First of all, thank you all sooooo much. You have really helped me.

When I am taking pictures indoors (which I have been afraid to do because of lighting), I use a big, north side window. Also a bright light and board etc. My question is do I use my flash? The film that I have already purchased is tri-x 400. If something else would be better, I will go buy it. What do you think?

Also, the little girl is very blonde so I wanted to use a dark back drop right? I have navy already. Should I use black instead?

You told me to use a meter then up a stop. I don't have a meter yet. Should I even attempt this without a meter or should I go ahead and get a meter before I plan on taking her picture?

I don't know if I mentioned that I will be using a 200mm zoom. Will this make any difference?

Is there a certain filter that would be good.

Again, thank you sooooooo much for your help!!!!!!

-- Monica Dotson (mdotson@midamer.net), September 08, 1999

Answers

200mm might be a bit much for a portrait of a small child who might be restless. Portrait lenses are usually 85mm or 100mm. Set your zoom to that and shoot away.

The dark background (navy is dark) will work if the subject is also wearing light clothing. If she's wearing dark clothing, it'll blend in with the background. Medium grey would highlight both light hair and dark clothing.

Kodak sells a Wratten #80 filter (pretty sure it's #80) that can be used to visualize the way a color scene will show in B&W. It's actually a brown filter, but it shows you the separation of shades.

Shoot a lot of film, and give the kid a treat or two so she'll be happy to sit for you again if you have to repeat it.

-- Jeff Polaski (polaski@acm.org), September 09, 1999.

And remember that the secret of a good portrait are the highlights (reflections of the window-light) in the eyes, especially in the eye on the dark side. Let the kid turn her head just so far that this eye catches the reflection, but not further towards the window.

-- Lot (lotw@wxs.nl), September 09, 1999.