150 person group shot???

I just was asked to shoot a group shot for a HS girls state soccer champ camp (that's a mouthful, huh?). I have never shot a group anywhere near that big before and could really use some help.

The shot would be done in failing light after camp (about 8:30) so clearly I'll need some flash. I have two flash guns and some Skyports so I could do it off camera. Questions are where to place the flash relative to the group, how to stage 150 girls for a shot (I'll have no bleachers but can bring a ladder to get above them I guess). Also, what aperture will give me enough DOF to get sharp images of 150 girls? Lens wise, I could use the 17-40 if necessary or opt for the 100 prime or even the 70-200 at the lower zooms. Not sure what my best bet is on that either.

Another option is to pass on doing it altogether but it would be nice to help if I can.

Anyway, thoughts, help, or whatever would be hugely appreciated. Thanks.

Scott

Just a few thoughts on this: about 25 yrs ago, I did a 'company' group of around 75 employees. I used my hasselblad (medium format) (film! LOL.. pre- PS days). Even then, when they blew up the print, the faces were (guessing now - because it's a distant memory).. but I'd say the faces ended up being less than 1/2" in a huge print. (maybe the print was 30" X 40" ??)

I'm just wondering how much detail you'll be able to get in 'iffy' light. (but I guess if you're shooting with a 12mp camera, it will help)

Anyway, I was lifted up high on some kind of crane with a platform on it. ... much higher than a ladder would reach.. but that's what it took to get faces that weren't hidden by the people in front of them.

I remember telling them that if they couldn't see the camera, the camera won't be able to see them. and to get all of their "blinking" done so they could attempt to keep their eyes open for the shots. .. I dunno.. saying goofy stuff makes them laugh to get their faces muscles to relax.

If at all possible, since YOU are the "director" of this shot, perhaps explain to 'the powers that be' (those who want the shot) that it would better serve THEM to maybe take a 30 minute break during the DAY to shoot this image. Try to find a sloping hill that they can be arranged on. (?). ... but assert yourself (nicely, of course) - asking for as much of their cooperation as possible. Bottom line is that they'll remember a *good* shot rather than a little bit of 'schedule shuffeling'. (hopefully that option is available)

I'm sure you're aware that daylight will give you the best crisp information in your image (I know you know that).. as opposed to the headaches of the flash falling off and not reaching those people in the back rows and/or on the sides of the group.

Anyway.. just an idea re: take the reins to control or change the conditions to meet their request .... because odds are, they are NOT aware of what it takes to achieve perfection with something like that.

... however, on the up side, sunset will continually be later each day for another 10 days. ... (days start getting shorter again on the 21st). .. so maybe you can find a place where the sun will still find them. (man o man ... talk about a 'light/time crunch!') Have you scouted your location options yet??

Playm wrote in post #5702654
Just a few thoughts on this: about 25 yrs ago, I did a 'company' group of around 75 employees. I used my hasselblad (medium format) (film! LOL.. pre- PS days). Even then, when they blew up the print, the faces were (guessing now - because it's a distant memory).. but I'd say the faces ended up being less than 1/2" in a huge print. (maybe the print was 30" X 40" ??)

I'm just wondering how much detail you'll be able to get in 'iffy' light. (but I guess if you're shooting with a 12mp camera, it will help)

Anyway, I was lifted up high on some kind of crane with a platform on it. ... much higher than a ladder would reach.. but that's what it took to get faces that weren't hidden by the people in front of them.

I remember telling them that if they couldn't see the camera, the camera won't be able to see them. and to get all of their "blinking" done so they could attempt to keep their eyes open for the shots. .. I dunno.. saying goofy stuff makes them laugh to get their faces muscles to relax.

If at all possible, since YOU are the "director" of this shot, perhaps explain to 'the powers that be' (those who want the shot) that it would better serve THEM to maybe take a 30 minute break during the DAY to shoot this image. Try to find a sloping hill that they can be arranged on. (?). ... but assert yourself (nicely, of course) - asking for as much of their cooperation as possible. Bottom line is that they'll remember a *good* shot rather than a little bit of 'schedule shuffeling'. (hopefully that option is available)

I'm sure you're aware that daylight will give you the best crisp information in your image (I know you know that).. as opposed to the headaches of the flash falling off and not reaching those people in the back rows and/or on the sides of the group.

Anyway.. just an idea re: take the reins to control or change the conditions to meet their request .... because odds are, they are NOT aware of what it takes to achieve perfection with something like that.

... however, on the up side, sunset will continually be later each day for another 10 days. ... (days start getting shorter again on the 21st). .. so maybe you can find a place where the sun will still find them. (man o man ... talk about a 'light/time crunch!') Have you scouted your location options yet??

thanks a bunch. I haven't scouted it per se but know it very very well. unfortunately, it's a large flat field with no elevation change whatsoever. I suppose someone could pull this off but I'm not sure I want it to be me. When I was asked to do it, the director literally, asked if I could just come take a quick group shot of the 150 girls together. I'm sure they have no idea what that involves but I think I do and, well, yikes!

There was a shot of 100plus people on AB forum but the guy used AB Ring flash for it from a tall ladder. Simple would be to put the flash above and little below the camera (2 flashes, no modifiers). Check chuck garner's web site or posts on FM. He does have a write up on group shots.

bobbyz wrote in post #5706463
There was a shot of 100plus people on AB forum but the guy used AB Ring flash for it from a tall ladder. Simple would be to put the flash above and little below the camera (2 flashes, no modifiers). Check chuck garner's web site or posts on FM. He does have a write up on group shots.

thanks vm for that Bobby. In addition to anything I else I was going to do, I was also thinking of experimenting by taking 3-4 quick shots and trying to do a pano stitch. Think that would work too?

Tough situation, but I think your thought process is good.

I like the "stitching" part. As you say, maybe if you attack it with a smaller group approach.

Some sort of elevation (either you up above or the kids on a hill) seems to be needed. It may not come into play as much if you use a small group approach.

You are on a flat field so I assume you have all kinds of room. This will help with your DOF issue. You sort of have room to play with the DOF.

Lighting will probably be of greatest concern. Maybe by some modern miracle you will have perfect lighting at 8:30. Otherwise, as you say, you will have to create light.

Two weeks ago I took a group shot of over 800 graduates sitting at the ceremony. I had elevation (I was sitting in the upper deck of the arena) and I had perfect distance for DOF. I used my 50 1.4 at about 2.5. The shot was as about as good as anyone could get it. Your situation seems somewhat the same, but more challenging.

Good luck with it, have fun.

Not sure but if you good in PS it could but I would guess lighting would get difficult. Shooting all with same lighting is easier, I would think.

Something from google search.

http://photo.net …a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00B5iJ

Do all 150 have to be in the one shot - maybe you could take separate "team" photo's?

TJ

Scott, How far is the School building from the field ? If it's like most - will be a flat roof. Then maybe your Zoom.
For all the trouble with lighting I would pass if you need strobes. Way to much work - trial and error for those conditions.
If you can shoot in the afternoon that would be the best. Oh BTW, I will put a good word in for you so the day will be overcast

Kid, Paul, TJ, Bobby....

thanks again. We aren't near the school so I think I might just aim my Jeep's headlights at them and fire away! Kidding of course. I spoke with them a few mins ago and this is going to be very informal with only smallish reprints being made so my stress about it just dropped significantly. In addition, I have the option to shoot a little earlier so I might not even have a huge lighting problem.

I'll post a result in a day or so and you can guys can see how well or poorly it went.

Thanks again all, you guys own!