Need some help with group pics.

[Muskydave22]

I am going to be taking some pictures of some high school friends, about 10 or 12. I am planning on doing this outdoors, later in the day so the light is not as intense. What I am wondering is, what will I need to light a group of that magnitude if the light is not very good on the day we do the shoot? Thanks

Dave

[Muskydave22]

anyone? at least lead me down the right path

dave

[colormaniac]

I don't have similar experience but I guess you would need a powerful strobe like AB1600 instead of a 580EX.

Suppose the 580EX really is not powerful enough. You may consider using higher ISO such that the ambient light would be the main light and your 580EX serves as the fill light. But still, you may need a big softbox/umbrella so that the flash from the Speedlite would not fall on only a few people.

[Muskydave22]

I have a 45" umbrella, and I have been looking at getting a AB1600 however, I do not have the funds right now because I would need the Vagabond II as well. This will be an outdoor on location shoot. No access to power unless I bring my own.

Dave

[colormaniac]

I have a 45" umbrella, and I have been looking at getting a AB1600 however, I do not have the funds right now because I would need the Vagabond II as well. This will be an outdoor on location shoot. No access to power unless I bring my own.

Dave
Maybe you can do some testing shots (in your backyard, in a dark alley... checking the light coverage) first and see if it is powerful enough.

[Muskydave22]

Yea I might do that tomorrow after class. Maybe get some of my friends to just stand there for me! I just hope I can pull it off with the one 580ex and the ambient right now. After the shoot, I could afford the AB1600 and the Vagabond II, which is kind of ironic.

Dave

[colormaniac]

Though it sounds unrelated, maybe you can learn how to use your Speedlite as a fill light in a situation when the ambient light is low in this thread. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=369787

[Muskydave22]

I know how to use it as fill and that is what I am going for here. Just looking to brighten the faces of the subjects if at all possible. I was just wondering where I should place the light or lights if I need two. I am thinking its going to have to be back about 12 feet or so to get enough coverage. Hopefully the ambient is not too strong when I do it. I am planning on doing it about half hour before sunset.

Dave

[Benji]

Copy) What will I need to light a group of that magnitude if the light is not very good on the day we do the shoot?

First of all, are they expecting something they can order a 16 x 20 on canvas to hang in the living room over the fireplace or is this a quick for fun snapshot type of image? If it is to be a work of art that people will stop in their tracks and stare at, then borrow, beg, buy or steal some additional lighting and reflectors and get several people to hold them for you and go forth and conquer. If it is a bunch of guys getting together for a quick snapshot who will be flipping you the bird while you are shooting use the on camera flash.

Benji

[Muskydave22]

It will be somewhere In between those two. The biggest I might print it is 11x14, this is going to be a kind of formal high school friend shoot. I am sure some pictures will get pretty goofy and it will be hard for me to borrow any equipment because I do not know many people who are that serious into photography.

Dave

[scorpio_e]

Keep your group tight and then you will have less to worry about coverage.Maybe shoot earlier in the day so you have more ambient light and get a location close to the edge of an area in shadows. OR cross your fingers for a cloudy day .