Needs Help with Lighting for Maternity Photos

photomania

Daughter-in-law is pregnant and she wants me to take some maternity photos. I plan on taking my gear to their house and setting up a portable studio inside. I desperately need help with lighting.

Here's the equipment I have, please help me with set-up and lighting placement, even recommendations on lens, f stops and shutter speeds. I do very well with shooting in available light, but I feel like I'm in kindergarten when it comes to stdio lighting.

Here's what I have: Nikon D300, 17-55 2.8, 70-200 2.8, 50mm 1.8, Nikon SB800, Two Studio Systems SP3200 320 watt strobes with umbrellas, tripod, Sekonic Meter.

I will be using a blue/brown/white splotched muslin backdrop.

Can I do this well with the equipment I have?

She's a bit shy, so most of the photos will be fully clothed, however, she does want some photos with the naked belly showing.

Can't wait to hear from you.

pwp

I think you could do quite well with that list of equipment. My maternity shoots have been mostly in their homes, so I try to lug minimal gear. Sometimes that means I have to get creative with lighting and angles, but it always works out in our favor. One suggestion would be to make sure you are using a rim or hair light with the dark backgrounds, if you have one available. When you make the conversion to B&W, sometimes the image will flatten too much without the light to create that definition.

I also tried shooting in silhouette with my white muslin with a few of my moms-to-be fully clothed. I placed one small softbox a few feet behind the muslin (5-6' worked well) and let the backlighting highlight the curve of the belly. Made some beautiful shots. Even better would be a nice large window with a gauzy/sheer curtain if you have it.

Mostly, just have fun. I think your DIL will love the photos no matter what. It also helps that you have someone who will be more patient with you while you make adjustments. Just run with it!