Large group (18) posing & Am I on the right track?

[651stp]

I'd consider a different location...or at least a different angle etc. If the sun is at their back, you will have a heck of a time keeping the exposure of the sky under control...that is especially true if you are going to be limited by your maximum flash sync speed, which is probably 1/200 or 1/250. That will mean that you'll end up using a smaller aperture (which you may need anyway, to get everyone in focus). The result of having to use a smaller aperture, is that you will put a lot of demand on your speedlights...maybe too much and they won't be enough...especially if you want to use umbrellas and/or have them at a distance that will evenly light a large group.

A better option, IMO would be to get up higher so that the sun/sky isn't in the background at all. Then you don't have to worry about controlling it's exposure so much. Ideally, I'd suggest a shady spot that also allows you to get higher above them but it's certainly a good idea if you can bring a ladder of some type.

With a large group, you'll likely have to have the lights farther away, which means less light gets onto (reflected off of) them. This may mean that you won't be able to use the flashes for your main light source, but a bare flash can give you some nice fill and put catch lights into their eyes.

If/when you break into smaller groups, you can get the flash closer and that gives you more ability to use it as a key light and alter the exposure of the background in comparison to your subjects.

would it help if he used a ND filter to stop some light? to be able to use a slightly larger aperature?

 

[MOREGONE]

Oh, another (really big) point is that the success of a family/group portrait is largely dependent on the attire of the group. Ideally, you want colors & tones that work well together and that aren't too loud or busy. Even better if you can 'key' (match) the clothing to the background so that the faces are where the strongest contrast happens. When I'm shooting a family group, I have a good talk with them about what they are going to wear.

That's all well and good, but when you're dealing with 18 people and the photo isn't their primary concern...you will likely have a lot of different outfits. Do what you can.

Solid advice. I am planning to follow up with the point of contact this week and I will mention that.

 

[MOREGONE]

Hello,

So I received the Umbrella Softboxes in the mail yesterday and I am thinking they might not be as helpful as I was thinking. First, they really are better suited for a monolight. Once I get the flash holder and wireless trigger on, the flash sticks up so high that I really have to stretch and pull to get the softbox portion on or over it. If it's inside the the controls are out of reach. Also, from my reading, I am worried that the softbox may focus the light too much for such a large group.

With that said and not enough time to get more modifiers, I am thinking using the reflective umbrella I have and the other flash bare. I have seen some videos recently with bare speedlights and the light was better than I expected.

Anyone mind to share their thoughts?

Thanks