Need tips for family portraits

[Grandpaw]

I have been ask to take family photos by two different families. This is new to me and could use any tips or suggestions that you may have to offer. I think they will be done outdoors but I'm not sure yet. My equipment that I have is a Nikon D80 with a Nikon 50mm 1.8 and a Nikon 18-200 VR lens with a SB600 flash.

I am researching on the web but would like to here from friends on our site. Thanks, Jeff

[Canuck935]

I like open shade to avoid harsh shadows and squinty eyes. I would use fill flash too.

Ok not sure if that was much help...

[JETA]

You might want to check out the "job offer" thread on the sports forum. I'm facing the same thing (outdoor portraits) and there are some ideas about it over there.

I just bought a gary fong flash diffuser. I am looking reflectors (I think I'm going white) and diffuser screens too. Right now for a diffuser screen I'm looking at getting a quick up tent/awning. Still not 100% sure.

Please update this thead with what you find out and how you are going to go about the outdoor portraits. It's good brain-storming.

[gryphonslair99]

There are several things you can do that can help create treasured family portraits.

1. Time of day. If you can shoot during the golden hours. 1/2 hour after dawn to about 10:00 a.m. at the very latest or from about 3:00 p.m. at the earliest to about 1/2 hour before sunset. The light is much nicer in quality and the position of the sun makes it easier to deal with shadows.

2. Learn to use the SB600 for fill lighting to combat lighting issues if you can't shoot during the golden hours. It can be used as fill to negate nasty shadows under the eyes, nose etc and provide a more natural look. It takes a bit of practice, but is a skill any photographer should learn.

3. Get a set of reflectors. I prefer the 5 in 1 types. They fold up, come usually with a gold, silver, white, black and translucent reflector panel. To me the bigger the better. Depends on what you can afford. A small reflector may not cover the required area. A large one may cover more that required, but that is not a problem. I have a 42" set for singles and couples and a 40" by 66".

With the gold, silver or white you can use them to add reflected light to again deal with lighting/shadow issues. Black can be used to absorb a bit of harsh lighting. I use the translucent panel a lot when shooting under trees etc. I hate that mottled light and shadow look on a face. The translucent reflector panel can be held just out of sight overhead to allow a nice amount of light through but even out the light on the subjects. The translucent panel can be used to diffuse and spread the light from the SB00 as well. The reflectors can even be used with your SB600 to ad fill from a different angle.

4. Take a look at the strobist sight. Lots of great information on using light without spending an arm an a leg for studio equipment. http://strobist.blogspot.com/

Do keep in mind that some of the above mentioned techniques will depend on the size of the family you shoot. The lighting requirements are different with three vs say 6 or 8. Large groups will call for more light or more modification due to the size.

Finally don't forget posing. There are several good books available at the library or bookstore on posing. Little things in posing can take an ordinary photo and turn it into a great portrait.

Good luck and above all have fun doing the shoot.

[Grandpaw]

Thanks to everyone so far for taking the time to help me out. There was some very helpful information. I need all the suggestions I can get before trying the family portrait thing. If anyone can point me to some good examples that would be great! I am researching and doing my homework also, Jeff

[frleal70]

I'm in the same boat. I was asking a friend if he and his family wouldn't mind being guinea pigs so I could start getting some experience with family portraits. I didn't realize asking in mixed company would net me getting several other friends volunteering their families.

I'm a member of the strobist group at flickr, and there's a member there that takes some pretty impressive outdoor portraits with a single flash. I have read where he tries to use the sun as the 'hair light' and his flash mounted in a home made 'beauty dish' to light the front of the subject(s). The flash is mounted on a stand and triggered by a couple of pocket wizards. This is the setup I'm working on compiling. Anyway, hth.