Group shot

My daughter has asked me to shot her collage graduation class. Their will be about 40 people and I have never taken a photo with this many people. The most I have done is about 20 at on time. I don’t even know if I have the equipment to do this shot. I have a 30D a 28-135 IS /3.5 a 20-700 IS USM /2.8 and a Sigma 18-200 OS /3.5, 580EX III and a 480EX and some studio lighting.
My question is what would you use and what settings would you use?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

what time of day, and where (inside or out)?

It will be morning about 8:00. We are going to shot outside but their is a change of rain that day so we may be inside in a gym.

Nice.... me and you are in the same boat. I just booked a family reunion to be shot on the beach in late June and theres about 50 of them. I have the 30d and the kit lens and 1 AB1600. I have a post running now asking for advice also lol . Well good luck and ill be watching for any more tips and tricks.

If you shoot outside, try to get everyone in a shaded area. You'll need the 18-200 on camera, and probably a step ladder or full-sized ladder to get everyone in the shot.

Studio lighting is what? Can you plug in somewhere?

I don't know if I will be able to use the studio lighting or not. I am going to the site to day and check it out. If we have to shot in the gym should I use the lighting or the speed lights?

What kind of studio lights, and what modifiers do you have? can't tell ya to use the studio if all you have is a 32" umbrella.

This is the lighting that I have.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ella_Softbox_2_​Light.html

those softboxes are going to be a bit small for a 40person group shot. If you have just a reflector like Elinchrom uses, where you could throw basically unmodified light out, you'd be better off, IMO. Maybe just put the speedlights on stands and put them aimed across your group you'd be better off. This might be better off in the lighting section- have a mod move it.

edit- I see they come with the standard reflector. try that with no softbox. I'd put them up as high as you can to avoid shadows behind heads, and have the right side light shoot across the left side, and vice-versa for the left so they kind of cross in the middle.

What settings should I use? Should I use ADEP, and start out at about F11 or something deferent.

dunno- maybe F8 or so, and I'd try the lights on full power to start with; then back down. Without a light meter, you'll be test/chimp until it's right.

I reported the thread to have it moved to lighting. They can help out better in that board.

I thank you very much for your help.