Indoor Photos

[detkhedrick]

Hi everyone....I am very new to photography and looking for lots of advice.

Im wanting to take "professional" looking boudoir/glamour photos of my wife. My equipment consist of a Sony Cybershot 5.0 with a Sony tele end conversion lens.

We have come up with lots of ideas for poses, props, etc but I dont have much knowledge of how to use lighting to get the most out of my photos. We will be shooting indoors. Also i cant afford to go out and buy special lighting equipment. Any suggestions on how I can create lighting effects, how to use my camera for these conditions, etc? I really want to get the best photos that I can.

Thanks

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by detkhedrick

Hi everyone....I am very new to photography and looking for lots of advice.

Im wanting to take "professional" looking boudoir/glamour photos of my wife. My equipment consist of a Sony Cybershot 5.0 with a Sony tele end conversion lens.

We have come up with lots of ideas for poses, props, etc but I dont have much knowledge of how to use lighting to get the most out of my photos. We will be shooting indoors. Also i cant afford to go out and buy special lighting equipment. Any suggestions on how I can create lighting effects, how to use my camera for these conditions, etc? I really want to get the best photos that I can.

Thanks

Do you have a tripod?
You *may* get away with using room lighting if you can keep the camera and subject still.
Even then nice lighting takes some thought and work. You will want to get a reflector of some type (white foamcore or similar) so you can bounce some of the room light exactly where you want it. Have fun.

[mshockley]

Agree with Zona, it could be quite a challenge.

So, indoors? Shoot during the day in a room where you can get maximum light from windows, etc. I'm not sure on your camera, but if you can set a custom white balance and use daylight, and some existing light from lamps, etc. you could move the lamps about and give it a go. If you find you cannot set a custom white balance consider purchasing some daylight balanced bulbs for any lamps you decide to use and you won't have to deal with white balance issues that arise from different temp. light sources. You do at least have the advantage of being able to "see" what your light is doing as you move things around.

Good Luck!

[detkhedrick]

I really do appreciate the help. Already started pricing tripods and yes I can set a custom white balance.

Thanks again

[camera3d]

There are many ways to play with light and get nice shots:
1. Stronger light from behind the model, with enough light at the front so no shadows appear.
2. Try different colors of light, use color screens to get nice new colors.
3. Black and white can be very elegant.
4. Think of the background - dark ? white? empty ? light?

One last thing, photo shooting makeup! Light tend to burn off natural skin tones, get your wife to use 'heavier' makeup than she regularly uses. Put power foundation to eliminate shinny skin (sweat looking) on the face T - Forehead, nose and chin.

[hero_hont]

Originally Posted by camera3d

There are many ways to play with light and get nice shots:
1. Stronger light from behind the model, with enough light at the front so no shadows appear.
2. Try different colors of light, use color screens to get nice new colors.
3. Black and white can be very elegant.
4. Think of the background - dark ? white? empty ? light?

One last thing, photo shooting makeup! Light tend to burn off natural skin tones, get your wife to use 'heavier' makeup than she regularly uses. Put power foundation to eliminate shinny skin (sweat looking) on the face T - Forehead, nose and chin.

I ussually use background colour dark.It's crazy and create view warm/

[detkhedrick]

Thanks again. I really appreciate the input.

[camaddictus]

Having done a couple of boudoir shots with my wife and some of our female friends, I'll tell you that you get better results with better lighting setups, however it can be done with very little if you are creative. If you don't have a good light setup, a tripod is VERY important. If you use a flash, go off camera if possible. Use reflection for that flash as much as possible, bounce it off the ceiling or a reflector, or diffuse it with a soft box or other type of diffuser. However the most important advice I could give you (and this is MY favorite part) shoot as often as you can. Use every excuse you can to get her in front of your camera. Learn from every picture you take, what you like and what you don't like. Get her feedback. Try different poses, props, and sets. It takes time, but I can't think of a better use of time.

[detkhedrick]

Thanks. That is some really good advice and I appreciate it. I have been exploring light possiblities and have found several inexpensive options.

" shoot as often as you can. Use every excuse you can to get her in front of your camera. Learn from every picture you take, what you like and what you don't like. Get her feedback. Try different poses, props, and sets. " Ok got it !