2 light setup

[ljbphoto]

Just learning and I would like to know your two light setup for kids one to three years old.* For a lack of experience I have been doing it at 45 degrees and after a couple in the chair I let them run around and snap away.

List of what I have:

2(ea.) 750 Travelite
2(ea.) 42” umbrellas
23” X 48” softbox
36” white/gold reflector
48” silver/gold reflector
reflector stand
108” seamless white background with stand
1DsMK2 and the necessary glass

Thank you for your help.

Larry

[JDArt]

For a two-light setup, your current approach sounds right. Just try varying the light levels to avoid flat lighting.

What is is that you're dissatisfied with?

[ljbphoto]

I'm not dissatisfied, I just want to find out if this was correct. Thanks for responding.

Larry

[Blinky]

Originally Posted by ljbphoto

I'm not dissatisfied, I just want to find out if this was correct.

Correct is what suits you and your customer will pay for.

There are certainly formulae for lighting but they are intended to be starting points from which you can adjust. With kids, your ability to make them feel comfortable, cooperative and behaving naturally is more important than your lighting technique. It has a whole lot to do with how they feel coming into the studio.

Keep them facing toward the main light and avoid that squared off with the camera look.

Try to figure out how images you like were made by studying them and trying to reproduce them.

A simple umbrella at 45° or closer to the camera, near subject eye level will create pleasing shadows and nice roundish catchlights. If your main gets far from the camera, use a reflector to fill the shadow side.

Light your background separately if you're using one.

A light on the hair about 1-2 stops over the main will make a nice highlight in the hair but it's tough with kids because they move a lot.

It really gets down to qucikly establishing a relationship with the kids and motivating them to cooperate naturally... tough job for some, piece-o-cake for others.

Chip

[ljbphoto]

Thanks Chip, I am using a white background and if I try to light it, it blows out. I have been using my lights up high, should I lower them to eye level of the kids?

[Blinky]

Originally Posted by ljbphoto

Thanks Chip, I am using a white background and if I try to light it, it blows out. I have been using my lights up high, should I lower them to eye level of the kids?

I'm no professional portrait photographer by the way, I shoot advertising... but kids are my favorite subject.

Your white background will blow out in places... though that can be good.



In this shot a single light was on the background at 2 stops over the main, I think on a boom overhead. The main was an umbrella slightly behind and 2' or 3' right of the camera... about 20" above her eye level. I think there was also a 30"x60" white reflector immediately to HER right.

Do you have another background like a muslin or colored seamless? White's not an ideal kid background.

I generally like shooting kids outside when they're playing...



Chip