First ever photo shoot friday!

I have my first ever photo shoot (if you want to call it that) on Friday with a friend and her 4.5 month old baby girl. I plan on going to the botanical gardens in the evening and taking a few photos. I've been messing around with editing for about a year and have been taking tons of pics of my baby as well. She actually asked me to take the pictures, so I feel confident in that area, but I need advice on what I should bring to the shoot. Of course I know props, such as a chair, blanket, etc., but any other overall suggestions are greatly appreciated.

The 50mm 1.8 lens. None of the others. Keep it simple.

Nice!

forgive me i could be totally wrong but i think the 50 and the 85 with your 430 ex flash would do well (depending on the lighting) to fill in some shadows when necessary.

i agree to keep it simple but it would be nice to give some variety to a client.

stillinamerica wrote in post #15856971
The 50mm 1.8 lens. None of the others. Keep it simple.

I just checked out your facebook, and one of my friends likes your page (my cousin in fact)! I wasn't expecting that! lol!! I see you are in Montgomery, I am in Birmingham! Nice to meet you, and thanks for the tip! I'll be liking your page as well, my name is Lora!

Cheers Lora. you will be fine at the Botanical Gardens, I shoot there often, any time of the day, just find a nice shade spot, which is not hard to do.

What time of the day are you photographing out there?

Is the baby you are photographing sitting up? tell the mum to bring some milk/snacks for the baby, and try to time it for after the baby wakes from a nap.

With the 50mm on a crop body, you will be close enough to the baby for it to notice you but to get good pics. Make sure you are focusing on the eyes, either select center focus or manualy select the one you want. If you are not shooting in manual, and you shoot in the shade, make sure you adjust the exposure compensation to help.

Any more questions feel free to ask.

The best thing you can do is just stick to the one lens (I would also say the 50, my style is 85mm on a FF, so that would be close). That way you focus on your subject and have the proper interaction with them vs always fumbling around changing lenses etc...

Thanks for the tips! I was planning on going in the evening, maybe around 4:30. That way it's getting cooler, it's supposed to be near 80 on Friday. The baby isn't sitting up yet, so I plan on doing a lot of mommy and me poses. I'm going to do some test shots around the house with my 50 so I can get a good idea of what I need to do! Thanks!

Get comfortable with fill flash or a reflector. You have to get light into the eyes.

Please post pics afterwards. Good luck!

gonzogolf wrote in post #15863423
Get comfortable with fill flash or a reflector. You have to get light into the eyes.

Agree completely, light in the eyes with a reflector would be even better.

Thank yall so much for your input! I do have a reflector! I was planning on bringing it, but I've never used it before. I'm going to test it out Friday morning. I think I am going to take my 28mm lens though, instead of the 50. I would like to get some good shots of the flowers in the background, and after trying it out today, I think the 28 on my crop would be great for that. I'll definitely post some pics when I am done editing them! I am so excited!

I wouldn't count out your 18-135 either. I don't know much about them but if it's anything like my 28-135 or if it was anything like it's predecessor (35-135) then it could be a useful lens with the 430EX II.

If you are taking a reflector make sure that you take an assistant to hold it for you.

ldt_81 wrote in post #15863877
Thank yall so much for your input! I do have a reflector! I was planning on bringing it, but I've never used it before. I'm going to test it out Friday morning. I think I am going to take my 28mm lens though, instead of the 50. I would like to get some good shots of the flowers in the background, and after trying it out today, I think the 28 on my crop would be great for that. I'll definitely post some pics when I am done editing them! I am so excited!

Keep in mind that shooting closer with a wider lens has a tendency to introduce perspective distortion. Its a subtle but unflattering shifting of perspective where things closer to the camera appear larger. This can make people look slightly thicker in the nose and chin. Stick to your 50 and back up if you want extra scenery.

gonzogolf wrote in post #15865948
Keep in mind that shooting closer with a wider lens has a tendency to introduce perspective distortion. Its a subtle but unflattering shifting of perspective where things closer to the camera appear larger. This can make people look slightly thicker in the nose and chin. Stick to your 50 and back up if you want extra scenery.

Thank you for this! I have read about distortion, but had forgotten about it. I'll take the 50!