Suggestion for a first family shoot

My Sister has requested me to take some photos in the forest with her husband and 11 month old. I have a t3, with 18-55mm, 10-20mm, 50mm, and a 100-300mm. I also have 3 flashes and 2 umbrellas. She doesn't want me to bring any umbrellas as she is more shy and I don't think she wants to make a scene, but will probably take at least one anyway as a fill light against her request.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you, David

I suggest not bringing the umbrella. Your reeeaaalllly don't want them (her) to be uncomfortable/self-conscious. Personally I'd just use a bare flash on camera (I know! Sacrilege!) for fill if needed.

Would she be okay with a flashbender?

shoot with the sun low in the sky and forget the flash.

Awesome! Thanks guys!

Shoot with your 50mm at f/2.8, use a speedlight on camera with the flash exposure dialed back to around -1.5 for fill, and thinks will look just wonderful.

rubypickles wrote in post #17184848
Would she be okay with a flashbender?

A flashbender is worthless for family photos. It doesnt significantly increase the size of the light source in relation to the subject. Flashbenders and other bounce cards are innefective outside with thd possible exception of a slight improvement in the catch lights.

She wants good pictures, but she is handcuffing your ability to do it. The best answer is to get her comfortable around the gear in an individual session.