Light up a stage? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

04/30/2008 01:12:25 PM · #1

"I can put a spare bulb in my hand and light up my yard" - Barenaked Ladies

But as for lighting up a stage for a group shot... any suggestions?

Here's the deal, I've been asked to take group photos of the high school wind symphony and symphonic band before their spring concerts next week. Having just took some flashless shots at another perfomance, I know I'm going to need to set up some lights (duh). Question is, I have an Alienbees B800 as well as a ringflash (with octabox). I also have some other 300ws strobes I can use as well.

Do you think that one on either side of the stage would be enough. Adding to the problem is that their instruments will be behind them already set up. Hopefully I can get both groups BEFORE the concerts then I can just move the lights offstage. Otherwise, if I have to do each group before their respective shows, then I'm going to have to move them off and on.

Would bouncing the light off an umbrella be better than a shoot through?

Anyone ever tackled this kind of thing? Also, I probably cannot get all the lights off as people will already be in the auditorium. But I might be able to leave on the house lights and drop the stage lights, using the house lights to see, etc.

Thoughts?

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

04/30/2008 02:43:43 PM · #2

Just have them turn up the stage lights. That's what we did for this:
//www.pbase.com/darylf/image/64645957

I don't think I even used a flash?

04/30/2008 03:21:52 PM · #3

Originally posted by LoudDog:

Just have them turn up the stage lights. That's what we did for this:
//www.pbase.com/darylf/image/64645957

I don't think I even used a flash?

Cool. And then just have them stay very still? :)

pineapple

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

04/30/2008 04:11:50 PM · #4

"Turn up the lights..." That depends on two things. First, does someone know how to turn the lights up. Secondly, are the lights strong enough. Assume either of these things in a small school setting and you might get a surprise. I speak from experience. I'd suggest checking out the system first. That way you can check the white balance issues too. I do some photography for my daughters' school and the stage lighting is abysmal. And no one knows how to use it either. Luckily, with my 5D I can up the ISO and keep noise issues under control. I have fast lenses too. In that type of situation, an f/2.8 lens feels slow.

04/30/2008 04:15:08 PM · #5

Originally posted by pineapple:

That's my main concern. Nothing below F4. I got some decent shots at high ISO this weekend during performances. That was lights down and good timing to limit motion blur except where desired.

I think I'll stick with some lights, just wonder if 2 would be enough. I cannot test until Monday night (concert is Tuesday) due to a play going on in there.