lighting

[atrusomder]

this year I would like to do a family portrait. So, I was thinking about doing them myself. I have a pretty good digital camera, and I have a tripod for it. I know how to crop and all that jazz after the picture is taken, I am just not sure on how to get good good lighting. I would prefer to do the pictures inside. But, I am not sure how to get that professional type lighting, that seems to be the key in any professional picture.
So, does anyone have any tips?
Thanks for the ideas and help,

I am also a begininger with no photography classes behind me.

 

[JEB]

I did ours in a naturally lit room, tripod w/delay, no flash.
Everyone faced the windows (many).
It came our very good as far as color and discrete shadows,
BUT everyone's glasses reflected the windows to the extent they needed to be photoshoped. DOH !!
I didn't notice looking thru the viewfinder, but I sure did when it was 8x11.

 

[CaptainCryptic]

... Studio style lighting to which you refer is generally done with specialized studio lights . In your situation choosing an appropriately lit spot outdoors is probably the best bet . You'll find that the best light is generally at dusk or dawn and it's best to avoid the glaring light of an open sky at high noon. Better hurry though before all the leaves are gone.

 

[Dead Eye]

this year I would like to do a family portrait. So, I was thinking about doing them myself. I have a pretty good digital camera, and I have a tripod for it. I know how to crop and all that jazz after the picture is taken, I am just not sure on how to get good good lighting. I would prefer to do the pictures inside. But, I am not sure how to get that professional type lighting, that seems to be the key in any professional picture.
So, does anyone have any tips?
Thanks for the ideas and help,

I am also a begininger with no photography classes behind me.

Yes lighting is the Key to good portraiture. Its a long journey to learning how to use studio lights. If you are up to learning about them start with "understanding exposure" then " light science and magic" next " Master lighting for portrait photography. Then posing.

A few studio lights and you are all set.

Cheers DeadEye

 

[wch]

I started out with 2- 250 watt SV ECA photoflood bulbs from Ritz camera, 2- clamp on reflectors from Lowes, and a Queen size Navy blue bed sheet from Walmart for a background. Had to get different colored sheets for different effects but it was a great way to start learning and experimenting with camera settings and lighting angles and distance. Total price to start less than $50. I have since expanded but keep the Quickie kit for on the fly setups.