Setup for "Prom-ish" pics at Black Tie Gala

Hello my fellow off-camera fetishists,

I'm going to be shooting a charity Black Tie Gala in March and one of the ideas floating around is setting up a 10' x 10' backdrop and doing "prom-style" pictures of any individuals or couples that would like them (for a $5 donation to the charity holding the event).

I've got 2 light stands with 32" shoot-thru umbrellas, 4 flashes (SB-600, SB-24, SB-28, Sunpak 383), 3 Cybersync receivers, and 2 optical receivers.

What do you think my optimum setup would be? Simple 45-degree on both sides of subject method? I've got gels, so I can also use extra flashes to color the background (which is cream-colored, by the way).

I'm also considering setting up a tether to my netbook, which will output to a 24" monitor facing the subjects. Then I'll give them the remote and let them take pics until they see one they like.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I'd go with a simple, effective lighting like you suggest, two lights.

I wouldn't set up the monitor or give the subject the remote. You should have a better eye for a photograph than your subjects. If you want to shoot tethered set the monitor up so you and those waiting for pictures can see it.

Titus213 wrote in post #9448573
I'd go with a simple, effective lighting like you suggest, two lights.

I wouldn't set up the monitor or give the subject the remote. You should have a better eye for a photograph than your subjects. If you want to shoot tethered set the monitor up so you and those waiting for pictures can see it.

That's a good point.

It's true you should have a better eye than they do... that comes into play more before you press the button. I can tell you from experience though, that if you have time... they love to see the pics on the monitor after. I find that this very rarely results in the subject really wanting a re-take. (usually for an irrational and non-photographic reason.)

Of course I'm dealing with actual prom photos. The irrational factor may go up with older customers.