Lighting for twin newborn pics

[abarickman]

Hey all,

I am going to be photographing twin newborns this weekend and would like some lighting tips.

I have two flashes (430EX) one shoot through umbrella, a grid spot, flag, reflector, gels and stands. My first thought it to put the shoot through umbrella directly above the twins and close to provide an even soft light when shooting down-ish onto them.

I plan to pose them on some short of chair or table and then shoot at them table level. I have trouble with this because I want the background to go mostly dark but with the umbrella the light spread is too much. I really need a softbox. Those are my general thoughts but I would love to hear some thoughts or setups that other have used or would recommend.

Thank you!

[abarickman]

Well I did the shoot and it went pretty well. I ended up using a shoot through umbrella direction overhead and quite close. I think that they turned out well but I think I would use another light to provide more contour and depth next time. I think they are a tiny bit flat.

What do you think? Suggestions based on what you see?

[SusanH1970]

I think they came out great! I don't mind light that's a little flat for children and babies, and actually this isn't bad at all - there is some sublte shadowing from her hat and the blanket.

I'd seen your original post looking for advice but didn't comment because I've never used umbrellas, so I'm unfamiliar with how they modify/throw light - with newborns I've only ever used either natural light or an AB with a large softbox.

I think the mom will LOVE these - nicely done.

[tasmo2]

well I love these.. and im not the mom so I know she will love them!! Such doll like babies! Mine were never that cute so early on! LOL!

[aWebJam]

These turned out great. I am not sure how you feel about do it yourself projects, but this one worked for me in a pinch. Softbox

best wishes

[abarickman]

Originally Posted by aWebJam

These turned out great. I am not sure how you feel about do it yourself projects, but this one worked for me in a pinch. Softbox

best wishes

Interesting. Thanks for the link. I really would like to get a softbox because I like the softness of an umbrella but in tight places I cannot control the spill from it which means I cannot get the background to go dark.

Thanks all for your kind comments. The mother and father are very happy so it was a good experience all around.