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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Group portrait at night
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06/25/2014 01:44:32 PM · #1
Hey everyone! I'm looking at starting to get more involved around here again, as my health, and schedule, are both really finally starting to allow it. I'm also starting to take clients again, and have one coming up in a couple months that wants a particular shot that I am a bit concerned about, and looking for advice.

She is wanting a large group photo (think 30-40ish), on a really pretty covered porch. At night. I have 4 pretty solid speedlights (the ones in my profile are a bit outdated- I'm using sb900s now) and would prefer to use these as my light source, but do have a couple studio strobes I could *possibly* use if it really boils down to it. I hate large group photos to begin with. I also struggle with portraiture at night anyway (which is something I will definitely be practicing over the next couple months), and am looking for suggestions/tips/tutorials/anything that can help with this one shot. Even if it means me shelling out more cash for more speedlights- I'd probably prefer that over going with the studio strobes (I like to be mobile, and am trying to really take a bit of a strobist approach with everything). Thoughts?
06/25/2014 02:57:57 PM · #2
How much of this "really pretty covered porch" is she wanting to show in the photo? Is she wanting that to be accented in any way, or is it all about the people? If she's wanting the porch accented, that's gonna get tricky.
06/25/2014 03:14:17 PM · #3
Great news.

It's WAY easier to get good work with 'only' four speedlights at night than during the day.

Personally, I'd diffuse one or two for the front group's faces, use one for a rimlight behind them (to separate them from the night), and I'd use the last one for for accent lighting on the porch, probably undiffused.

Get to the location the night before with an assistant or several assistants. Set up your lights and take some test shots (a group of helpers, like 5 or so, would be extremely helpful, or consider just using cardboard boxes as 'models'). Get a setup that works, draw a diagram, and record your settings (ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, Flash Power levels, modifiers used, etc.)

Another 'big' small thing is a flashlight - you'll be very thankful to have the ability to illuminate your subjects enough to use AF at night, plus it'll probably prove useful for other things.

Now for some 'style' tips: Kick your shutter speed down low enough to get some of the ambient light - exposed at about a stop to two stops under your key light. Shooting just after sunset is best for this type of shot if possible, it looks like night, but gives you some details because there's a bit of ambient light, and it leaves the sky a KILLER blue if you're including that in your shots. I'd try to make certain that no faces are lit by ambient light - try to get full control of the ambient so that only your flashes are illuminating the group.

Message edited by author 2014-06-25 15:14:52.
06/25/2014 07:08:01 PM · #4
Aliqui, the porch is an important feature, but it's definitely mostly about the people in the photo. I have yet to see the porch (am going to scout it out this weekend). From what I can gather, think almost a nice log cabin feel, with giant wood pillars). Not a lot of detail work to worry about though, which is nice.

Cory- you make this sound so easy. It's not too bad of a drive from New Mexico to western Oregon.... up for a drive ;)? In all seriousness, that helped a lot. I have no issue taking portraits during the day, but have bombed at night on more than one occasion. I think my problem with night portraits is they always just look to artificial for my tastes. Maybe its a personal thing. When I see a good one though, I'm beyond jealous and always try to deconstruct it. Would you gel anything to try to help it look a little more natural, or particular diffusers (I have a decent arsenal)? As far as getting much for ambient light- this probably isn't a huge option, besides what is put out by the structure behind the porch. We're talking a 7:00 shot in Oregon in later October, so it will likely be dark and most likely very, very wet.

Thanks again, and any other/more suggestions are also really appreciated.
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