Yet Another Group Photo Quandry - Just 2 AB800's

I'd like to take a family Xmas pic. 20 people, mix of men and women

and children, including 2 babies. So while 3 rows of 7 might be an

abstract layout, it should be somewhat tighter than that with the

babies and kids in the mix. Indoor picture.

 

I have 2 AB800's, with one shoot through and one silver reflecting

umbrella. A few while foam core boards for reflectors. I shoot a D70

with primes tethered to a computer.

 

I've found many good lighting diagrams for individual portraits, but

none for group portraits that might provide a starting place for my

own needs.

 

I've found snippets of info. Some suggest banging the ceiling with a

strobe for diffuse lighting. Others suggest having a key and a fill,

somewhat akin to an individual portrait situation. Another suggested

putting one light right near the camera akin to on-camera flash.

 

So I'm confused. Any other ideas on lighting layout? Will I have

enough power? Any other Web resources to check out?

 

Any and all suggestions appreciated.

 

Scott

I have similar problem and I have no idea how to answer your question. I suspect a definitive

answer will be elusive as refections off walls and ceiling and foamcore will be different for

each of us. Right now I am procrastinating by surfing photo.net, but when I get off my duff

I'm gonna set up a dummy shot and see what works. That is one of the beauties of this

digital deal we have going on now. Check your histogram look for ares of poor light etc., and

on the big day you'll have at the most only minor adjustments to make. At least that is how

my theory is laid out right now.,

Al has the right idea, as you can be over-run with everyones favorite lighting schemes, but nothing will serve you as well as setting up the lights and doing it. You have plenty of power. I would avoid the shoot through on a group this big, they are best at close range and lower power for super soft light... t

Go get another silver umbrella (for a group this size, both should preferably be specular, not soft), set your ABs to provide slightly overlapping coverage at center, and elevate them enough to remove reflectance from eyeglasses but not so much as to produce deep facial shadows.

 

Several piece of white foamcore will help with the faces. Use low stands or assistants to hold them.

 

I strongly suggest you round up as many friends as possible and make some test shots.

 

You must change the elevation of each row. You could have the front row sit on the floor, the second row kneeling, and the third row standing; or use risers if you can get them; OR, get on a ladder and have everybody look at you. Don't try shooting a group this big if everyone, including you, is on the same level. Something will go wrong. (Yes, I made this mistake -- once. Not again).

 

Good shooting and Merry Christmas.

 

/s/ David Beal ** Memories Preserved Photography, LLC