How to light a family of four.

[Johnny Thunder]

I would appreciate some advice on how to light four children on various backgrounds.
Shooting will be done in my spare living room, so space is tight.
I have three Smartflash 200 heads, one 120cm octobox, one softbox, two white reflective umbrellas, a 70cm silver beauty dish and a reflector.
The background colours are white, black, blue and cherry.
Could you please give me some pointers on how to approach this situation with regard to the colour and white or black background.

Thank you.

 

[itsdavedotnet]

if you want white, 2 lights on rear, lit by white umbrellas, 120cm octo on family. stand family min. of 75cm in front of the backdrop, and use modelling lights to make sure that light from umbrellas isn't spilling out onto the back of the family.

if you want black, no lights on rear, family a good distance away from background, 120cm octo on family. one light for a bit of rim if you want.

colours, again, light them seperately and evenly with the white umbrellas.

ohgod, just read it's for 4 kids... same applies in theory...enjoy hearding cats.

 

[Johnny Thunder]

Cheers Dave.
Is there any basic rule to setting the background lights for coloured backgrounds, ie.
one stop less than the setting of the keylight?