Whats the best way to shoot w/o studio lights?

Question

Im going to take some pictures next week of a baby in the day time around 1:30 but i dont have any studio lights im going to try and use natural lighting. I have a nikon d50. i want to have the best quality i can get w/o studio lights. So i was wondering if anyone has any suggestions? anyone here have experience with natural lighting? tell me anything & everything that you think i should know

Answer 1

For an argument against studio lights see:
http://naturallightportraits.com/portfolio_children.htm
For some pointers:
http://canon30d.dpnotes.com/fantastic-portraits-taken-in-natural-light/
Change your question to:
Whats the best way to shoot? w'o studio lights? And the answer is YES.
Studio lights at their best merely mimic natural light. It takes years of experience to master portrait lighting using artificial lighting. Get some reflectors and play around before the shoot and you'll be surprised that you asked the question to begin with. Look at some of the most pleasing portraits you've seen and chances are they were shot in natural light. Check out a couple of the photo boards like www.photo.net and see how others have framed, composed, and posed their subjects in their portrait work.
Do you want natural looking photos? Then use natural light!

Answer 2

I do most of my portrait work in natural lighting, outside usually, as I really prefer the natural backgrounds.

Avoid doing your shoot in direct sunlight, unless you have a diffuser to soften the light. If you don't, then I would look for a shady area, such as under a tree, to do your portraits. The time of day you will be shooting is really harsh light to do portraits in the sun.

You also may want to use a fill flash, which will brighten your subject up a little and add a nice catch light to the eyes.

Answer 3

outside in natural evening light.