What is the best type of flash and lens to buy for indoor portrait photography of babies with a Nikon D90?

I’m a beginner in photography–took one class in college–but I’d like to take some professional-looking photos of my newborn.
I’d like a “studio look”–reckon close up, black drape social class, naked baby or close up with nice bokeh in social class
I’ve heard of “ring flashes”…would they be better than the SB-600?

Answer by Joe S
Grab an SB-600. It is Light, positively well-built, and is relatively inexpensive. Read rockwell’s take here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb600.htm. Also, a quick fill in, like the 50mm f/1.8D will do just fine.

Photography is the art of trial, and error, so with experience, and the right gear, you’ll do just fine

Answer by Mr A
It depends upon how much U want to spend, as well as what type of photo U want to realize.

If U want a studio look, for lighting, U’d need a monolight such as persons made by alien bees: http://www.alienbees.com

U can get by with a low-end Alien Bee, a stand, and an umbrella.

If U want a flash for your camera to chase your newborn around the house and to relatives’ homes and the park, U may maybe get an SB-600 flash for the hot shoe.

As for a lens…the stock 18-55mm lens would be fine, if U kept the backgrounds simple and stopped down to f/8 to avoid distractions (for studio type shooting). My preference would be to have a lens in the 85mm to 135mm range though, if U can. The 18-105mm or 18-135mm Nikkor lenses would be fine, again stopped down to f/8 if U need specific recommendations.

In the field (away from the studio), I like the 85mm f/1.8 Nikkor for affordability (prefer the more expensive 85mm f/1.4 if U can afford it) and excellent sharpness and bokeh.

Do U want a studio look or something else?

EDIT:
forget ring flashes. Very special purpose, heavy, and not at all convenient. Instead, stick with any a set of monolights or an SB-600 (or two SB-600′s). Luckily, your D90 has a superior flash system. Based on description of your needs:
Lens: 85mm f/1.8. Won’t zoom, but superb bokeh and U can zoom with your feet to frame. Fantastic for portraits. Next, get two SB-600 flashes and two tripods. The SB-600 comes built-in with a stand that allows it to sit on a tripod socket. Next, set the D90 to be a master flash and place the SB-600, or SB-600′s if U get more than one, on the tripod(s) and to the sides. Set it/them to wireless remote. In small, U get wireless TTL flash control this way. Best of all, U can then use the SB-600 whenever U place the home, because it’s portable–excellent for trips, vacations, parties, whatever. Experiment with bouncing flash or by adding flash modifiers too.

See your instruction manual on background master flash and remote flash for the D90 and an SB-600.

To do monolights would require a longer explanation-so message me if U want that.

PS: Photography is the art of manipulating light, not the art of trial and error. U should not be a guess and go photographer. Experimenting is one business, but it should be to learn a practice, not to make trial and error a methodology.

Know better? Place your own answer in the comments!

hey so i’m plotting on buying the nikon d90 from this site, and i was wondering which package is the best for its price (the one’s $ 740 and under)

http://www.1wayphoto.com/search.asp?searchq=nikon+d90

thanks so much

Answer by fhotoace
The prices for this camera on this site is far too low to be legit.

1) many Internet supplies sell grey market cameras.
2) they also sell the camera only, no connectors, programs, no battery, no charger, nothing.

When you buy from a place like Amazon, Adorama, B&H Photo and more, you get the later when you buy …

D90 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body)
EN-EL3e Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
MH-18a Quick Charger
UC-E4 USB Cable
EG-D2 Audio/Record Cable
AN-DC1 Neck Strap
BM-10 LCD Monitor Cover
BF-1A Body Cap
DK-5 Eyepiece Cap
DK-21 Rubber Eyecup
BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cap
Nikon Software Suite CD-ROM
User Guides
1-Year Manufacturers Limited Warranty

Link to such a site.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/595841-REG/Nikon__D90_SLR_Digital_Camera.html#features

As you can see, the D90 was a well loved camera this past Christmas, since they are out of stock.

Answer by retiredPhil
Uh, strongly suggest you check out the vendor. For instance

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/1_Way_Photo

If the price is to excellent to be right….

There are several excellent vendors, and many rip off artists…

I bought my D90 from Beach Camera

http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/home.aspx

and was very pleased with the price and service.

Know better? Place your own answer in the comments!

The Nikon D90 Companion

• ISBN13: 9780596159870
• Condition: New
• Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Through simple-to-follow lessons, this clever book offers a complete class on digital photography, tailored particularly for public who use the Nikon D90. This is not your typical camera guide: rather than just show you what all the buttons do, it teaches you how to use the D90′s features to make fantastic photographs-including professional-looking images of public, landscapes, action shots, close-ups, night shots, HD record, and more. With Ben Long’s creative tips and technical advice, you have the per

List Price: $ 24.99

Price: $ 8.50

Best to Buy www.amazon.com — Nikon D3100 TOP 10 Best Nikon SLR Digital Cameras to Buy Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens www.amazon.com Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only) www.amazon.com Nikon D90 12.3MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens www.amazon.com Nikon D700 12.1MP FX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only) www.amazon.com Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD www.amazon.com Nikon D300s 12MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) www.amazon.com Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens www.amazon.com Nikon D3S 12.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and 24fps 720p HD Record Capability (Body Only) www.amazon.com Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) www.amazon.com Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) www.amazon.com TOP 10 Best Nikon SLR Digital Cameras to Buy
Record Rating: 0 / 5