The 84" umbrella is severe overkill. Get something in the 40"-50" size, white interior and with a diffuser for the softest light. You could also look at a 36", double-baffled octabox or softbox. Get one with an optional grid if you want to limit the spread of light to the background, etc. The monolight you selected is fine. It can be dialed down to low power so you can get the umbrella or softbox close.
You'll also need some way of triggering the light such as a sync cord or wireless triggers.
If you don't want to use flash and if it is available, use a window and a sheer white curtain for soft diffused natural light. A white color lite disc reflector on the opposite side can be used for fill.
story_teller wrote:
The 84" umbrella is severe overkill. Get something in the 40"-50" size, white interior and with a diffuser for the softest light. You could also look at a 36", double-baffled octabox or softbox. Get one with an optional grid if you want to limit the spread of light to the background, etc. The monolight you selected is fine. It can be dialed down to low power so you can get the umbrella or softbox close.
You'll also need some way of triggering the light such as a sync cord or wireless triggers.
Congrats on the upcoming family addition!
thanks!
question. isn't the monolight in the link constantly on? do I still need a trigger?
The monolight actually has two types of light. First is the modeling light which can be turned on and off manually. It can also be varied in power. The second light is the strobe light or flash. That requires a trigger that is synched to the camera button. If all you want is the modeling light, you can find constant light kits that are much less expensive.
Here's one example. You would probably change out the umbrella for something better.
story_teller wrote:
The monolight actually has two types of light. First is the modeling light which can be turned on and off manually. It can also be varied in power. The second light is the strobe light or flash. That requires a trigger that is synched to the camera button. If all you want is the modeling light, you can find constant light kits that are much less expensive.
Here's one example. You would probably change out the umbrella for something better.
Gotcha. didn't know about the 2 different functions.
Is modeling light much lower in power than flash? I wonder if using that monolight as a flash would be too much for the baby's eyes or ok since it will be diffused?
Thanks for the link. Those are super cheap so won't have problem getting approved by my wife haha.
Most of the constant light models have the ability to adjust the light so it would be fine for a newborn. The flash is a very short duration, but you would want to be on a low power setting with the diffusion in any case.
The modeling light is less powerful than the strobe. It's used to position the light properly on the subject in preparation for the more powerful flash to pop.
Good luck and post a couple photos of your new family member when you get a chance.
I use a strobe through a medium (3x4) softbox. I usually place the softbox about 2-3 feet away from the newborn, with the lower corner of the box pointed at the top of the baby’s head. I’ll then rotate to softbox away from the baby, toward the camera to feather the light to taste (look at the eye sockets, and shadow under the nose).
I’ll sometimes use a reflector opposite the softbox.
