Lighting a large group

[donkeymusic]

HI,

I have a large group coming for photos on Sunday, not done a group of 16 before so was thinking of two large softboxes to the left and right and metering at f11 to hopefully get everyone in focus.

anything else i need to consider?

thanks

 

[JonathanRyan]

Cross shadows.

I'd use one big light personally.

 

[HoppyUK]

HI,

I have a large group coming for photos on Sunday, not done a group of 16 before so was thinking of two large softboxes to the left and right and metering at f11 to hopefully get everyone in focus.

anything else i need to consider?

thanks

You can pretty much forget fancy lighting with big groups, just get it good and even, and as attractive as possible. Two big softboxes should be fine. Check your DoF calcs, then I'd go one stop higher for luck

What kind of group? A large family is different to a bunch of business people but the thing that will make most difference is the arrangement of the group. Google images to get some ideas. For families, perhaps couples together, men behind with partners sitting in front of them, kids and babies on laps etc. If it's white background, avoid white shirts. But there are no rules.

Edit: crossed post with Jonathan. I was kinda assuming you'd struggle to get even coverage across 16 people with one light, but if you can make a nice tight arrangement, one light would probably do it. Maybe put two softboxes side by side, above the camera?

 

[itsdavedotnet]

Edit: crossed post with Jonathan. I was kinda assuming you'd struggle to get even coverage across 16 people with one light, but if you can make a nice tight arrangement, one light would probably do it. Maybe put two softboxes side by side, above the camera?

this.

 

[mike weeks]

Group of who, where?

Mike