Set Up Help

[erincarter]

I have a friend who has a 2.5 month old son and she would like me to take some pics of the baby along with some of her 5yr old son (if he cooperates).

I've never done photo's like this before (I do mostly candid stuff and sports photography)...she knows that but we agreed we would use it sort of as practice for me and with any luck we'll manage to get a few nice shots.

I am in need of some help with set up suggestions...not looking for anything too complicated just some simple idea's that might help.
I'm shooting with a D60, I have the kit 17-55mm, 55-200mm and a 35mm f.1.8 lens. I also have an sb600 flash on a light stand with a shoot through umbrella (that I have virtually no experience using). And I've got myself some black and white sheets to use for back drops if needed.

What she's looking for is the basic baby shots of just the baby and also with the baby and older brother. She also really wants that shot where they are all laying on the bed and all you can see is their feet.
Any tips on set up for these types of shots? I'm assuming for the feet one...just have them all lay on the bed and cover them (except their feet) with the black sheets I have? Where about's should the flash be when doing these shots?

Again, I'm new to this and would appreciate any tips and/or suggestions. I know I'm shooting for a friend who understands this type of photography is new to me but I'd still like to do a good job and at least appear like I have some sort of clue as to what I'm doing.

Thanks

[erincarter]

any body have any tips or suggestions?

[sk66]

Don't get too antsy...we have a lot of "guests" and people just like yourself here...many are not going to offer suggestions...
For the fot shot I would probably choodse to use the 35mm f/1.8 close to wide ope (shallow DOF)n and the SB on stand close to 90* to the side (stronger "definition")....on camera flash as fill for proper exposure...

[erincarter]

thanks for your reply...I appreciate the help.


Not getting "antsy"...just looking for some advice is all. I'm a little confused as to why you say "many are not going to offer suggestions"? Why wouldn't they? No big deal if nobody does...just curious is all...

Also, I have to ask...what exactly do you mean "people just like yourself"?
Do you mean people who aren't professional photographers? or people who are here in hopes of learning new things? Is that frowned upon here?

This site is called "Digital Photography School"...to me that means somewhere you can go to learn new things and ask questions?? If I'm wrong in thinking that then I apologize.
Maybe I will just continue to read the posts and withhold from asking questions in the future

Thanks again for the tips you offered...I appreciate it.

[z0mbina80]

most people won't offer suggestions as they are here as learners not helpers, and don't really have the experience to give advice... I know I'm in that boat haha. but don't worry.. there are plenty here as well that know what they are doing too and offer great advice.

My advice from my personal experience taking pics of my own kids... 5 year old rarely cooperate, babies are almost always photogenic, they can't help but be adorable haha

with a baby so young you really only can do so much. With kids I have found it's best to not plan out too much and just go with it and get what you can, but then I'm usually always a more "go with it" kinda person. good luck