Which camera settings for family picture?

[AlexD70s]

A friend asked me if I can come over her house to take a family picture. She said it wasn't anything formal so I said ok.

I have a D70s w/ Sigma 17-70 / SB-800 w/ diffuser / tripod

This is a family reunion so I have no idea how many people, if it's indoors or outdoors.

Should i keep it in Aperture mode? F8? F11?

If there are multiple rows of people, should i focus on the front row faces? or middle? or back?

How high should i keep the camera? Level with faces? If there are multiple rows, how high should I keep the camera?

Any tips are appreciated.

Thanks,
Alex

 

[JIP]

First off try bouncing the flash behind you. Second, try to not go too wide if you go too way out in the focal length of your lens like @ 17mm you will start to get distortion. As far as exposures go meter for the room try a few test exposures before all the people get lined up anf finally, SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT. Between all the blinkers and squinters you will invaribly run into and getting the best exposure you need to shoot as many shots as you can get in befor the people start getting impatient.