Can anyone recommend a lens for a group?

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Vic

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Hi,

I posted this a while ago and got some good responses but would like some extra help.

I have been asked to photograph a dance squad of fifteen girls preferably in a studio. I am doing this for free because I am only looking for experience.


But was wondering what kind of lens/focal length I should use for the group shots?

Also any other tips or nerve-helpers for me?

Cheers.
 
The lens and focal length will all depend on how close you've got to stand. If you've got your back to the wall, then you're going to need a pretty wide lens. Do you have any idea how big the studio is? What the lighting is like?

I'd recommend thinking about how you're going to arrange the girls. All in a row? Two rows - one kneeling/sitting and the other standing? Or maybe less formal, in unusual positions -lying, crouching?

Don't be nervous. Just tell them what YOU want them to do. And if they don't position themselves how you'd planned, get in there and move them. :thumbs:

You'll do fine! And be sure to post some pics up here once you're done.
 
Hi Vic :)

Choice of lens really depends on how close you are to the group of dancers. If it's a dance studio rather than performance stage I presume you will be fairly close and not using flash?

If so then you will need a short focal length and a fairly wide aperture. On your 400D I'd go for something around 20 to 24mm & f1.8 (Sigma 20mm f1.8 EX DG is a good option, there is also a 24mm version) for a prime lens or something like the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 SP XR Di II for a zoom. This presumes also that you don't want to spend mega bucks, these 3 lenses run in at around £275 new.

Cheers, Dave B.
 
Thanks very much guys.

I think they want a studio hired so I am going to see one this week to see the size, lights, etc.

They're all quite young girls in sort of r'n'b dance theme so I think I will go for a sort of unusual pose.

I have a bit of difficulty getting my direction across but its just practice so hopefully I will end up learning something.

In regards to the lens prices I am planning to borrow a few from my college for the shoot :naughty: the ones available are canon 20mm, 15mm or 14mm plus a 10-20mm or 18-55mm. Do you think any of these are suitable?
 
Vic said:
In regards to the lens prices I am planning to borrow a few from my college for the shoot :naughty: the ones available are canon 20mm, 15mm or 14mm plus a 10-20mm or 18-55mm. Do you think any of these are suitable?
Click to expand...
Yes, all of those would have a place at the gig ...... The bigger the aperture the better, as it gives you more options to get faster shutter speeds to freeze action as an alternative to the blurry/dreamy/impressionist shots

This kind of photography should really be called 'Low Light action photography' :)

Wish you the best, Dave B.

P.S. the 10-20mm ....... Is this the sigma? It would give some really impressive close up results with 'creative' angles captured very close to the subject(s), if you have enough light to make up for the fairly small minimal aperture (f4-5.6 IIRC) ..... I use the lens for band/gig work really close to the stage where you can get the foremost figure in the frame at full height and produces the kind of result that your customers will be impressed by ...... I'll dig out one by way of example.
 
This's what the 10-20 siggy will give you in terms of angle of view. I was about 3ft away from his toes at the time ....

siggy1020.jpg
 
Thanks dave for the tips. All of these comments are giving me a lot more confidence that i can actually do this!

I also have a few live gigs coming up and was just going to use my nifty 50 but will definitely be trying out the 10-20mm!
 
Hi Vic,
I think you have enough suggestions regards what lens to use etc., but a word of caution, I have taken many team photo of young girls, and I would suggest you take along a female assistance should you need to make any kind of physical contact, it could lead to an unforeseen problem should you make contact with them.
Hope this helps.
Brian
 
Hi brian,

Thanks for that, is that with me being a woman as well :)

I was thinking of bringing a female assistant over a male (although most of my male friends are begging me to take them :lol: )

Thanks
 
Vic said:
Hi brian,

Thanks for that, is that with me being a woman as well :)

I was thinking of bringing a female assistant over a male (although most of my male friends are begging me to take them :lol: )

Thanks
Click to expand...
Sorry about that Vic,
I should have noticed, must be my age ha! ha!

Brian
 
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