Shooting group of 8 and singles need help please

Okay, so I've got this gig set up in a couple of weeks to shoot some action shots of a Color Guard group (batons and rifle spinning and whatnot), as well as some (possibly full length) portraits of the group of 8-9 kids and individual shots of them as well. I need more light, but thinking that I can get by just ordering a second strobe (Alien Bees B800) to use along with the B800 I already have, both bounced into, or through 60" white convertible umbrellas. I've got pricing down pretty well I think, but not sure whether or not two strobes will do for this. I do have a reflector and I can shoot my 420EX as a hair light if I must, but would rather not. I was going to get a B400 along with the second B800, but don't want to spend so much right this moment. the backdrop will be a prop they use in their performance (I have yet to see this), so I think they want it in focus, and without a light shining on it.

Will I have enough light with two B800s and both 60" umbrellas for a group of 8-9 highschool kids? Is a hairlight a must for a first shoot? any pointers for lighitng placement? It will be shot in a gymnasium, so I's like some infor in the combo of strobe and gym light (tungsten?). Thanks all.

I shot a group of 16 at a wedding on the weekend with a single AB800 and I had plenty of light. Around F8/ISO100 or 200 (I forget) with a shoot though umbrella. I'd like to have had a second light but there wasn't time to set it up.

thanks Tim. I should be okay as far as setting up time goes. where'd you position the strobe? about how high?

I had a reflective background behind the group so I had to put the flash quite low - even then some of the pictures aren't usable because of horrible reflections. Because of that I took photos with ambient light as well, as well as in another setting, which worked well.

I was amazed how high 13' is when you extend the light stands all the way up! I've never had room before.

btw don't leave strobes unattended outside with umbrellas on them. Mine blew over, it bent the umbrella and the flash tube broke, luckily I have a spare tube and had a backup strobe to use on the day.

well, I just ordered another B800 and the giant SB, just for kicks. I have yet to see what the the material for this prop is. it's probably some shiny polyester or something. did you put your straight on or off to the side? I won't be outside as far as I know, so that shouldn't be a problem, though I will be watching my gear. might go get some covers for my power cords so people won't trip on them.

I have tape in my bag to stick cords down. I use the light directly in the centre, as the varnished wood background behind the alter was curved and it looked worse off to the side. For large groups I prefer to use the light straight on so you don't get shadows on faces. I almost bounced the strobe, but the ceiling was brown and pretty high

so, with two lights, should I have both straight on you think? I can't wait until it's here so I can get to testing.

A few ideas things come to mind:
- One light above the camera, one at 45 degrees, experiment with ratios.
- One light above the camera, one at 10.30, as an accent light.
- One light above the camera or maybe slightly to the side, one behind them as a hair light.
- One light a little to your left, one light a little further to your right, a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio - but be very careful everyone's faces are well lit. I'd tend to keep one light above the camera to avoid problems.

yeah I was at a function and the photog there had two strobes up waaaay high and on the left and right, and my in my group, a couple of the people had huge shadows of their faces. so, straight on won't look too flat? I appreciate you coming back to help me out, Tim.

How do you set up a hair light without a large boom?Or is it OK to have it shining from one side onto the hair?

Well my advice is worth what you pay for it. Take my idea, think about them, and throw out the crap. A hairlight can be done with a 13' light stand, those things are amazing. From one side would seem to be a good idea to me.

I would imagine a snoot or grid would be helpful in controlling the light.

At the risk of sounding stupid, I just have one comment to make. I don't know anything about using multiple strobes, but I do know how difficult it is to get 8 people and a background in focus using strobe lights. So my comment is to set the f stop high enough to get a good depth of field. That means alot of extra light. I'm sure everyone knows this, but I thought I knew that too and ended up messing up a bunch of group shots by shooting with f5.6 instead of f11.

I usually set the strobes at a higher power, and create them at an angle to make an X. This lets the on camera flash get the center, and makes the shadows at more interesting angles if they do occur.

Thank you. I apprecitate the concern. No doubt was I planning on turning my strobes all the way up, as they also (I presume) would like the bg in focus as well. It'll be an interesting experience.