BetterPhoto Q&A: Studio, Still, & Personal Portraiture Photography

Read about techniques for personal portraiture photography, tricks for still photography and studio photography techniques here.

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  156 Questions
Replies
Last Activity
 
  Eye Wrinkles: Remove or Soften?
When taking photos of seniors and adults, do you take the eye wrinkles out in processing? Do you soften them? I'm wondering what people do or if you could share any techniques. Thanks!!...
3
December 15, 2009
 
  Outfit Changes...
Hi all. I was thinking about an upcoming senior shoot I have and it got me curious about how all of you on-location portrait photographers handle outfit changes. If you have a senior who wants mult...
9
November 24, 2009
 
  Studio On-Site Background Choice
I have agreed to shoot portraits at a hospital event for new mothers and their babies (0-12 months). I have white, taupe and black canvas backgrounds and red, blue, and white paper background. ...
3
October 20, 2009
 
  Shadow Problem: How to Position Lights?
I have two vuPro 100 w lights, and a miniboom/hairlight 250. I'm having problems with shadows and either not enough light or too much. How do I figure out how to position my lights, so that I g...
9
November 26, 2008
 
  Combining Color Temperatures
I am going to be purchasing additional lighting. I currently have two soft boxes that are continuous, tungsten, 2800K. Would it be a problem if the new lighting is either 3200K, or 5600K? And wha...
3
November 12, 2008
 
  Group Pictures
I have been asked to photograph a group of about 25 people at our church for an 80th birthday party. I am wondering if the camera and flash that I have will work. I have a Canon Rebel XT, Canon S...
16
November 25, 2008
 
  Lighting Kits
I wanting to buy some lighting equipment and I am not sure what to get. I have been reading up and I am stuck between continuous lighting or strobe. I am looking to get into portrait photography an...
7
January 14, 2009
 
  Litepanel Micro?
Has anyone out there used a Litepanel Micro attached to their camera for added light? I know that they are traditionally used on video cameras, but I thought that they might be good for portrait p...
1
September 30, 2008
 
  Light for Backgrounds
I am looking to buy additional lighting. I currently own two (250 watt each) softboxes. I have upcoming portrait sessions, and I think I need more lights. What can I use to light the background? W...
2
September 20, 2008
 
  Light Temperature: Buying Lights
I need purchase additional lighting. I currently have two soft boxes that are rather weak (250 watts each). My question is does color temperature play a big part in selecting lighting? I have se...
2
September 06, 2008
 
  Posing Mom and Teen Son
Does anyone have ideas on poses for a mother and teenage son? I've seen lots of couple poses, but they don't seem quite appropriate. ...
7
September 05, 2008
 
  Reflector: What It Is, How to Use It
I just bought a set of lights and all the goodies that come with it, including a reflector disc. What is that used for? And how does it work? Thanks so much for any responses. Dee :) ...
2
June 27, 2008
 
  Portable Backdrop Stand
I just purchased a portable backdrop stand that I need to use for an outdoor shoot next weekend. I set it up yesterday, which was extremely easy to do. My problem is that it is so lightweight that...
3
June 24, 2008
 
  Engagement Pictures for a First Timer
I have been asked to take my friends' engagement pictures, and honestly, I am nervous. I typically photograph wildlife and landscapes but occasionally dab in photographing people. We are going ...
5
May 29, 2008
 
  Studio Dimensions and Props
What is an adequate amount of space to create a portrait studio? Does it need to be 15 to 18 feet in length with around 19-foot ceilings? Also, where is the best place to find nice props?Thankful f...
5
May 15, 2008
 
  Lighting for Model's Portfolio
My son's girlfriend has asked me to do some head shots of her for a modeling portfolio she's putting together. I have no special lighting equipment and wonder if anyone could give me any i...
11
May 13, 2008
 
  Indoor Pictures of Dark Clothing
Hi! I take pictures of clothing on a live model. I currently do this outside on a white paper background, but this really limits what I can do to cloudy days. How can I soot pictures of clothing in...
5
May 02, 2008
 
  Capturing Motion in Studio
Why do I still "miss shots" (such as a kid turning their head) with studio strobes? I have two photogenic 1250's synced with my Nikon D80....
17
May 06, 2008
 
  Shadows Against a Backdrop
I'm very new at this and just bought and received my first backdrop. My question is about shadows. I don't have any extensive lighting yet, but would that correct the problem with the "sh...
8
April 22, 2008
 
  Studio Lighting
I have a Canon Rebel XT EOS, I am going to be taking studio pictures of kids in dance costumes with a backdrop. I will be setting up in the dance studio that is the size of a bedroom. I was wonderi...
7
April 16, 2008