Lighting advice needed

[D&A Photography]

Hi all,

Im doing a few group ghotographs on Wednesday evening. The photos will be taken outside and the group size will be about 16 people. I have an Elenchrom D2 light set. and a SB900 speedlight. any advice on what lights to use, Softbox or umbrella, one or 2 lights or just the speedlight?

I start taking photos at 19:00 till 20:00

Any advice will really be apreciated

[anco85]

Two lights, largest diffuser you have, one on each side of the group.

That's my 2c

[mikeH]

i agree the biggest light mod you can get your hands on two umbrella 'not shoot through'

[Trevor Ives]

I'm thinking that to light the group evenly, you'll need to keep your lights at a fair distance. You'll have a lot of fall-off otherwise, or risk combusting those closest the light! So, the further you move your light source away, the less effective your diffuser will be at softening things up - it will even eat a few stops of light, meaning you need to power up too much, or worse, you won't have enough power.

Also, seeing as it's 16 people, you won't be that close (fisheye group shots are a bad idea anyway) so hard facial shadows aren't too serious, but if you light evenly from either side, that won't be a problem. You can get around a few problems by shooting slightly above and making them look up.

Beware of spectacle wearers too. either get them to take them off, or face a direction that doesn't get glare back at you. Harder light can cause a problem with specs

Have a look on strobist's Q&A section for a few other pointers.

enjoy and good luck

[Peter Connan]

My dad was a school photographer and as such photographed groups often.

He used a single light on a high stand directly behind and above him, with a reflective umbrella.

[D&A Photography]

Thanks guys, I really apreciate all the advise.

[Ryan Drummond]

I am a school photographer and use a combination of three lights. Centre, left and right. I would set your strobes with reflective umbrellas left and right and perhaps use your Flash to triggerr the strobes and add a little fill. Trust your light meter.