band promo shot lighting advice..

[ryandavid__]

just wondering if anyone could tell me how to light a group of 5 like this..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2209/2098912201_4b4c39ae95.jpg?v=0

any help appreciated :]


Ryan.

[Unity Gain]

Just one light with a softbox or umbrella to the Left of the camera. Probably need to put the light up kinda high on the stand and hten point it down so the shadows from the front band members don't block the faces of the band members in the back.

This is actually a good situation to use a boom

[bagtagsell]

The guy on the left's face is hotter than the others. He is closer to the light source.

I read a tip that if you are using an umbrella aim the center of the umbrella at the furthest person. It will evenly illuminate them all that way.

[ryandavid__]

Just one light with a softbox or umbrella to the Left of the camera. Probably need to put the light up kinda high on the stand and hten point it down so the shadows from the front band members don't block the faces of the band members in the back.

This is actually a good situation to use a boom

thanks for the reply, useful info. just the one flash? my wallet thanks you ;)
helpful tip with the high-angle, thanks.

The guy on the left's face is hotter than the others. He is closer to the light source.

I read a tip that if you are using an umbrella aim the center of the umbrella at the furthest person. It will evenly illuminate them all that way.

i've heard that too. but thanks.

[René Damkot]

Since you're asking, I gather this isn't your image? In that case you should link to it instead of post it...
On the image: Yep single, not too large lightsource top left. Small softbox or umbrella I'd guess. And a reflector low on the right.

[PipesInTune]

First of all, they need some separation from the background...especially since they're all in black against a black background. A hairlight would be good.
Second, the lighting is too close to the subject on the left, and he's blocking the light from the fellow next to him. Moving the light more towards the camera and then using a fill from the camera position should solve that.
After that, it's good posing and expression.

[Unity Gain]

First of all, they need some separation from the background...especially since they're all in black against a black background. A hairlight would be good.

I understand that separation from background is kind of a standard of lighting for most photography. But, this is a metal band photo so the rules don't apply. Hairlights are unecessary....it's actually cool that they fade into blackness and aren't separated. But most of the time...I'd agree with you



Second, the lighting is too close to the subject on the left, and he's blocking the light from the fellow next to him. Moving the light more towards the camera and then using a fill from the camera position should solve that.
After that, it's good posing and expression.

I totally agree

[PipesInTune]

I'd politely argue about "rules" - they always apply in some form or another... especially since you don't want your subject becoming the background. It just plain doesn't look right.

Keep in mind the separation doesn't need to be drastic or dramatic, it just needs to be there. It helps to keep the subject looking more 3-d as well. In the end, it boils down to what the customer is happy with.

[kevie]

With a setup like this i would also suggest shooting them individually and piece them together.