AboutSteve Pearson Expertise Try me for 35mm or darkroom issues. I am a professional photographer in Australia. I work solely in 35mm digital format, after 35 years of colour and monochrome film in many formats. I have darkroom experience and for many years belonged to my local camera club. I conduct photography workshops around the state on any and most subjects relating to photography and often judge photography exhibitions and competitions.
Experience I hold a Diploma of Applied Science in Forensic Investigation, with part of my studies involving photography. I spend most days with a camera and am into digital photography in a big way. I was given my first camera in 1965 and have not been without one since. I spent nearly 20 years as a forensic investigator with my state Police Force, and since retiring a couple of years ago have concentrated on commercial photography - especially weddings.
Expert: Steve Pearson Date: 1/5/2007 Subject: Portraiture
Question Hi Steve
Thank you very much for your answer
Can you please answer the last part of my question as well?
The question was :what light source is best to use in indoor shots and is it possible to buy something that I can take with me to my clients house?
thanks again
Michelle
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
-----Question-----
Hi Steve
I'm a beginner Photographer and really interested in the Children portraiture industry
My dream of course would be to own my own studio
but I don't have the space for it
so I'm trying to take indoor and outdoor shots
The problem is that most of the time I don't have sufficient light and the pictures, although have good potential ( I own the Canon30D and good lenses)
don't come as sharp as desired
when I use my camera flash the pictures come out sharper
but I know that photographers usually hate using flash
because it flatten the details
I would love to hear your advise in the subject
also is there much difference between the camera flash and a separate flash unit?
My last question would be what light source is best to use in indoor shots and is it possible to buy something that I can take with me to my clients house?
Thank you very much for your help
Happy new year
Michelle
-----Answer-----
Hi Michelle. Your problem obviously is your light source. Flash is good, but it must be right. When you refer to your camera flash are you referring to the pop-up flash? If so, it's not worth anything. If you're serious about portrait work you will need a camera-mounted speedlite or a bracket flash. Use one with a twin head, where you can bounce the main flash off a ceiling, wall or reflector. Bouncing gives a more natural look to your lighting and gets rid of the flatness you speak of. That answers your first question. Now for part 2 - refer to answer 1. Use a good flash. Another BIG tip - as you're using a Canon digital camera - shoot in RAW. You say you're a beginner, so to make your life a lot more easier from the beginning, learn about RAW and use it. JPEG is rubbish and is a low-grade alternative for amateurs. Hope this all helps. HNY for 2007. Steve
Answer Sorry Michelle. I thought I'd answered that when I said "Now for part 2 - refer to answer 1. Use a good flash." That is the best light source to use indoors - preferably bounced. One other trick I use is to position my subject close to a window that has good daylight coming through it from outside. Use that as your main light source, and bounce your flash off the ceiling as a fill-in.
