In at the deep end

[CGeezer]

My kids are taking their gradings at the local DoJo and the sensei normally grabs his PAS and takes a quick shot of the class for his wall. I mentioned that I would like to have a go and try to do a *cough* better job for him.

He said it would be a great idea and tonight I'm off to have a go at my first ever try at a shoot. (well I think it's a shoot)

I have two lights with three options + a sb600 1x 400 Elinchrome 1x 200 Elinchrome. 1 reflective umbrella 1 shoot through umbrella and a 30x30 softbox.

The background is solid off white walls and I dont have any backgrounds.

I was wondering if I should have both Elinchromes in front to blast the group from either side with the sb600 bounced off the ceiling. There is no pressure and even if I fail miserably it is good experience for me, just wondering if anyone has any tips apart from get a pro to take the shots

 

[CGeezer]

nuke it is then

 

[JonathanRyan]

Depends really what you want to do.

If it's just a record shot of a group then as has often been said, I'd back the 400 up as far as I could, get it nice and high, stick it on full power and see what you get. Take it from there.

Maybe you could do team and individual shots though? Bland group pic + nicely lit close up of each kid. Could make some nice sales there - either for yourself or club funds.

 

[CGeezer]

Depends really what you want to do.

If it's just a record shot of a group then as has often been said, I'd back the 400 up as far as I could, get it nice and high, stick it on full power and see what you get. Take it from there.

Maybe you could do team and individual shots though? Bland group pic + nicely lit close up of each kid. Could make some nice sales there - either for yourself or club funds.

Thanks for taking the time to reply Jonathan I ended up getting rushed as the kids had to go home and it was getting late. So ended up with the sb-600 and four shots including two oof \o/ They will be happy with the ones I can use and I have been promised a better chance and more time when the certificates are handed out in a week or two Will try the 400 next time though.

 

[kokakaste2]

Very simple setup - get the elinchrom light and shoot through umbrella, put it higher than heads are and slightly angled down as close as possible but not in the frame. This will create nice soft light with some nice shadows (creating more 3Dish look).
Also the shoot through umbrella reflects light back that can bounce off the walls if the room is not too big, and that sometimes can create nice effect. Best practice is to try it out at home before and see if it works for you. Most of the time one light is more then enough