Lighting a large group of people

I have a corporate event coming up where there will be a large group shot on stage at the end of the ceremony. It might be 200-300 people and I intend to check the lighting the day before once they have everything set up. Right now I have 3 580EXII flashes which I am planning on using my assistants to spread out across the front of the stage and trigger with the master/slave setting. Do you think this will be enough or should I look at portable strobes and umbrellas for the job? If suggesting portable strobes, what setup and brand would you recommend?

200-300 people. I would be interesting to hear responses to this one.

the only time i recall a group that size being lit was this -

http://www.paulcbuff.c​om/forums/viewtopic.ph​p?t=1739

he used a zeus pack and ringlight. looks sweet. he was quite far away so it lit the group evenly.

I think the key here is not the gear, but the knowledge to use the gear you have while understanding its limitations.

Sure, you could rent some strobes. You'll also need a meter, the experience to use it, and probably an assistant to help you get things adjusted.

Sure, you could use three Speedlites with wireless E-TTL. But be prepared to take test shots to determine the ISO and aperture you'll need. Be ready to crank up the ISO.

Large group shots are rarely more than semi-controlled chaos. Getting people under control and in place is the hard part. When you're ready to shoot, they won't have the patience to sit there while you fuss wth your lights.

Powerful strobes are the superior tool here because of power and recycle time. But it's imperative that you know how to use them or you're likely to crash and burn.

A 550 for 300 people? hahahaha

Rent a 600 to 2400 wattsecond light with a white umbrella. Put it on a stand above you so that it shines 20-30 degrees down on the people, crank up to full power and adjust the aperture accordingly.

Chris is right.

You're also likely to crash and burn if you have to ask if you can shoot with little poppers 300 people together.

the only time i recall a group that size being lit was this -

http://www.paulcbuff.c​om/forums/viewtopic.ph​p?t=1739

he used a zeus pack and ringlight. looks sweet. he was quite far away so it lit the group evenly.

WOW I'd never think of using the ringlight on a group of people. But it works nicely.

I wouldnt underestimate the 580's. Using 3 at a time, on full power they're more than enough, I should imagine.

If you have (3) 580exII's then I would get them on stands up high and shoot them into umbrella's to give a larger light source to reduce the shadows. I would have one directly behind/above you and one on each side about 1/4 to 1/3 from each side

tHe 580 should have more than enough power -

Get a light meter and test the shots first and be prepared to up your ISO. This way you will be ready to go once the group is in place

also remember that it will take some time to assemble the group so make sure you have disabled the "go to sleep function / power saving mode" on the speedlights as you do not want to be running to each light and waking them up once the group is assembled

Good luck and please post when complete

I'm sorry, I was wrong.

If you up your ISO and open your lens, you'll get a picture with a canon popper.

But it'll be grainier and have small depth of field. If they're paying you, which they should, they should have no problem covering a rental.

This guy used a 2500 Zeus ring flash with the 10 1/2" reflector and the plastic diffuser for lighting 250 ppl.
http://www.paulcbuff.c​om/forums/viewtopic.ph​p?t=1739
I live by a Calumet Photo store and then rent out equipment, they rent out a ringflash 1500w/s power for $30 bucks a day and battery pack for $25, all you'll need to rent out is stand, reflector and diffuser and that should keep you under your budget if you live by a Calumet or place that rents out for prices similar to Calumet Photographic

Thanks to everyone with their suggestions and comments. I think to be safe I will buy some portable lighting equipment. I needed a good reason to do so anyway.