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jdouglas003
22nd of July 2005 (Fri), 12:16
I will be shooting a family reunion tomorrow and I've been told to expect a group of about 50 people. My question is when focusing shoul I focus towards the center of the group or what. I will meter with hand meter. I will shoot try to shoot at at least f8 or higher if possible.


I don't know exactly how the group will be arranged because I won't have a chance to go and check out the site before hand.


I am hoping to have about three rows, four at the most and for lighting I am hoping to shoot indoors with two AB 800s and two 45" white umbrellas. I will aslo take a step ladder to shoot from. If I have to shoot outside I don't know exactly what I'm going to do.


The shoot will be between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. in Texas. The sun is still pretty high up at that time of day. I don't know what the posibilities are for shooting a group that large in the shade with on camera flash (Sigma EF-500 Super DG). I can move the flash off camera with remote but I don't think it is enough to sufficiently light that large of a group.


I will be shooting with a 20d, Canon 50 1.8, Sigma 24-70 2.8, Canon 85 1.8, and Sigma 70-200 2.8.


For the large group shot I plan on using the 50 1.8 if possible, if not I will be using the Sigma 24-70.


I have done many searches on this topic and read many posts, most of which talk about lighting, posing, DOF and lens selection.
As always, any help appreciated.

*MOMOFAIRFORCEBRATS*
22nd of July 2005 (Fri), 12:34
i would go wiht the sigma and stay around 35mm
and try to get to f11 or higher preferable f14 with that many people

focus in the center of the group closest to you

you want to use the middle focus point but make sure its on the person very closest to you
with the lense stopped down you will get the people behind fine but your DOF in front of your focal point will always be shallow