Lighting a large group in a dark space

[Disneypics]

Are umbrellas of any use beyond portraits?

Am I dreaming if I think a 580EX and slaved 430EX will light a group of 14 people?

Thanks for any ideas!

[Curtis N]

Are umbrellas of any use beyond portraits?Certainly. They make the light source much larger, so the shadows produced are much softer. But much of the light they reflect will get thrown out of your field of view, so they are inherently much less efficient than a hotshoe flash unit or studio strobe with reflector fired directly.Am I dreaming if I think a 580EX and slaved 430EX will light a group of 14 people?Sure, it can be done, as long as you don't think you need ISO 100 and f/11.

The easiest way to light a group that size would be to use the 580EX direct, preferably on a flash bracket to prevent redeye. A 580EX plus a 430EX, both fired into silver umbrellas, could provide better quality lighting but less quantity, because of the efficiency issue previously mentioned.

Group shots are inherently complicated enough that you don't want to be messing around with a lighting system you're not thoroughly familiar with. Keep it simple, and concentrate on making sure all of the faces can be seen.

[Disneypics]

Thank you, Curtis!