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Hi
I'm new to forum and fairly new to studio photography too and I'm hoping to pick your brains for advice on my studio.
I am about to set up a part time child photography business - this has developed from word of mouth from photos I've done from family & friends - so no ones more surprised than me that there's a demand there - however I've still never fully cracked the lighting in my photos and seem to spend more time than I'd like in photoshop!
Basically my style of photography is lifestyle, with high key lighting working off a white backdrop - I use canon 300D & my current set up is 2 portaflash 336vm heads (one with 60cm softbox and other facing close into gold 32" umbrella) these light foreground and I have two wide angle portaflash slaves lighting backdrop. So here are my problems;-
Dont know technical term but when I look in LCD lighting can look fine but once photo uploaded there is a pinky/purple haze round edges. Is this because flash not powerful enough?
As I'm working with kids recycle time on flash heads isn't ideal - if I am looking to upgrade in near future do you have any advice on what lights would solve my problems?
This probably sounds silly, but when lighting backdrop I have a slave either side of my backdrop pole clamped down - therefore not really getting fully benefit however if I move it out a little (to get more light on backdrop) I get light spilling on to subject - how do you overcome this...
There's so much to learn!!! I hope one day soon I'll look back and laugh at my naivety in these questions but in the meantime all help will be very gratefully received!!
Thanks
Quote: I'm new to forum and fairly new to studio photography too.
I am about to set up a part time child photography business.
Oh jesus!
Try this www.fpme.co.uk - should answer all your queries.
Quote: This probably sounds silly, but when lighting backdrop I have a slave either side of my backdrop pole clamped down - therefore not really getting fully benefit however if I move it out a little (to get more light on backdrop) I get light spilling on to subject - how do you overcome this...
It sounds really silly if you are starting a business based on studio photography and you dont know the basics of studio lighting.
At least 2 solutions, a spill kill, which does exactly what it does on the tin, a snoot, there are others which a little research with google or a good book (hell even a bad book) on studio lighting will answer.
Wow...now my red neck is cooling down a bit - feel need for a witty retort coming on!! Jeez talk about a warm welcome!!
Am I right in sensing I am ruffling feathers of 'professionals'who sneer at upstarts who think they can lift a camera and be a pro photographer.
At end of day while I'm first to admit I've loads to learn,I have had plenty of orders from the kids photoshoots I have done, delighted customers who usually use venture and therefore I'm happy to be guided by the invisible hand of my audience!!
I'm enjoying creative side of photography, and it must be sickening for some smaller minded pros that without full knowledge of the workings of studio lighting anyone can achieve saleable photos if they have a creative eye.
For the more constructive response, thanks for your input -I don't think it is my lens, its an Canon EF-S 18-55mm. I have been shooting at f8 1/250th shutter speed with backdrop lit to F11.
Any other advice most welcome
thanks
It's what the pro's always do when advice is asked for, Christine. First they seem to have a go, but then they give sound advice. I think maybe they just want intending pro photographers to be aware of the pitfalls in what is a competitive profession. Ignore what may appear to be cutting remarks, and take the advice onboard - they know what they're talking about. Good luck to you in your new venture.
Peter
Welcome to ePZ Christine, you have come to the right place and I expect help to your problem will be forthcoming very soon, in the meantime its worth having a search of the forums because the studio lighting topic has been raised a few times, always worth checking out the Techniques section too. Look forward to seeing some of your work 
. K.
Quote: I don't think it is my lens, its an Canon EF-S 18-55mm
Well, I think it could be. That lens is ***** 
Christine, I've never used that lens but I'm well aware that it doesn't have a very good reputation, plus it did poorly in a magazine test against the Sigma 18-50 and the Nikon that comes as a kit lens with the D70.
For lighting information, you want to go here . But without wanting to sound negative, you will also have to start thinking about insurance, tax, rates, etc if you are going into this big time. Best of luck.
Quote: But without wanting to sound negative, you will also have to start thinking about insurance, tax, rates, etc if you are going into this big time. Best of luck
This isnt negative this is essential !
Forget the tax, without insurance, any accident could cost you ALOT
Dont forget the police vetting and the child protection policy.
Right I made tacos tonight with my 2.99 Old El Paso taco kit and a 3.99 wok I bought in poundstretcher.
I think I'll open a Mexican restaurant - any ideas?
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