Lighting for an indoor portrait shoot

[8ounty]

I've been asked to take some photos of my fiancee and her sisters for their mum. I have limited equipment and she's already specified the sort of pictures she's after - this is the limited set-up I'll be working with:

The wall is nearly white so will be an adequate back drop. I will have my flash gun on the camera and was planning to bounce off the ceiling (which is quite low) and have a reflector just below the subject to eliminate the few ghastly shadows.

I could also get my hands on a lamp with a daylight bulb to add another light source if needs be.

Will this be sufficient, it's my first attempt at indoor shots using more than the pop-up flash. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

[SusanH1970]

Honestly, I'd ditch the flash, move the subject closer to one of the windows, and use the reflector on the opposite side. I like the K.I.S.S. method.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Honestly, I'd ditch the flash, move the subject closer to one of the windows, and use the reflector on the opposite side. I like the K.I.S.S. method.

Ditto: Flash is just going to complicate things.

[GadgetRick]

Right but that white background may not work well for portraits, depends on the subject's complexion and what they are wearing.

[8ounty]

thanks for the advice, I'll definately follow it. Luckily the girls have bundles of patience so i'll be able to experiment a fair bit - it should be a very good learning experience.

Thanks again

[natek313]

I definitely agree with Susan's recommendation.

Hope it goes well for you, and be sure to share some shots!

[i speak in math]

If you use the flash at all, it will be much brighter than and negate the natural window light. It will be as if the windows weren't there at all. Additionally, using either the natural light, or the flash, your background won't be white, but gray.