Family Shoot - Lights

[Siberius]

Hi all,

Weather permitting, this Saturday I'm supposed to be doing some shots for a family of 5 here, in their back garden, late afternoon.

I have two vivitar flashes, wireless remotes and stands. Any advice on good lighting set ups? I guess initially I'd like to know what might be most successful for a simple good looking shot... maybe one on each side pointing in diagonally?

But also any creative ideas to try out for cool looking lighting once I have a few standard shots would be cool.

Many thanks in advance.

[pete crawford]

Hey, since you can't get any takers on suggestions, try one light head on, and one light off to either side at a 45* angle. Use both lights at the same power in one shot, then in the other, have the key light (the light head on) one stop brighter than the fill light (the light off to the side).

Seems like using 8ish on the f stops usually works to keep everyone in focus. If you're like me you'll have a blast learning and no matter what you do, it'll look just fine.

[pete crawford]

Oh, one other thing! I think you need the lights relatively close, maybe 5 to 6 feet away at the most. Any further away doesn't seem to work as well.

[dlpasco]

You might get more help if you post in the lighting forum. There are number of very helpful people there.

[Siberius]

Thanks guys, I'll take you up on both pieces of advice :).