Confessions of a wannabe Photographer

All about a Geek with a camera, high hopes, and little money or talent. Follow his journey as he discovers a few tips / tricks / hints, and tries to find semi-decent equiptment on the cheap.

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Location: "The South", United States

On a never-ending search for the missing "prodigal principles" in a world of confusion, and hoping I can leave a few nuggets of wisdom for my posterity, (and praying that I don't totally screw up my kids and family...)

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Kunal, Glenda, and Kaden

One of my friends from work asked me to take pictures of his family and his 9-week-old son, (OK, really I kept hounding them until they gave in...)

For a 9-week-old, Kaden was super alert. We was wide awake, and interacted very well with both Mom & Dad. He did have a bit of a gastrointestinal issue that left a few spots on the backdrop, (and Momma's jeans...), but that's just part of being a munchkin.

Kunal, Glenda, Kaden - 4/14/2007

The last time I shot an infant I also used the white backdrop, (sheet of Muslin from Joann's Fabrics), but it wasn't as bright as I would have liked. I found that Paul C Buff, (makers of my AlienBees strobes) had started a Forum w/ some tips and tricks. I found a post on how to setup an AlienBees 3-Light High Key Portrait Setup and thought I'd give it a try, (since I only have 3 lights...).

Basically, I used two of my Bees w/ umbrellas to blast the backdrop (+2 stops over what I metered the subject for), my third light on a Large Softbox (32"x40") for key, and a reflector for fill.

The reflector was just resting on a small stand I had, so it was constantly being knocked over. I think next time I get a little cash, I'm going to pick up a reflector stand so it will stay where I want it to go.

I still think I need to add some more warmth to my camera settings. Even white balanced the colors just don't seem to "Pop". Someone I bought some gear on eBay from suggested getting some "warming gels" and put them inside the softbox to warm up the skin tones.

Everyone that they show the pictures to seems to really like them. Kunal today told me that a bunch of his wife's friends asked about getting their family pictures done, but didn't know if I wanted to be "bothered" with them asking me to take pics for them. It's a hobby, and I'm practicing, so said they could call me if they wanted to.

It's all fun and games, until someone wants to pay me, and then it just feels like work... :(

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