Lighting question for Christmas portrait in front of tree

[brlowe]

My nephew wants me to take Christmas pictures of his wife in front of there christmas tree. What would be the best way to set the flashes for this. I have 2 200ws stropes and 1 400ws strobe. I have umbrellas, a 24x30 softbox and a 22in beauty dish. I was thinking of just using 2 strobes with umbrellas from both sides on them but would like to get ideas for something different. There will only be 3 people in the picks, huband, wife and 7 month old baby.
I have done portraits with backgrounds and outside portraits but infront of the tree I have just done snapshots so I want to make this look good.

Thank you
Brandon

[jeromego]

Hi Brandon, I just did one yesterday with my nieces, although I used on cam (manual setting not ettl) instead of setting up off-cam. but basically you just have to meter for the christmas lights then use fill for your subject. Here's a link I have on how I did it (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=9089809&postcount=5), if it helps.

[eviltech]

i agree with Jerome, If the tree lights are just white i would again meter for tree and use a soft flash fill, I also think it depends on where your subject is and your tree. ex. if you want to take a image of her hanging an ornament i would use the tree light and fill in the shadows on the opposite side. I like your Image Jeromego...

[jeromego]

i agree with Jerome, If the tree lights are just white i would again meter for tree and use a soft flash fill, I also think it depends on where your subject is and your tree. ex. if you want to take a image of her hanging an ornament i would use the tree light and fill in the shadows on the opposite side. I like your Image Jeromego...
Thanks Eviltech.

[brlowe]

Thanks to both of you. I will have to see how their room is laid out and then see what I can do.