Newborn lighting

[katiewilson1803]

Hi guys, I spent some time this afternoon working on some lighting (I only have a 430EX II) for a newborn shoot that I will be doing in the next week or so... Manual flash is definitely a new area for me, and I was wondering whether I am on the right track??

Unfortunately, I didn't exactly have a newborn baby, or a baby of any age for that matter, to practice on, so a teddy had to suffice.

I am going to be borrowing an extra 430EX II and some triggers for the week, and will be practicing with them more this week, I just wanted to know whether I need to completely rethink my game plan or not

[NicoleScraps]

Hi there. I personally try to avoid using flash on babies if at all possible. It tends to startle them. I try to possition the baby near a window and use natural light. I save that flash for worst case scenario, ie; the natural light is no good. Is there a reason why you would not be able to use natural light?

[NicoleScraps]

Here are some good articles about newborn lighting

lighting like a mother – Kelli France! Moms With Cameras

Newborn Photography: How to Use Light When Shooting Newborns | MCP Photoshop Actions and Tutorials Blog for Photographers

[katiewilson1803]

Nicole, thanks so much for the articles!!!

The flash is more of a worst-case scenario thing, I just wanted to be confident if I get to the venue and there isn't a lot of natural light. We are heading to winter at the moment, and the possibility of 3-4 rainy days on end is not unlikely. I'd much prefer to use natural light - of course!

Thanks again for the help

[NicoleScraps]

Alright then. I have no idea what camera you use, but I have the same flash. When I use that flash, I always try to bounce it instead of shooting straight on.
This photo used bounced flash. My camera settings were Manual, ISO 200, f/4.5, 1/125, flash was on manual set at (I think) 1/2 power. But in the same session, I used the same camera settings by use the flash at 1/4 power. The light and dark backgrounds make a difference. Here is my set up. Baby went on the wood floor. I sat on the floor in front of him. Speedlite was on my camera pointed directly at the big white reflector slightly behind and to the right of me. I could have used natural light here, but I couldn't quite get things positioned so that the light was going on him correctly. Plus, he is bigger and didn't care about the flash. Does that all make sense? Hope that is helpful.

[katiewilson1803]

Thanks, it's really really helpful!! I will most likely bounce the flash - I did in some of the shots, and not in others, and I forgot to take notes as to which was which!!

I am definitely going to do my best to get away with natural light, but if I can't, then I'll definitely try to bounce the flash!

I'm using a 450D (busy saving for that 5D Mk II, but that will be a while still!)

[alma111]

I think I will probably have a newborn shoot coming up and I just want to be prepared if they do ask. I have previously only shot toddlers (1 year) up to HS Seniors/families. I currently have 2 Genesis 200 light kits and a 430 EX.

I was just curious what other's use for newborn lighting. I just didn't know if studio stobes were okay for newborn eyes, even when sleeping or if I should just stick to natural light to be safe.

Thanks!!!!

[GreggObst]

I used the following setup for this shot of my new niece two weeks ago. She slept through the entire two hour shooting session and didn't mind the flashes at all.

Lighting Details:
PhotoFlex 18" Octadome with Nikon SB-900 Speed light on light stand with boom arm directly above adjusted down -1.3 stops in power. Fotodiox 12"X18" Softbox on light stand about 3' above floor level and place about 4' to the left of the baby with SB-900 Speed light adjusted down -1 stop in power. Both triggered with Nikon CLS in TTL mode using the popup flash as the commander (no flash from popup only pre-flash to trigger CLS on remote flashes). Aperture Priority F13 with Nikon D7000 and Sigma 10-20mm F4.5 lens while laying down on the floor.

Props:
Magazine wicker basket from Target with white baby blanket folded and baby placed on top of blanket. The toy box was made by my Dad for my other Niece five years ago. We put the baby's name on the chalkboard on the front of the toy box. You could also do something similar using lettered alphabet blocks that spell out the baby's name.

[katiewilson1803]

Thanks guys for all the help! The baby's room had the most beautiful window with a spare bed right next to it. Space was a little limited, but I thought I'd post a few of the pics that I managed to get:

[GreggObst]

Those are some great images. You did really well.