ft stands for under $200. You can make your own or purchase a simple background setup very cheaply also. You can also get some mediocre shots with the built in flash, not recommended.

Start picking up books on different kinds of posing and portraits etc. . . then practice. Since you have willing subjects you can practice with different lighting setups easily. All of the equipment in the world won't take the place of knowing how to use your equipment.

There probably isn't any need for you to jump right out and spend a million bucks right off the bat.

[robertwgross]

Go down to a toy store and purchase a small stuffed animal, not black or brown or white, but something about skin color with fur.

Learn to shoot that until you can set it up in a few seconds. Practice until you get it right nine times out of ten. With flash, and without flash.

Then tell the mother that it is alright for her to have the birth.

---Bob Gross---

[Harry Settle]

Oh yeah, lenses. 50mm 1.8 is ok, something in the 85 to 100mm range is better for portraits.

[FlipsidE]

Thanks for all the tips guys!

FlipsidE

[Andy_T]

Take a look at this website:

http://www.babycakesphotography.net/

I got aware of the site when the owner, Jenny Murphy, posted a question here on the forum about her new 1DII. Sadly, she obviously does not frequent the forum much more.

This is a shame, since her pictures are absolutely marvellous (IMHO).

Best regards,
Andy

[karusel]

In the past few days I got convinced that a good flash is not nearly good enough... I flipped thru webpages, stumbling onto some lighting thing that goes by the name of Bowens, well, on BHphoto site they cost from $500-1500 a piece, and I wouldn't know, but I'd assume you'd need at least two, so you'd have spent a load of money and I assume you get what you pay for...

Right now I'm amazoning for a good book about lighting..

[FlipsidE]

phili1 recommended this book to me

http://www.lightingmagic.com/litbook.htm

FlipsidE

[karusel]

It seems good, too good actually, it covers what I need and more, but I think it's overpriced. On Amazon, the books cost $25 tops. Someone really ought to convince me (not the 'as seen on tv' style description) it's worth to pay double and I will.

Also, mr. Smith's webpage is godawful, specially the colors. It has more colors than the rainbow. My eyes hurt.

Might I add this:


Retail price for this umbrella is well over $100.00 but we are selling it for well UNDER $100.00.

Their price is $95, so a 'retail price' would be $105, am I rite? I hope the rest of the page is not written in this way.

[chris.bailey]

In the past few days I got convinced that a good flash is not nearly good enough... I flipped thru webpages, stumbling onto some lighting thing that goes by the name of Bowens, well, on BHphoto site they cost from $500-1500 a piece, and I wouldn't know, but I'd assume you'd need at least two, so you'd have spent a load of money and I assume you get what you pay for...

Right now I'm amazoning for a good book about lighting..

In the UK Bowens do a bundle of two or three lights, stands and softboxes, brolleys that make it a lot cheaper. Not sure if that is worldwide though

I would recommend Bowens as being well made and durable.