Taking pictures of a four month old

[cshgeorge]

I have been asked to take some pictures of a four month old boy from our church. This is being done strictly as a favor no payment just because they know I love to take pictures. I have a while backdrop but I do not have any lights. I will be taking the pictures at their home which is a doublewide trailor and does not have very good lighting and it will be at night. Any suggestions as to what type of lighting I can buy rather cheaply and quickly. I really want to do a good job for this young mother. I am not a professional I such want to do a good job for a good friend and a good church member. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[candidrachel]

Why a white background? I think they look tacky. What I would do is take a lovely natural photograph of the baby and his mum or of the baby laying on a mat. I suggest you make the atmosphere cozy if the lighting isn't that marvellous.

[Jamfke]

You can get some of those halogen work lights with a stand for around $40 or 50 bucks at your local hardware store.

[mstark70]

Those halogen lights may cook the poor little guy. They are cheap but they get extremely hot! I am not sure how to help you out with a night shoot if you don't have sufficient lighting that will be a tough one. I usually shoot during the day in front of a big open window with a reflector.
Nothing wrong with a white background. Just make sure you don't place the baby directly in front of it. You generally need about 6 feet of separation from your subject and background. This may also be tough in a closed trailer. Why don't you meet at a park during the day and find a really shady spot for an outdoor shoot? Sorry I was not much help. I hope someone can come along with some better advice. Good luck!

[Jamfke]

Yeah, those lights do get pretty hot. If you are sticking with an indoor night shot, maybe go with some of those clamp-on reflector lights with the energy saver bright white bulbs. They won't be as hot, and you can clip them just about anywhere you need the light.

[windrider86]

This has nothing to do with lighting. But I have a lilk doggie bed that I purchased just for this kind of occasion. They make for cute shots as they make the perfect lil bed for babies. You can line them with a sheet if you want or any other kind of material for color. Put lil flowers around them. A pillow behind it to help prop them up or whatever. The best 5 bucks I have spent in a long long time.
Get your self some sort of whte paper. Stiff and can be used to reflect the light.

[cshgeorge]

You guys are the best. If anyone has anymore ideas please feel free to share them. I am going tonight to take this guys picture so I am reading as much as I can before I go. Like I said I am not a professional I just want to do them justice by taking good pictures.

[AnneWynne]

I second the suggestion for the clamp-on lights. Use an Ott-light compact florescent bulb for a good, broad spectrum light that is physically not hot. Got both at a Lowe's. You will need a couple of them, and a way of placing them where you want. If you have time, get some plaster of Paris or quickcrete, a couple of large cans (coffee size is best), and a couple of lengths of narrow trim. Mix up the plaster or concrete, pour into the can into which you have inserted a stick, and let set up. Place the stick close to the side of the can rather than in the middle. You now have a stand to which you can clamp your lamp. You can also use it to help support backdrops.

Good luck with your shoot.'
Anne

[Jamfke]

Don't know if you've stumbled upon it yet, but here's a really good thread on how to set up an inexpensive portrait "studio" for those on the tightest of budgets (like me!)

$20 Portrait Studio

Good luck on your shoot!