help needed for baby photos

VayCayMom

I am a beginner, I work with natural light and the SB 800 on my D300.. I am headed to Colorado for the birth of our first grandchild. I'll have 2 days up there before he is born, then 5 more.

I want to do some BW with a black background. I bought several yards of black velvet and experimented at home with the same window exposure and light behind me as I willl have in Colorado. I blocked most of the light but not all and I think it could work. I just shot at all settings till something looked promising. How close should they be to the background? How far away should I be? I don't really know how to set my SB 800, I just keep it on TTL mode, so I could use some precise setting suggestions. I was lucky to have the funds to invest in good equipment even if I am still learning how to use it!

I have these lenses..18 -200 , 85 1.4, sigma 10-20 wide angle, and 18-70
Any tips at all for me for this wonderful occassion??

Trudy

ChatKat

Window Light!
Trudy - window light and newborns is beyond incredible. Lay that baby down on the black velvet in front of the window, use your 85 1.4 and you should get some wonderful shots. You could also lay the baby on a couch/chair with the velvet draped over the back and on the seat and have some very sweet shots.

VayCayMom wrote:

I am a beginner, I work with natural light and the SB 800 on my D300.. I am headed to Colorado for the birth of our first grandchild. I'll have 2 days up there before he is born, then 5 more.

I want to do some BW with a black background. I bought several yards of black velvet and experimented at home with the same window exposure and light behind me as I willl have in Colorado. I blocked most of the light but not all and I think it could work. I just shot at all settings till something looked promising. How close should they be to the background? How far away should I be? I don't really know how to set my SB 800, I just keep it on TTL mode, so I could use some precise setting suggestions. I was lucky to have the funds to invest in good equipment even if I am still learning how to use it!

I have these lenses..18 -200 , 85 1.4, sigma 10-20 wide angle, and 18-70
Any tips at all for me for this wonderful occassion??

Trudy

VayCayMom

ChatKat wrote:

Trudy - window light and newborns is beyond incredible. Lay that baby down on the black velvet in front of the window, use your 85 1.4 and you should get some wonderful shots. You could also lay the baby on a couch/chair with the velvet draped over the back and on the seat and have some very sweet shots.

Wow I had only been thinking in terms as a tall backdrop, now you got me inspired!! Thanks !!

Mitchell

Don't forget all of the great possibilities using your 85mm lens to capture the cute feet, hands, ears, lips, nose, etc... That lens will work great with window light. Shoot at f4 and prepare to be amazed.

Put those body parts together into a nice collage and you will have a great keepsake.

VayCayMom

Mitchell wrote:

Don't forget all of the great possibilities using your 85mm lens to capture the cute feet, hands, ears, lips, nose, etc... That lens will work great with window light. Shoot at f4 and prepare to be amazed.

Put those body parts together into a nice collage and you will have a great keepsake.

Thank you Mitch!