How would you light this?

[dataz722]

I was approached earlier today to photograph a small conference and awards ceremony. I asked to see what they had from last year so I could see what they were looking for and if it was something that I would have the equipment to handle. After looking at everything I am pretty sure I am going to decline because they are going to need some very large group shots that I just don't think my speedlights would be able to handle. Just out of curiosity though, how would you all go about lighting a shot like this?


http://www.psea.org/uploadedImages/Teacher/NBCT3.jpg

 

[haynchinook334]

Wireless flashes on the stairway leading up and away from the group?

 

[Sw1tchFX]

well on a D90, set an ISO of 200 or 400, at 18mm f/8 should have plenty of DOF, and have two monolights that are at least 600w/s each just nuking the ceiling if it's white.

I assisted at a sales meeting for a shoe company where the group shots had like 100 people in them and that's how we did it.

 

[mrpink]

Looks like bracket shooting (spot meter off the center row of people and shoot -/M/+), then stitching together the two maybe three photos in post- quick and easy.

Well... that is how I would do it.



p!nK

 

[KmH]

With out a better look at the situation:

I would use 6 speedlights, 2 - 13' light stands, 2 - 10' light stands, 2 - 8' light stands, 2 snoots, and 4 60" umbrellas.

I would make absolutely certain the camera was level and the lens axis was 10 feet above the floor.

Is the shoot for pay?

 

[Derrel]

A classic large group method would be to light it with one bare-bulb flash from a very high elevation. That will send the shadows down and behind each person. The flash head must be very high up. Using one,single flash head eliminates a whole host of problems that could go wrong when aiming multiple flashes.

Check out this web page for a full explanation, with diagram.
flat_reflectors

 

[c.cloudwalker]

A classic large group method would be to light it with one bare-bulb flash from a very high elevation. That will send the shadows down and behind each person. The flash head must be very high up. Using one,single flash head eliminates a whole host of problems that could go wrong when aiming multiple flashes.

Check out this web page for a full explanation, with diagram.
flat_reflectors

+1

Not that I've ever used the technique but it makes plenty of sense and it would be easy to set up.

 

[table1349]

A classic large group method would be to light it with one bare-bulb flash from a very high elevation. That will send the shadows down and behind each person. The flash head must be very high up. Using one,single flash head eliminates a whole host of problems that could go wrong when aiming multiple flashes.

Check out this web page for a full explanation, with diagram.
flat_reflectors

:thumbup: +1

If you don't have a strobe heads that will allow for for good bare bulb shooting then you might want to consider PLM. (Parabolic Light Modification)

Here is a good looking system from Alien Bees.

 

[dataz722]

well on a D90, set an ISO of 200 or 400, at 18mm f/8 should have plenty of DOF, and have two monolights that are at least 600w/s each just nuking the ceiling if it's white.

I assisted at a sales meeting for a shoe company where the group shots had like 100 people in them and that's how we did it.

I had thought about that but I have no clue how high that ceiling there is.

With out a better look at the situation:

I would use 6 speedlights, 2 - 13' light stands, 2 - 10' light stands, 2 - 8' light stands, 2 snoots, and 4 60" umbrellas.

I would make absolutely certain the camera was level and the lens axis was 10 feet above the floor.

Is the shoot for pay?

Yeah, I am getting payed for it so I can rent some stuff if need be but can't spend much on it.

A classic large group method would be to light it with one bare-bulb flash from a very high elevation. That will send the shadows down and behind each person. The flash head must be very high up. Using one,single flash head eliminates a whole host of problems that could go wrong when aiming multiple flashes.

Check out this web page for a full explanation, with diagram.
flat_reflectors

:thumbup: +1

If you don't have a strobe heads that will allow for for good bare bulb shooting then you might want to consider PLM. (Parabolic Light Modification)

Here is a good looking system from Alien Bees.

I have read a little about those but I guess it is time to do some more. Thanks.