What lens for Group Photography

[slt_roopan]

Dear Fellow forum members,

I've been requested in my office whether I could take a group photograph of my current team ( roughly 200 people).

I've enough space in my office courtyard to take the picture and need your kind advice please on lens and settings may be.

I've the following

Nikon D700 with 50mm f1.4

D40 X with 18-70mm f 3.5-4.5

D2H with Tokina 20-35mm f 2.8

can be coupled with Nikon SB-800

Thank you in advance.

Cheers
R

 

[Phil V]

You can shoot it with the std lens from a 1st floor window.
Be a bit creative with the shape of the group, and you'll need to organise a couple of stewards to sort it on the ground though!!

 

[slt_roopan]

You can shoot it with the std lens from a 1st floor window.
Be a bit creative with the shape of the group, and you'll need to organise a couple of stewards to sort it on the ground though!!

Thank you very much Phil. Fantastic idea.

 

[stevewestern]

200 is a lot of people !
I would say that lens choice isn't hard - as long as it is wide enough to fit them all in without too much wide-angle distortion !
As Phil says, get up high so that you can see all their faces, and think about the light - no harsh sun as they will all squint and there will be hard shadows to worry about.
Everyone needs to be in focus - as you have the courtyard to contain them all in it is easy enough to spend a little time a few days before looking at where the sun is and when, and also trying a few test shots to see what aperture to need to get every one in focus and also where to focus (getting someone to stand in various places will help).
I would try to avoid using the flash as it will tend to burn out those closest and do nothing for those furthest away - a good cloudy day will give even light and upping the ISO if needed to allow the correct aperture and a working shutter speed and away you go. Then you just need to get everyone looking at you with eyes open at the same time - best of luck with that one !!!

 

[slt_roopan]

Cheers Steve.