markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Here is what I currently have:
Canon:7D MII, 5D MIII, 70 - 200 f/2.8 II, 24 - 70 f/2.8 II, 50 mm f/1.4
Flash(s): Ex 580, RT 600 (no stands)
Extension flash cables
A black/white 3 ft reflector - no stand
omni bounces for both flashes
remote shutter release

Here is my objective:
X-Mas, simple setup, to take portraits of the "teenagers" (3 girls, 2 boys) and one 6 yr. old
I'm willing to spend some money on diffuser(s)
I willing to practice and learn between now and X-Mas
I have stool/high chair
I have a small bedroom for setup
I can borrow a background, make one or buy one

Your suggestions are appreciated. I have searched and I have Syl's book, but have not done extensive reading.
I'm not lazy, but I am intimidated by the topic.
Happy Holidays & thank you!!
Mark

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Hi Mark. The only thing I would suggest is, and it's because I prefer it, is static light rather than flash. I have this setup and it's just excellent and really reasonable in price. It uses CFL or LED and creates a very soft light without heat. You may want to consider it.

https://www.amazon.com/Chromakey-Flourescent-lightstand-Fancierstudio-9004S-3/dp/B003Y31CAC/ref=sr_1_80?ie=UTF8&qid=1413650202&sr=8-80&keywords=photography+lighting+kits

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

Mark, I don't know if you subscribe to KelbyOne, but they just released a new class on 'shooting portraits with a single flash'. It was a re-hash for what I know, but Scott went into some of the available paraphernalia, which I found interesting. I have to think it would give you some ideas.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

If going to shoot portraits, you'll have to get those flashes off the camera and on to some stands. Amazon can sell you a couple "Newer" stands for less than $20 each, and buy the umbrella/cold shoe attachments for the stands. Rather than running wires to trigger the flashes, just get a set of Yongnuo Yn 622 triggers, you'll need 3, one on each flash, and one for the camera hot shoe as a master. Add a couple umbrella, and point the flash into the umbrella, or point the flashes upward and cover with white paper bags, for softer light. Use the 5D MIII for the best portraits. Take a look a "youtube" for other suggestions.

B

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Mark, here's what I suggest. Go to Cowboy Studios and get a cheap radio trigger set, two light stands and two unbrellas with the hardware to mount the unbrellas to the flash and stands. Probably can get everything for about a $100. You can spend more but this will work for very light duty use.
A wall or sheet can work for the backdrop. Your 24-70 on the FF will work great!
Then just look at a few uTubes on 2 light shooting.
You'll do fine. Good luck
SS

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Hi Bruce,
Thanks for "another" helpful response.
Love Scott Kelby. I did not know of his KelbyOne. Just subscribed.
Thanks.
Mark

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Thanks SS. Hard to find Cowboys here in NJ!! LOL - We do have a few left over "Beatniks" from the 50/60's. (I used to be one of them)
Truly appreciate your suggestions.
I'll post results after my "teenage shoot".
Happy Holidays
Mark

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I would just try to find a beautiful location/spot where you can place each or all of them and ideas should just be flying into your head (based on spot). Only you can decide on what kind of lighting would look best once you made a selection for a location!

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Looking to do portrait inside. Too cold (for me) outside.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Mark

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

Its not cold here in NJ yet, its only in the 40's .
Like someone said already a few umbrellas, and stands will get you on your way. You can buy setups very cheap on ebay.
good for a home studio, be sure you buy from a US vendor, China can take months to arrive.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

If you are ok with the background situation, go to Home Depot or Lowe's and pick up some 3/4" x 4x8 R-Tech bead foam insulation board with reflective vapor barrier on one side. Get two pieces. They come with a film with writing on one side, and silver reflective on the other. Remove the silver reflector from one of the boards, and use a spray adhesive to laminate the two surfaces with writing facing each other. This will leave you with one sliver reflective side and one white bead foam side. Tape the edges, and use shelf supports or whatever you want to do for the support.

These videos will give you some inspiration:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1S4wjXM6_U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJO9IZPQnKM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD8y6FI3HIM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJlvwCQh1F4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZcsg4LYo9Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a92mTTWCtU

Total cost of two 4x8x3/4" sheets with spray adhesive should be around $30. Add another $7 or so for hardware for the stands and you have a great bounce solution.

A 3 ft reflector, omni bounce (like Gary Fong), will not give you soft light at the distances you'll need to cover the entire family, which will likely be more than 6'. Cable-attached speedlights are often a pain, Use the Yongnuo 622s instead so you have more freedom when positioning your lights and they will let you use iTTL. Since you are using speedlights, you won't need a remote cable release or tripod, it will be far easier to shoot hand-held. With a fast enough shutter speed you should be able to minimize or even eliminate ambient room light. You could always block the light on the window(s) with a thick curtain, board or whatever.

If you want to minimize the number of shots with some having their eyes closed - tell them to close their eyes, and that they should open their eyes at the count of three. Their eyes will be open, and they will have very natural smiles on their faces.

Good luck, Mark. Post a result when you are done.

CO

I have a Phottix Para-Pro 40" shoot-through and a 40" silver reflective umbrella that I like to use. The silver reflective umbrella has a textured surface that gives a slightly softer light. The umbrella bracket is a Kupo Roly Poly counterbalanced swivel umbrella bracket. It has a spring mechanism inside the swivel that gives some resistance to prevent it from accidentally flopping over when the lock is loosened. I used the reflective umbrella for this shot.

(Download)

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

For me, even 60's is freezing. I never buy China - usually Amazon, B & H, local or Ebay.
Thanks.
Mark

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Thanks Gene.
Mark

bcrawf

An Xmas portrait may be just a good portrait (formal or informal) for an Xmas card, or it may be an Xmastime or Xmas-day portrait with a background/foreground Xmas setting. What is your intent? If you are lucky, you can determine whether the teens prefer informality.