boudoir lighting?

[phaither]

befere anyone yells at me i DID google this but wasn't thrilled with the results.

anyway, i have a shoot scheduled with a friend who wants some boudoir shots and i'm looking for suggestions about how to light her. here's what i'm working with...
daylight- around 4-5 pm so not too strong
nikon D3100 with kit lens (for now...)
AB 400 w/ shoot-thru umbrella

is there something that i absolutely need, that i'm forgetting? something for backlighting perhaps? my camera does not have a commander function so i can't use a speedlight off camera

i'd appreciate professional-grade and low-cost suggestions...
thanks in advance!
faith

[Dennismc]

Not sure but if you had a sb600 with a couple gels for it, you can set it up as a slave, and teh flash from the ab400 would fire it for you off camera. Therefor allowing you to set it up as a backlight, or a color cast light for mood setting...

The AB 400 should be plenty of light for you, do you have any reflectors as well? A nice 5 in one perhaps?

I am very new to this so do not take my advice as gospel, as I am sure others will chime in with more direct help..

[phaither]

thanks for the input. i don't currently have a speedlight, but i'm not sure about setting it up as a slave...hmmmm

also, i should maybe look into a reflector- i hadn't thought of that either. do you recommend any one in particular?

f

[autofocus]

Some of the nicest boudoir photography I've seen is done with window light...maybe find a nicely lit bedroom where you can move the furniture around a bit to take advantage of the light, and use a fast 50 or 35mm lens. I know you don't have one of these, but they are pretty affordable in the f/1.8 versions. A 5 way 60" reflector is what I'd recomend..here's a bunch of options to consider

Google

[phaither]

I am very close to buying a 35mm prime but until then, I have to use what I got. I did some research and will eventually end up with the SB 900 because it has a pc port. Fir now I will definitely maximize natural light and rearrange furniture accordingly.

[JFSanders]

I will second the window light and a gold reflector if you can manage it. If the light is too bright hang a diffuser or dirty the window or find one that is already dirty. Look for a north facing window.

[phaither]

Originally Posted by JFSanders

I will second the window light and a gold reflector if you can manage it. If the light is too bright hang a diffuser or dirty the window or find one that is already dirty. Look for a north facing window.

i do have some sheer curtains that should do the trick. thanks for the tip on the north facing window. i have one of those too.

i may just have to get myself a gold reflector- it seems like it will really help create the mood. thanks!

[phaither]

another question...
to get a good silhouette should i also use a north facing window or will i need a strobe?

[JFSanders]

All you need for a silhouette is strong backlight and a fast shutter speed so you get underexposure.

[phaither]

Originally Posted by JFSanders

All you need for a silhouette is strong backlight and a fast shutter speed so you get underexposure.

fabulous! that's exactly what i needed to know. thank you!
f