What lighting set up would you guys use for this scenario?

[genexxa789]

I have been asked to photograph a group shoot and was wondering what lighting set up you would recommend for this scenario?

I will be in a medieval great hall, so the lighting is limited despite double height south facing windows which will be behind me when I shoot. The interior boast lots of oak panelling and dark wood floors; however the rest of the room is thankfully painted pale cream including the ceiling

The room is approx 30ft by 18ft and the ceiling height must be around 20ft.

I will be shooting from the south wall with the windows directly behind me, facing towards a large fireplace on the North wall which will be lit. It will of 12 individuals arranged around the fireplace standing, on Chairs, Chaise, table and floor so people will be at varying heights.

I have available 2 Bowens 500 watt lights, 2 x Bowens 400 watt and a 250 watt. I will be using rectangular soft boxes on all the lights and tripods.

I intend to shoot at around 35mm on full frame using a 24-70 2.8 lens, to avoid to much distortion, There are plenty of access points for extension leads so we should be able to place the lights where ever we choose. There will be ample space to place lights around either side of the subjects and in front of the group. There will be approx 12 feet between me and the first subject. If we place a light directly in front of the group it would need to be directly behind at a height so it does not interfere with the framing.

What lighting set up do you think would work best in this scenario?

img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/genexxa/Boringdon%20Hall/...

img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/genexxa/Boringdon%20Hall/...

 

[wooster]

Depends what you're after really. Also difficult to say until you know the positioning of the group members. If you're going to have folk all over the place you'll need to make compromises.

I'd start off seeing what the ambient looked like. If during the day and some sunlight is coming in the large windows you might just have to add a touch of studio lights. I'm guessing this is likely at night though.

In any case, you're going to have to experiment with positioning of lights and exposure ( you can bounce studio lights too don't forget ) and see how it looks. Also you'll probably want to keep the character of the firelight and if there are other lights in the room you don't want to loose their input either.

I'd get there early and get someone to pose in the various positions you're going to have them and then make some practice exposures withe each light in different positions.

Best I can suggest I'm afraid. Good luck and I'd be interested in seeing how you get on

 

[Pheo]

Strobist Blog has some good tips on large group portraits. Some of them really large.

Personally, I've just bounced off the ceiling before. Don't think it went badly:


Royston Intensive Group Portrait by Pheo, on Flickr

If you've only got 12 people, then I wouldn't be too concerned. Only thing I would do is a) turn up in plenty of time b) give clear instruction on how long the group shot will take. I would say atleast 20 minutes post setup time... unless its a run and gun bounce (the one above I had approx 30 seconds to prep, 1 min to arrange everyone!)