Group Photo - please advise - DPChallenge Forums

03/17/2005 08:35:49 AM · #1

A friend is bound & determined to have me take a class reunion group photo this summer. I'm getting a Nikon D70 this week (not because of this but because I'm ready to learn DSLRs and I take photos of a lot of things that move - kids, pets, dancers - so this camera was recommended). If it will be of any help, I have two Britek PS200 studio (strobe) lights with reflective umbrellas. I currently have a Sunpak (23 ft. distance?) and a Quantaray (46 ft. distance) external flash. The reunion will be inside and probably not greatly lit. Can anyone advise?

Message edited by author 2005-03-17 08:36:47.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

03/17/2005 10:19:58 AM · #2

Anyone?

joebok

Fujifilm X100F

03/17/2005 10:33:26 AM · #3

I've not been in that situation, but with a dSLR you will have the flexibility to get a lens that will help out in this situation - the 50mm f/1.8 is quite a good lens for the price: sharp and fast. Should be < US$100. The 50mm will scale to ~75mm on the D70 - so it might depend on how big the area is and how many people you have to capture if that lens will be wide enough. My guess is that in a typical gymnasium you would be fine.

Edit - I don't mean to imply the venue has to be as big as a gymnasium - that was just what I thought of when I thought of class reunion.

Message edited by author 2005-03-17 10:34:25.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

03/17/2005 10:36:02 AM · #4

Ahhh, thanks for quick response. I was starting to feel very dejected! Thanks also for your advice on the lens; I will look into that. I'm still unsure of lighting issues or if I should just work with the natural/ambient light.

joebok

Fujifilm X100F

03/17/2005 10:42:14 AM · #5

You're welcome.

I looked a little bit at some exposure values: The D70 has a min ISO of 200. An indoor setting has an exposure rating of around 6 or 7 - that works out to somewhere between 1/30 and 1/125 shutter speed at f/1.8. I think that might just be within acceptable limits for ambient light.

But again - I'm totally guessing: I've never been in that particular situation.

ralph

Nikon Z9

03/17/2005 10:51:26 AM · #6

how big of a group ? 10? 30 ? 100? more ????

if possible get a ladder - use both strobes with unbrellas at ~30deg
so they are pointing at the 1/4-1/3 of the group on either side - roughtly the same distance that you are from the group - they also have to be high enough so no shadows fall on peoples faces ..

you will likely need something wider than 50mm(75mm) , 24mm(36mm) might be a good bet though depending on space or # of people 16mm (24mm)

your flashes may not be bright enough - again depending on the # of people

(i hate doing groups - to many closed eyes or back of heads ..)
shoot 5 or more & clone faces for blinks ... ;)

jemison

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

03/17/2005 11:43:38 AM · #7

I have shot many group photos...from 6 to 80+ people. I always use a single strobe (Photogenic PL600) mounted on a light stand directly above camera position. I use a largish (18") parabolic reflector and usually a normal (50mm on 35mm, 80mm on 2 1/4) lense - wider angle if distance is limited. So with the D70, a 24mm or 35mm should be adequate.

In your case, your reflector may give adequate coverage, width-wise, depending on the size of your group. Check the angle of coverage for your lights, either with a light meter or by experimenting. I would avoid multiple light setups if possible (unless they are on the same plane and axis - ie. side by side or over/under). They are tricky to get right and avoid multiple shadows. The single overhead is really the best for groups in my opinion. I would also avoid using your umbrella(s). They sap light strength, and are of little advantage when used at a distance since they become, essentially, a point-source.

All else being equal, it is best to get as far from the group as practical, especially with the strobe. Due to the characteristics of light falloff, the farther the source is from the group, the less falloff from front row to back row. It is also easier to keep the front and back rows in focus from a distance.

Use a tripod with cable release if possible. That way you can observe the group more carefully and look for blinks at the time of exposure.