How to take baby washtub portaits
How to take baby washtub portaits
Studio setup and lighting for children
Bath time for babies in a tin wash tub is a great way to get away from your standard "say cheese" type children's portraits.
I was going for a vintage look for this "wash tub portrait".
"How To Take Washtub Portraits"
Make sure your room is warm enough for the baby. A rubber ducky, folded towels and even a shower cap can make great props.
You will need a good brand of bubbles with the plastic circle on a stick. (note: dollar store bubbles don't work that great) Have a couple extra bottles on hand.
The baby will need to be at the age to sit up on it's own.
"Keep diaper on".... please! Not only will this keep everything nice and clean, it will help cushion the washtub along with soft towels inside, out of site. (no real water)
This session will take patience. There have been a few babies that think this is a doctor's visit when placed in the washtub. A trick is to start blowing bubbles, getting the child's attention while the parent get's them ready. Once the parent places the baby in the washtub toward your main light source, hand off the bubbles to her or an assistant.
A trick to getting the bubbles in the picture is to have the parent or assistant stand to the side, at an angle not to cast a shadow on the baby. Have them blow the bubbles toward the ceiling so they will fall. This will cause the baby to look up. Be ready to catch the shot at your camera position. Take as many pictures as you can until you are satisfied and then some.
Though I use professional equipment ... with today's "point and shoot" high resolution camera's it is possible for anyone to get good results with this technique.
Even "window light" and a reflector is another option as long as you choose iso setting that will allow you to choose an f-stop that will keep the face and hands in focus, and a shutter speed that will prevent blur when the child moves, not to mention we need to capture the bubbles in mid air. Pre-focus on the child's eyes. (On a point and shoot camera, hold the button half way down before each shot.)
Use your camera's highest resolution setting so there will be no problem getting a good size enlargement. I always setup and do test shots with a baby doll. (I've had since I was five). Thrift stores have dolls that need homes. Just "be sure to get one large enough" to simulate the size of a real baby that can sit up own its own.
Practice on your doll until you feel comfortable with your results, by looking at the larger shots on your computer monitor. Babies and children have a short attention span.
Caution:
Some children have more energy than others.
If you use a sturdy table for the washtub,
Have an extra person close by to keep baby or child from falling out.
Nikon D80 Manual mode F8 1/125 sec
Main light Medium size softbox F8
Fill Light strobe in umbrella F5.6
Novatron 240 powers both above lights
2 generic remote background lights place for a reading of F8
No hair light was used
A sturdy table was used for the washtub
