Photo shoot tips
 

I'm doing my first Modeling photo shoot for a local dress store. I'm using a Nikon D40 w/ the kit lens. I need to know on how to get good portrait pictures. Like what kind of settings to use. Shutter speed f/stop for example or anything else.
The store is pretty well lighted up. Good backgrounds to use and what not. I just need to know a few basics. Thanks :)

sorry this is no help D= but just curious, how'd you get started? like what was your first step to get into modeling? xD i'm thinking of doing this on my free time, but just need advice on how to kick things off hehe, good luck!

are you using the available light or setting up strobes?

I didn't get into modeling. I was asked to take pictures by my cousin.


I'm using the available light.

if your using available light then you dont have much control over shutter speed as you would with strobes. I usually shoot 1/200 at F11 w/ strobes. depending on the light you have u might have to bump down shutter or up the iso. I wouldnt go lower than F8 for catalog stuff. Dont use a wide angle, it'll distort the model. For full body shots I use 50mm and have the camera 2 feet off the ground to make ur model look taller. Again depending on the location, it might not be possible to use such a long lens. Just go as close as you can to 50mm for full body shots.

He's talking about a store, these are my guesses he'll run into.
Without window light, 1/60th with a Kit lens @ 5.6 @ 1600ISO
With window light (mixed colours), 1/60th with Kit lens @ 5.6 @ 600ISO

I'm being nice too.. at 5.6 you might even get 1/15th.

Eep! A kit lens, a store interior and ambient light? Good luck.

At the very least you will need to augment the light somehow, either with strobes, constant lighting or more ambient light. With the equipment you have, it's going to be difficult.

Can someone tell me what are strobes lighting is for and what it means?

Strobe = flash. Either a small one like the ones that attach on to the top of the camera, or the big studio ones. You would use them to create a mood or maybe just to fill in a shadow area.

i've read photography magazines where they just use cheap halogen flood lights, like the ones you get from Home Depot, and the pictures can turn out quite decently. gets very hot tho...