Christmas card for the poor :)

[AvasMom]

So im hoping this is the right place to put this question.

I want to set up a little studio this weekend and take some pictures of my daughter to put on a christmas card. I do not have money to go buy lights and expensive backdrops and all that jazz, so i was wondering if anyone has any idea for me on how to acheive a decent christmas photograph using only do it yourself things (if that is possible lol). I have a lamp I can position, should i put something over it to make it not so bright, and what kind of things could i use for a backround? maybe a large sheet or something of that nature? I would appreciate any input and especially of anyone has any do it yourself photos and explainations of the settings and how it as achieved, that would all be wonderful! Thank you in advance!

[CaptainNH]

Whilst I have a trio of sometimes excessive strobes, some of my favourite photos of my kids were taken using nothing more than the setting sun & a white plastic outdoor chair as a reflector to fill in shadows.

Indoors, position your subject my a nice large window and use a white sheet / large piece of card / etc to bounce some light back.

There's not reason why you can't use something like a desk lamp - but just be careful with your white balance.

Good luck - post up the results!!

[candidrachel]

Why go to the extaordinary lengths to take a photograph of your daughter? I have millions of lovely stunning photos with nothing simpler than natural light and her playing with her toys. No studio equipment necessary.

Studio shots can look staged, rigid and stiff and no child looks at ease or natural under those conditions bring on the candid!

[AvasMom]

CaptainNH- thank you for the ideas...i would have never thought to use a lawn chair, lol. ill try the white paper and stuff...im not to experienced with all that yet

CandidRachel- I totally understand what you are saying...i too have 10's of thousands of pictures of my daughter on my computer, i just wanted to try something new and learn more about the whole technique of lighting and portraits. She is only 3 so i dont think ill have to worry about her looking posed and stiff...(thats even if i can get her to sit still)

[candidrachel]

Why not take a pic of her doing some painting, drawing or other arts and craft or get her to do some fun things at the kitchen sink. Its always fascinating the expressions children make when they are concentrating.