I've been asked by a friend to take some photos of families in kitchens. Have almost no experience with these type of shots or indoor lighting (am an outdoor guy) help and tips greatly received (you cant be too basic) - thanks
Since every kitchen and environment will be different, you need to factor in a number of things before you can decide on lighting technique and equipment. You could just have a few strobes (studio or Speedlights) and modifiers and light everything that way. But you can also consider adding to the existing light for more natural looking images. So, for any given kitchen you want to know what to expect. What type of lighting does the kitchen have, i.e. flourescent, incandescent, window light, are you shooting during the day or at night, etc.? Are the ceilings white so you can bouce some light, etc.? If there is enough windowlight you might do it all with natural light and a few reflectors. So as you see, there is no one easy answer. If the people will be in a group portait, my suggestion would be to start with one or two speedlights (unless you have studio strobes) and umbrellas. Then use filters on your speedlights to balance the lighting with the ambient light. You can practice in your own kitchen. If these are expensive or custom homes, then there is a good chance that the existing light will be recessed incandescent. Good luck.
What is the goal / intended use for the shots? To feature the people or the kitchen?
What camera and lighting equipment do you have?
How are the kitchens lit?
How big are they?
When you say, "families in kitchens" what exactly does that mean: Editorial lifestyle?
With a limited amount of lighting equipment the simplest approach overall may be a composite. Shoot using a tripod. First shoot the empty room with ambient light with WB set to match it. If there are exposed light sources or outdoor windows in the shot it might take several exposures of just the setting to get everything captured with optimal exposure and WB. Once you get the room shot in the can, add the people and light them to best advantage with flash. A simple centered strategy should work fine. Then just blend them all together with masks in Photoshop.
I just did a photo shoot that was "lifstyle" type shots in a kitchen. You have reflections galore! Glass on the front of the microwave, and stove/oven catch and reflect everything. Stainless will drive you bokners, and the chrome faucets can get you. Even if light does not bounce off any of this, you might see yourself in the oven (relfection)! Counter tops, even cabinets really bounce the light around, most have some sort of coating and the light bounces off of them pretty good.
My best shots were accomplished when:
I made sure I could not see my reflection in the appliances.
The lights (we used 2) were pointed at the ceiling and bounced down on the subjects.
Counter tops, even cabinets really bounce the light around, most have some sort of coating and the light bounces off of them pretty good.