How do you get newborn shoot with black background if you cant use flash?

[countrybutterfly]

I want to start doing newborn shoots. One thing I see alot is black backgrounds. I allready have the backdrop. But with newborns they recommend you dont use flash. So how do I have the newborn exposed properly w/out using a flash on a black background? For black backdrops I usually have to crank the shutter speed up. So how would that work if you dont use a flash?? Wouldn't the newborn come out too dark? Even with some natural light seems that wouldn't be enough. Please help!

 

[PenguinPhotoCo]

it's a myth the light hurts newborn's eyes.

if a parent brings it up and insists on no flash then you just do pics wtihout - and they then don't get certain shots.

I'd bet a favorite body part they're using flash in the hospitals for the shots they sell to parents there of their newborns. A new outfit is at our hospital and they bring in complete sets, ala sam puc/bebe folks do it and shoot 3 different scenes/bgs.

--
Learn the science. Practice the art.

 

[countrybutterfly]

Ok, that is helpful and you are right. They do use flash at the hospital for the newborn photos because I remember that from when I had my daughter. Not to mention that the flash is pointed directly at them from about 3 feet away and I would be at least bouncing it or shooting through an umbrella.

 

[slowhands214238]

Just a suggestion, based on your recent topics ....

a bit of online research will reveal a multitude of different ways to shoot many things, including newborns. Often times it's good to assimilate and digest a variety of "answers" or research findings on any given topic, then DO YOUR OWN EXPERIMENTATION test shoots.

Some of us are book (forum learners).

A higher percentage of the population gets a better understanding by actually DOING.

A lot of "problem analysis, research, trial & error" often go into cultivating one's own style.

Maybe you should be the newborn photographer who (with the right equipment and techniques) can shoot newborns all "natural light / no flash" on the plaid tartans instead of the old solid black, white fur, blue or pink blankets.

Just some food for thought...as you contemplate what to do if ANY component of your kit fails one day on a paid shoot.

 

[Port Royal Dad]

In some instances where the black background fabric is immediately around your subject, and/or is lit by either the ambient light or your flash, you can darken it via the Burn Tool, found in Photoshop for example.

Here a simple black bedsheet was wrapped around the infant and mother's arms. And with the actress shot, the background curtains were lit by the ambient stage/ceiling lighting. A simple application of the Burn Tool can easily eliminate the background to near total black.

Nevertheless, try and get your light as close to your subject, and allow ample separation between the subject and the background so that the flash does not light it.

Photoshop's Burn Tool works in a pinch.





Regards, Mike

--
B.R.A.S.S. (Breathe, Relax, Aim, Sight, Squeeze)



A Link To - WilbaW's Unofficial Rebel Forum FAQ- http://snipurl.com/RebelFAQ

 

[PhilH]

Continuous light is the answer. With about 2000 watts of diffused quartz halogen you can get some really nice shutter speeds. Beyond that......

A snoot or wrapped aluminum foil (or black wrap) can really assist with directing your key light.

Also, use black foam core or duvetyne to flag off your light. Newborns are fairly small and it's easy to "focus" your light in a general area. It's easier the further away your backdrop is.

--
Phil Holland - http://www.phfx.com

 

[itsDing]

THEY say not to use flash with newborns! Who are THEY? THEY are talking bollox!

 

[Carl Decker]

... should look as good as flash, or better than flash.

 

[RobG67]

Buy a large doll and experiment?

Just my $.02.
--

Rob.

The internet... allowing me to laugh at people without having to actually meet them.

 

[Alpha Doug]

The harsh flash on your camera is not going to work well. Too focused and intense and straight on. It will wash out detail and really annoy the baby. If you are doing this seriously to make money, but a moonlight strobe or two with some soft boxes. Probably, with the type of shot you are talking about, one strobe, slightly to the side, and turned down to minimum should work fine.

--
Only my opinion. It's worth what you paid for it. Your mileage may vary! ;-}

http://www.dougwigton.com/