Beach Portraits

[Dankata]

Any tips for Beach Portraits? I was asked to take photos at the beach for a family of three - a couple with 3 year old girl.
One problem might be that I don't have external flash yet, so what will be the best time of the day to do this, so that I don't have to use a flash? Should I use small aperture? I've been looking at some beach shots and most of them don't have very shallow DOF.
Also, how to use the sunset if I we decide to shoot in the afternoon? I guess the flash is a must in this case? Any cheap but decent flashes on the market?

Thanks

[Dankata]

Also, what package should I offer? This is the first time I will be paid to take photos and I don't know what's the best package to offer. They only mentioned they want one very big photo of them to hang on their wall and two smaller for their offices. Is it normal to go all the way to the beach and shoot for, let's say an hour, an then print and sell just 3 photos?

[Jim Bryant]

If possible take the photos in the early evening when the light is soft and warm. If you shoot in the afternoon, without a flash, the sun would be overhead and cause too much contrast and harsh shadows. You could get a white paperboard and use it to reflect the light back into the face area.

As for packages, offer them (1) 11 x14, two 8 x 10's or (1) 8 x 10 and (2) 5 x 7's or (2) 4 x6 and 8 wallets. But, in addition to print costs, charge them a sitting fee, that will take care of your shooting, downloading, editing and pping time spent behind the computer. Good luck!

[MWerner]

When I shoot on the beach, I prefer to shoot in the morning, and hopefully there will still be a little fog. This way, the light is so pretty and there are no shadows, and I don't have to use any flash at all. I HATE shooting when the sun is high and obnoxious.

[Dankata]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

You could get a white paperboard and use it to reflect the light back into the face area.

Sorry for the silly question, but I've heard this advise before and seen great results, but how exactly do you use this white paperboard? I guess you need an assistant to hold it and aim at your subjects? I will be on my own, so can I use it without help from another person. And where do I by one?

Also, I will use Canon T1i, but I only have 18-55 kit lens and 55-250. I can't really spend much, so I am thinking to buy either ''Nifty-Fifty'' or Canon flash 270 EX. I am not sure if it's powerful enough to use with my 55-250, but for now I can't buy the 430 EX.

So, what's better for this type of shooting, 50mm 1.8 lens or a flash?

[Dankata]

Well I really would like to know what will be more useful for beach portrait - flash (270EX) or prime lens (50mm 1.8)

Hope to hear some advise about the white paperboard as well...

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by Dankata

Sorry for the silly question, but I've heard this advise before and seen great results, but how exactly do you use this white paperboard? I guess you need an assistant to hold it and aim at your subjects? I will be on my own, so can I use it without help from another person. And where do I by one?

Also, I will use Canon T1i, but I only have 18-55 kit lens and 55-250. I can't really spend much, so I am thinking to buy either ''Nifty-Fifty'' or Canon flash 270 EX. I am not sure if it's powerful enough to use with my 55-250, but for now I can't buy the 430 EX.

So, what's better for this type of shooting, 50mm 1.8 lens or a flash?

you grab some sticks, bury them in the sand, put the white board against them and try to reflect light back into the face area. (Hopefully it isn't windy and it won't fly away. I aways carry a role of duc tape with me and attach the reflector to your tripod or sticks.

For portraits full length to above the waist I use my 28-70mm and for face shots I use the 70-200mm.

[AnneWynne]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

you grab some sticks, bury them in the sand, put the white board against them and try to reflect light back into the face area. (Hopefully it isn't windy and it won't fly away. I aways carry a role of duc tape with me and attach the reflector to your tripod or sticks.
.

Here is a link for a pvc reflector holder that is designed to hold the silver car windshield light reflectors: Studio Lighting - Cheap DIY Homemade Reflector Stand | DIYPhotography.net

If it is windy, you can use sandbags you make from empty bags you keep with your kit to keep the stand from blowing over. Also, gaffers tape (more expensive than duc tape) leaves less residue behind but functions as well as duc tape.

I have not built one yet, but it looks like a handy addition to the portable kit.

[Chicorob]

I would make sure you take along a flash. Depending on the type of day or location you may need it for sure. If there is a pier, you may consider pictures below it and may need additional light, or if you shoot in the evening and want to do sunset pictures you will need a good flash to illuminate your subject. A fast lens will be good in most situations but to prepare for ALL situations I would suggest bringing a flash.

Here are two shots from a recent shoot. On top of the pier there was no need for a flash as there was plenty of light. The family underneath the pier would have been difficult without flash as it was raining in the early morning AND under the pier.

[Chicorob]

I should probably add what I charge. I must preface it that I dont make a living at photography but stay active enough to bring in a nice second income.

For a general couple/family shoot I will generally charge for session and editing only and provide images on disk with an option of printing at a lab from which I take a commission. I generally charge about $250 for a 1-2 hour session which will normally include a couple of dozen shots. I will let the client pick out the top 2 or 3 and give those a good edit. I normally mark up the lab costs by 20-30% for my time and effort.

I should note that I always try to sell the professional lab services. The quality is just so much more reliable than an internet print house. I have found that those who really want a family heirloom will ask me to do it, while those who are just looking for small mantle pics will print their own. If I were to do this full time I am sure I would change my revenue scheme.