Fill flash for larger groups..

[TamiAz]

Could I use my one speedlight for fill light on a group of 8-10 people? If so, how would I position it? I have a 26" soft box and a 45" shoot through umbrella. Which would be better to use? My friend called me in a panic needing pictures today, so I have to use what I have.

Thank you!

 

[tirediron]

Absolutely. I would go with the largest modifier and place it just above head level and just a bit off lens axis. A lot will depend on how you pose the group. My first inclination would be a 2 rows of four in shallow semi-circle and any extras in the centre down on one knee (assuming that's appropriate). You're probably going to need to boost your ISO a bit because you'll want your flash fairly far back (make sure you have a GN calculator or cheat-sheet) in order to avoid sharp fall off and over/under-exposing one of the rows.

 

[TamiAz]

Absolutely. I would go with the largest modifier and place it just above head level and just a bit off lens axis. A lot will depend on how you pose the group. My first inclination would be a 2 rows of four in shallow semi-circle and any extras in the centre down on one knee (assuming that's appropriate). You're probably going to need to boost your ISO a bit because you'll want your flash fairly far back (make sure you have a GN calculator or cheat-sheet) in order to avoid sharp fall off and over/under-exposing one of the rows.

I'm pretty new to using flash.. What is a GN calculator? What is it used for?

Thank you!!

 

[tirediron]

A guide number calculator used to determine approximate flash exposure, so that you can get the flash roughly the right distance away first time.

 

[TamiAz]

A guide number calculator used to determine approximate flash exposure, so that you can get the flash roughly the right distance away first time.

Ok.. I'll have read on this. Thank you!!

 

[tirediron]

Dead simple and VERY useful!