Use an umbrella and slightly over expose to reduce skin retouching. Don't use Rembrandt because that's notorious in introducing shadows which aren't likely be flattering. You could short light depending on her complexion. A slightly overhead off axis umbrella with a reflector below would fill in all most of the shadows (clamshell). You could use loop lighting or paramount. Use a large light source/modifier to create soft light.

Personally I wouldn't advice using gold reflectors. Either use a fill light or a standard white reflector. Using a piece of foamcore works well if you are doing headshots. You can buy a 20"x30" white piece of foamcore for $1.00 at a dollar store.

Perhaps if she loves doing or is known for something (loves to read or used to quilt or...?) a prop could be added? I am very much an amateur but people really like my portraits because I know the person I am photographing and just start talking with them. They relax, their varying facial expressions are true to how their family knows them. So, perhaps you can talk with her daughter beforehand and give her that role of remembering situations to make her mother relax and smile....and then shoot many photos very quickly.

Hello all. A senior friend recently asked me to photograph her for her own use. I would obviously like the photo to be as flattering as possible.

Available to me are three speedlights, a boom, 2 light stands with brackets and two shoot through umbrellas. I plan to mount a speedlight to the boom and use a softbox on that light.

Given the many potential configurations for lighting, I thought I'd see if any of you have experience to share with an elderly subject. I have taken some nice shots of my children and grandchildren so I am familiar with the equipment and with several techniques (i.e. Rembrandt, Hollywood, clam shell.) I simply wish to avoid subjecting this dear woman to undue experimentation if I can, and I'm betting many here could help with that.

I've watched some tutorials and read some guides but I am unable to apply much of the knowledge I gained due to environment. My friend will be sitting on a couch in a fairly limited space. She is disabled so my options for posing her are sparse. She will likely be sitting with her back to the couch or possibly in a chair with beautiful curtains as the backdrop.

So there you have it. One camera, a 50mm f/1.8 prime, hair lighting (she has a beautiful wig) and options for key and fill lighting. If I've provided sufficient data and you instantly dream up a scenario you would employ, I would really appreciate your input.

Apologies in advance if I haven't given enough details. Thanks for any helpful, generous responses.

Craig

A photograph that spans generations tells a tremendous story. Please include your friend and her daughter. Another consideration. Is there a wheelchair or crutches involved? If so, I would like to offer a suggestion. Years before my father passed, he had difficulties. I took an amazing photograph of both of us sitting down staring at each other over a birthday cake. The cake didn't have a number on it just a question mark candle. I smeared a little Vaseline with a Q-tip around the edge of a star filter. Set the camera with f 2.8 and 1/500 shutter using Ilford ASA 400 film. I set the timer and jumped into the chair. It's my favorite photograph of my Dad.
The take away from this is have subjects sitting comfortably, vignette the photograph, a star filter enhances single light sources and use a monochrome setting. Other than the fact that he is my father, you cannot see his wrinkles.

I wish you well my dear friend.

Happy Shooting!

Scruples

A DP who did a lot of docs tell me years ago that when the crew got into a situation with
strangers they would spend some time talking to the subject(s). This is simple good advice.

Shooting this lady appears to be challenging. My question could be can you get her to smile or laugh.
Can the shot be done outside with some trees or a colorful background.
Sometimes I have worked with disable children mostly with autism. I never shot shooting or videoing
right away. I wait a while and if possible say hello and introduce myself. A person's personality is
in thier somewhere and getting it out a little or a lot takes a while. Good luck.

The most challenging years along was a doc I produced on homeless people in Philadelphia
out on the street and some who were brought in and doing well. I always give them space
Back up and stoop down to their eye level. Be careful that they didnt feel afraid and cornered.