What kind of equipment do you use for outdoor portraits?

Question

I've got the camera but that's about it! For now, I really want to stay under $1000.00.

The camera I have is a Canon 350D and that's literally ALL I have. No additional flashes as of now which I'd like to include in the budget I have. I do have the lens that came with it which is 18-55mm.

All great answers so far!! Thanks!

Answer 1

There have been great answers so far, but I thought I would add a comment on using expedient materials, the stuff that you have around the house. Someone has already mentioned using a white board as a reflector, which is an example of this. Another favourite of mine is the shopping bag diffuser. If you have a small subject and want to eradicate harsh shadows, you can make a small diffuser out of a white shopping bag and a coat-hanger. Form the coat-hanger into a rough circle, and put it inside the shopping bag. Tie or tape it so that it doesn't slip off, and have an assistant hold it between the sun and your subject. You might want to experiment with the effect of different coloured shopping bags!

My list for outdoor/nature photography:
Tripod and cable release or remote release
Flash
Telephoto zoom lenses - 80-200mm 35mm equivalent is okay, but if you are interesting in birds and small animals, then you really need to be using something around 300mm at the top end.
Circular polarizing filter.

Answer 2

You could definitely do this for under $1000. As stated a good lens is going to help alot. You will want to look for something that gives sharp images. As I dont know your camera I cant give a suggestion but any decent on line photography sales site will have reviews from other users of a given product. I dont think a flash is necessary, but that could be a personal preference. A reflector or 2 would be good, and maybe a reflector boom to hold the reflector if you will be doing it solo. A diffuser filter for the end of your lens might be something you would want to go for, thats personal preffrence and the subject of the shoot should be considered when choosing this (some look better than others diffused).

Having the knowllege to implement your camera and the rest of your equipment would be a great advantage. Many of your camera shops will have a beginners course, and some have a portrait course you can take. Some community colleges do as well. And most of these courses wont break your budget at all. A one day course could give you all the inspiration you need to get it all going.

As for equipment you could use that you probably dont need:
>lighting kit, remote, battery operated strobes
>large diffusers in the range of 6 foot by 6 foot
>lighting kit, continuous, plugged into the nearest outlet, with gels to change the color of the light, with extension cords
>props (some like em, some get reminded of the mall portrait shops)
>large fan with adjustable output to blow the hair in just the right direction
>emergency makeup ("that zit wasnt there just a minute ago I swear")

But most importantly you need to have a great personallity. You are going to be setting the tone for what gets shot, so get your subjects in a great mood.

Answer 3

A short stepladder. A piece of white foam board for a reflector. Total cost, about $40, depending on the ladder.

Learn to see the light. A book, "Understanding Exposure", by Bryan Peterson is a good place to start. Also do some research on fill flash. Strobist.com has lots of information on lighting.

Of course, you can invest a lot of money in studio lighting, and I won't say it would never come in handy. But it is hard to lug around, and you have to have batteries to power it all. All the equipment means more time and planning, and that makes spontaneous shooting difficult.

The best and cheapest alternative is to learn to use what you have already available. Good luck.

Edit:
I am assuming you have an external flash and at least one decent lens. If you don't, then the flash should be your first investment, probably with a diffuser or two, followed by a good lens. If you are crop-frame digital, I would look inot a 50mm f/1.8. It will make a good short portrait lens on a digital camera. Or get a fast wide to mid-range zoom.

Answer 4

Right now, I only have my camera, a tripod, a pair of lens and a flash for a fill flash when I need it.

However, a pair reflector might come handy.

All of those that I use - except perhaps for the flash - is fairly cheap (you can get a reflector for under $50 I think) so I think a $1000 budget is more than enough.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Your'e most important tool will be a fill flash. It takes a while to learn, so you'll have to practice a lot before you use it for customers...but if you can get that, everything else is just help. A light bounce can be as simple as a piece of white foamcore...or you can invest in one of those nice pop out reflectors. (A car winshield reflector can also do the trick...there are ones with the shiney stuff too if you can find it).

Answer 6

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