First Newborn Shoot!

[Gina9942]

I am doing my first newborn shoot on November 1, I am not charging, its for a friend of a friend but I am hoping to use the pictures in my portfolio. I haven't been to the house so I don't know what kind of light it gets. I don't have any external flash or umbrellas or anything mainly because I do prefer to shoot natural light. Any suggestions on what I should bring or any advice? I was thinking of getting a white board to use to bounce light from the window, is this a good idea? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

TIA

[Seltzer]

Do you have a 50mm 1.8? If so, make sure to take it! Shooting natural light you need to open up the aperture to get it all before the kid moves.
Natural light works well, even with mirrors, a white board, a reflective car window sunshield, etc.. just make sure you have some way to prop it up how you want it.

[Gina9942]

I do have a nifty fifty, I love that lens! The car shield, which is better, white or silver, what would the difference be?

TIA

[rpcrowe]

White will give a softer light while silver will be more spectral and a bit more contrasty.

White would probably be more appropriate for a newborn.

If you can get the baby close to the window and use that as your main light with the reflector providing some fill, you will be in good shape.

As mentioned above, have someone to hold the reflector.

[Gina9942]

That's what I was thinking, I was actually thinking of getting a big piece of foam core, I assume that will work as well. Thank you sooo much! I am so nervous, I am hoping if this shoot goes well that I can start maybe charging small fees for my work.

[rhoraq]

Wow this is the same exact situation I am in. I also posted a question like this very recently. And basically the same thing. I don't have anything but my camera and was given the same good advice. Buy white foam board and if possible get a 50mm f1/8 or even a 35mm. So tomorrow i'm off to the craft store to try and find white foam board! Good luck to you!!

[rhoraq]

If I could also ask would a 50mm f1/4 work in this situation??

[Gina9942]

Good luck to you! I spoke to the mom, she said she has two large living room windows. I am bringing my 50mm 1.8. Also getting the foamcore which if you can't find try your local sign shop. That's where I am going to get mine from. I am super nervous but really excited. I am going this weekend to buy cheesecloth and I have my grandmother crocheting me a bunch of hats.

[rhoraq]

Thanks! Yeah today I got my foam board from a craft store and this is too funny, but I asked my mother to knit some hats! I also got some black velvet for the backdrop so hopefully that'll work ok. I guess we'll just have to wait and see

[Gina9942]

I wish I could crochet/knit, all the props that are on etsy are just gorgeous! I want every single one of them!! I am hoping she at least gets the pea pods done, I think it will be so adorable to put twin girls in. Good Luck with your photo shoot, I look forwarding to seeing some of your photos.