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giggles

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Posts posted by giggles

  1. I also started in my home in a small room. For a majority of my work in my portfolio, I just used one AB400 and one reflector. Some additional advice is make sure your backdrops are pulled tighter and pull the subjects out a little further from them. When I checked out your images, I noticed the backdrops before the children and it should be opposite. I would also reposition your light to the front right/left versus being at their side. It will give you a better fill when dealing with one child. I find using seamless paper much easier than muslins. Another excellent internet site for children portrait photographers is www.ilovephotography.com. It has helpful information for beginners up to the professional level.
  2. I would suggest not buying one of their packages and rather create your own. You still get the same percentage off on the accessories if you put your own package together. Also if you call and talk with one of their representatives, they are very helpful and will answer any questions you might have. I love my AB and plan to buy another one with a battery pack soon.
  3. I agree with the under/over exposure of the images. I believe that lighting is the key to studio portrait photography. You need to perfect your lighting before you market your business or start with outdoor portraits until you get more comfortable in the studio. About two years ago, I was in your position with similar results. I invested in professional lighting and spent much time practicing and researching. Best of luck and be open to constructive critism as the people here tend to be very honest but truthful and accurate.
  4. She is just beautiful and has a wonderful name:) You should definitely post these to a folder and individually place them for critique in the portrait category or children category. I love the clarity of your shots and the sparkle in her eye. What lens did you use to get these? My favorite shot is #2 - I love close ones and you nailed it perfectly. Welcome to PN - I hope to see more from you in the future.
  5. I would recommend draping something over her carseat to cover it and placing her in the seat so she is comfortable. Many of the three month old babies that I shoot are also comfortable in a beanbag chair or wrap tightly in a blanket and placed in some sort of basket. Another suggestion is to have the parents leave the room and let the infant get comfortable with you - stay calm as I do agree with Leah that babies sense nervousness & uncertainity. Coo at her or sing softly while shooting is another trick. Good luck!
  6. I always shoot at the same level as the babies. I rarely stand and spend most of the time laying on the floor. I don't know the "rule" behind this. I just know that "up the nose shots" are not appealing for the baby photography. I also think it is easier to get eye contact when you are at their level. I always am making strange sounds or asking the older ones questions when I am photographing them. I try to help them have fun and am not very structured with my portrait sessions.
  7. Hi George - Sorry I didn't respond sooner. I just revisited this thread today. I do clone out the back edge on many of the plexiglass photos. I use it for two reasons, I do like the subtle reflection that it creates and it also helps protect my papers/muslins from tearing, drool, pee, dirt etc. I only use it on my solid colored backdrops due to the cloning of the edge which is really easy when there is no pattern. I made the mistake of buying a cheap piece from the lumber store first which cracked after my second use so I had to go back and buy the more expensive industrial piece which I have been using for about 8 months now and the only problems I have with it is some minor scuffing - which I also touch up in the post processing stage.
  8. Hi Gisela - I have been more than pleased with my Alien Bee and plan on purchasing another one soon. I often shoot with my black backdrop and get good results. Please browse through my portfolio by clicking on my name to see how I have used my AB strobe with large softbox to take children's portraits. If you have any questions, just email me. Good luck!
  9. Hi Hala - I use one large softbox most of the time and I agree with Scott that is just personal preference on the type of look you are trying to create. I prefer one large catchlight with some subtle shadows. I position my softbox about 4 feet from my subject and often to the subject's front left. I then use a large reflector on the other side for some fill. Please feel free to view my portfolio for plenty of examples of baby portraits. Good luck!
  10. I have luck with my seamless by using a piece of plexiglass over the it to protect it from dirt and tearing. The plexiglass also provides a subtle reflection that adds a little depth to the photos. Some other photographer use a material called Marine Vinyl that they purchase at their local fabric stores. Good luck!
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