Team photo at noon advice

A softball team that I shoot action shots for has asked me to shoot the T&I photos this year. They have used the same person for the last several years and like what I have done for them at the games.

The problem is that the insist the photos be taken at at the beginning of their annual picnic, at 12pm! The location will be at the field in full sun. They have listened to some of my ideas, such as not doing tradition memory mates, but the time of day is not negotiable. When I commented on the lighting they said I could take it indoors as was done a previous year. I replied that softball players don't belong in a gym that it's not natural. I'm getting them to use game action shots as the individuals instead of the old typical posed shot but
what can I do to improve the team shot in such terrible light ? I have though about altering the WB.

THANKS

Use flash, preferably two or three flash units for even lighting. That will lift the shadows. I suppose they will be wearing their hats?

Another option is to put them in the shade if at all possible.

Or just pray for overcast.

JeffreyG wrote in post #5460393
Use flash, preferably two or three flash units for even lighting. That will lift the shadows. I suppose they will be wearing their hats?

Another option is to put them in the shade if at all possible.

Or just pray for overcast.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Unfortunately there is not any shade. I was thinking about using my 580EX for fill because of the caps. It's the only flash I have. Any idea what I should adjust it to? I'm planing on at least these three shots f/2.8 , 3.0 and 3.2 The background will be a vinyl banner which says "Seymour Softball" that is hung low across the fence behind home plate. I think the kids will block some, if not all the lettering.

I have never wished more for an overcast day ,than for this day.

If its a team shot, your gonna need a smaller aperture then that, otherwise half the team will be oof.

How many people you shooting at once? Also makes a difference how they are lined up, 2 rows etc

Aim for at least f5.6, might have to go to f8

My first thought, too!

You're the photographer & taking control of the shoot is part of the job. I'd do my best to reschedule the time, but be prepared with enough strobe power to shoot under whatever conditions I had to.

Take someone out at noon & do some tests at the distance you expect to be shooting at.

Is there anywhere local to you that you can rent a couple of more strobes?
If you can rent a couple more 580's you can set them at the edges of the team as well as the one on your camera.

If you can, you will want to practice with this as well.

Just a thought.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #5463744
My first thought, too!

You're the photographer & taking control of the shoot is part of the job. I'd do my best to reschedule the time, but be prepared with enough strobe power to shoot under whatever conditions I had to. Take someone out at noon & do some tests at the distance you expect to be shooting at.

As much as I have tried. They say they understand about the lighting but that it cannot be done at a different time. They were somewhat receptive to new ideas and that is part of the reason they approached me but they will not even consider other options for the team photo, such as before a game or another time.

I should have thought about the test shots and I guess it's time, maybe a little late, to consider getting,and learning the proper way to use strobes.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

get a really big flash to fill in all the shadows under the hats. if its too strong, u will have an aweful time in PP. or take 2 shots, on hats on , one hats off?

Strobes will be nice to have for this job. I would shoot at f8-f11 to get every one in focus.

Mike R wrote in post #5458330
The problem is that the insist the photos be taken at at the beginning of their annual picnic, at 12pm! The location will be at the field in full sun.

So they're having their picnic at noon under a blazing sun with no shade? Sounds like a crappy picnic to me

Good luck, be sure to show us the results.....

dekalbSTEEL wrote in post #5474181
So they're having their picnic at noon under a blazing sun with no shade? Sounds like a crappy picnic to me

Good luck, be sure to show us the results.....

It may take a year, or two but I'll guide them towards change.

I think their concern about another time for the photo is trying to get that many teenage girls together in uniforms when they don't want to. They were receptive to other suggestions and change.