I've agreed to do a family portrait - advice/book suggestion?

[paulhillion]

Hope I've posted this in the most suitable forum. At a friends 40th birthday party this evening I agreed to shoot a family portrait for her as a birthday gift. Rather than just your usual run of the mill photograph I'd like to do & make this look as professional as I can. This will involve my friend and her 2 young boys. Having never done a organised portrait shoot like this before I'd like to get some idea's & tips as to how to go about this kind of thing. I don't have access to a studio or able to hire any lighting so all I have to use is listed below. I own a decent tripod.

As for location I guess it would have to be in her house? her garden isn't that good to look at. Or should I suggest waiting for a good weather day & all 4 of us (5 with my wife as assistant!) go out for the afternoon looking for & shooting in different locations? Do you think I should have a go at making my own back drop, maybe dyeing a bed sheet or similar??

I'd also like to maybe purchase a couple of books on portrait photography to help inspire me with some different ideas as to how set things up, any recommendations please??

Thanks in advance for any help on this.

Paul.

[KO_300D]

Hi paulhillion,

Not sure if this might be useful to you, but I'll post anyway.
I too don't have that much in the way of equipment - well, no lighting anyway. Indoor shots are often difficult.
I've taken a number of family shots of myself, my partner and our baby (soon to be joined by another) and these have generally been outdoors, using a remote control where appropriate.

I find that of any pictures of all of us, I prefer the outdoor shots because the lighting is much more natural, and your location can add a nice atmosphere to the shot. Choice of background is also much wider and more varied than indoors if your backdrop supply is limited

[Big_B]

Make sure you use a flash, even if you are shooting outside. It helps to give the eyes a sparkle and soften any shadows.

[PhotosGuy]

Take a look at:
Beginners Guide to Photography:
http://www.photonhead.com/beginners
http://malektips.com/digital_portrait_photography_help_and_tips.html