Studio flash setup

Does any one have some good tips or good setups for my upcoming photo shoot?

Subjects are my 2 cousins, 5 months and 2 year old and my equipment is Pentax AF540 flash, 28 inch softbox, 40 inch umbrella (yeah I know it's big) and 5 in 1 reflector... I was hoping I would have had a second flash but it still isn't here
There is however a big window with sunlight so I could use that.

what is the view like outside the window?

They are big windows and two acts like doors to the back garden, have no idea how you call it.

The sun shines through them the whole day but I can use a sun-screen and curtains to adapt the light.
By the looks of it, it's going to be mildly cloudy which would be perfect I believe to soften and lower the intensity of the light a bit.

Am I right to think of using the sun as main light and the softbox as fill light?

if the view through the windows is nice then you can do a "three light" set up by arranging your subjects in front of the windows (the windows become your backlit backdrop) and setting your manual exposure for the outside scenery, adding a reflector for fill and using the soft box or umbrella as key, being careful of course to angle the lights to avoid reflections in the glass.

if the window is your key light source, then the reflector could do fill, and the strobe for backlight/hairlight/background light..

also:

you could use the window for fill, the softbox for key and reflector for hairlight/seperation light.

Thank you Don, very useful.
The view out of the window isn't nice so using it as background isn't an option although it's a splendid idea I didn't thought about.

I think the second one might be the best option since I've some coloured gells that can be used.

Although I've the time to also try the third setup and play with variations depending on how the kids are.
The older one likes to pose so lets hope he is in a good mood.

I just think about that the neighbour has Nikon D90 so he might also have a flash... or do you think a reflector is more then good enough?
From what I know I do think so though but what I know is very limited

reflectors should be more than good. depends on light levels, iso levels as long as you can get a decent aperture shutter combo to freeze motion and get enough dof.

re: the second suggestion, don't be afraid to improvise with that strobe, any kind of "Cookie" or light modifier could be used to make patterns or colors on a plain wall for nice backdrop effects. shooting through drinking glasses with or without colored liquids, patterns from etched crystal glasses, using a potted plant etc as a cookie to make shadows etc.... any kind of colored gel whatever you can find...

Thank you very much Don, I'll try to be creative

Hi Stefan

Use the window, its the softest and most flattering light. Get the reflector to the side to fill in, don't put them square on to the window, otherwise 1) YOU will be in front of the light 2) you won't have any definition on the shadows to make them stand out.

When the light gets too low, use the strobe as your key light, 45 degrees to them and use the window to fill in. A reflector held under the chin will soften the shadows under there.....also, it gives the kids something to hold and do and make them feel like they are involved and stop them getting bored. Its something new, so them holding it down below, out of shot, will be fun for them.....show them the difference between the shots....will keep them interested. Get them involved....

You can possibly get away with one light, but you will need it much more square on to remedy the light fall off if you have them side by side. Don't forget, the light won't be as strong on the child furthest away from the main light....always remember distances. Any small change will change everything in the set up.

If you manage to get hold of a second strobe, then use one through the softbox to the front, the umbrella or sheilded bare light to the back, opposite. Will give a lovely hairlight effect.....

Hope this helps?

Thank you Johnny, very useful and i'm glad you and George agree.

The kids are too young to be able to understand much from what I'm doing, one is 5 months old so the older one of 2 1/2 year would need to help him a bit but he can do that, he sits on the couch many times with him and grandma is there to help

Ya Stefan...I agree. A two year old is as apt to throw a reflector as to hold one!

I have taken a lot of photo's of little ones. I find that natural light is perfect. They are soft and pinked skined at two and 5 months. I would use the light FROM the window, allowing it to fall on them. I used my flash as a fill in...make sure that no shadows are under the eyes. I would give the reflector to another adult...I do find that the reflective light give a child a glow, a soft touch. I would try lots of different angles to. A two year old does like moving about...he/she could find it fun to get up and down. The five month old will be interested in the faces of the people around. All you need to do for the five month old, is have a face he/she loves and is familar with. The two year old will like others being fun and silly. Make sure that both babies are rested, feed and dry, it goes a long ways for contented subjects.

If they become fussy...take a break. You can have a go at it later again.
I would love to see the end results...wish I was there to help...I LOVE children.

If they become too energetic, take a tip from the bug macro photographers - pop them in the fridge for a bit

You can still use it as background. If it is brighter than the inside of the house, it could be good for high key style pictures.