Need suggestions for ghetto newborn lighting

[bethard728]

A friend of mine saw some pics I took of my baby and liked them and asked if I'd take pics of her new little guy. My pics were taken 5 months ago and I'd only had my camera about a week so I've learned quite a bit since then. You'll notice when you see my pics that they aren't great. Specifically, the lighting needs some improvement. I have nothing "professional" for lighting. Just sat him in front of my big picture window. For my friend, I will be doing the pics in her home and windows are small, scarce, and up high. So I will definitely need some lighting. Can you give me some suggestions? Below are the pics I took that she saw. The two in the teacup are OK but still have some issues. The last one is pretty awful. I love it cause it's my baby but as far as photography goes, it stinks. Thanks a bunch for your help!

EXIF: Camera: Nikon D60
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 19 mm
Focal Length: 19.4 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash


EXIF: Camera: Nikon D60
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 26 mm
Focal Length: 25.9 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash

Lots of issues with this one but lighting specifically is a problem.

Camera: Nikon D60
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture: f/4.2
Focal Length: 30 mm
Focal Length: 30.0 mm
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash

[bhursey]

If you do not have money for a flash how about a bright light coming from a window? If not I would suggest a off camera light source.

[bethard728]

Originally Posted by bhursey

If you do not have money for a flash how about a bright light coming from a window? If not I would suggest a off camera light source.

Thanks. I used a window in the pics above and I'm not happy with the results. The photos I'll be taking soon will be at the baby's home with few windows and what windows they have are small.
I'm looking for specifics on what kind of off camera lights would be best. i.e.= a small bedroom lamp, a shop light from a garage, etc. I can't buy any professional equipment right now so I'm looking for suggestions on lights that I might already have around the house that I could use. I'd also like to know what kind of bulbs to use and what wattage.

[amanda47446]

I would also love to see some suggestions on this. My house is very dark with very little light avail. from windows. I don't have the money for any equipment at the moment so I'd love to hear some creative ways to still get a good inside shot!!

[matt.voran]

Hi bethard!

I would say that you should really really consider getting a flash. If budget is a concern, check out eBay. A "bounced" flash will do WONDERS here. I see that you are shooting Nikon, get an SB-400. I think you can pick one up on eBay for under 100.00

I also think you have some White Balance issues here. Notice how your shots are very "cool" or bluish color? Try setting your WB for something warmer. I have some tips on lighting on my blog Almost Pro Photo

Specifically, check out this article: Bounce Flash. What, Why and How. | Almost Pro Foto

Hope you find what you need, by the way, I think the baby in the coffee mug is a fantastic idea. Getting the lighting right will make this a very good shot.

Cheers!

MV

[matt.voran]

Just another quick follow up:

If you are planning to use some kind of lamp or make shift lighting, get some "Daylight" bulbs.....

[arlon]

Might pick up some ideas from this thread: $20 portrait studio

Wouldn't use flash on the newborn's. Not sure what would do to their sensitive eyes..
I love that first shot, definately worth perfecting!

[private]

I just a very quick edit - levels, a crop and bumped up the exposure...oh and reduced the yellows



I will take it down if you wish. But to me it looks like WB is y our biggest issue.

[lputman]

Get him as close to the light source (window) as possible and use a reflector (white poster board is all it takes). In addition to the white balance, I would check the shutter speed. It seems pretty fast causing the photos to be underexposed. It is possible to take great portraits with natural light. A little post work will fix these that you've shown here just fine.

Here's a photo I took with minimal space between me and baby and as close as I could get him to the window for light. I did a little brightening up in post. This was my first attempt at baby portraits and I used the 50 mm f/1.8 lens.

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
Exposure: 0.00
ISO Speed: 200

[RussHeath]

I've been taking some shots of my new daughter recently. This one is a combination of natural light and an off camera strobe at camera left for fill:





Some key things to think about:
1) Get the baby away from the background.
2) Use a fast aperture to blur the background.
3) I second what Lori stated about getting them close to your light source and using a reflector.
4) If you're going to add light, then you need to figure out how to balance the color of the natural and artificial light.
5) Diffuse! Otherwise it will look harsh. The more diffused and the closer the light source is to the subject, the smoother and softer the light will appear.

You can add light with off camera strobes, but if that's out of the question right now, consider using a bank of daylight balanced fluorescents. Some people like the halogen work lights too.

Last of all, if the light sucks, move somewhere else. If your friend has tiny windows and you aren't comfortable with artificial, go outside. Shoot in open shade and use a reflector to fill in a bit. Works every time!

I did nothing in this picture except set her in the shade and shoot:





Good luck!