posing - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/08/2008 11:23:21 AM · #1

I have a question I have to take a photo of my family (about 60) people and have no idea what lighting to use or how to pose them any sugestions?

Mike_Adams

Canon EOS-40D

01/08/2008 11:24:02 AM · #2

Multiple posts on same subject . . .

lovethelight

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 135mm f/2.0L USM

01/08/2008 11:27:10 AM · #3

Yah you aren't really supposed to do that....

I would say do it outside and use chairs and stuff to create different levels

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/08/2008 11:36:39 AM · #4

The ideal place to shoot such a setup would be a set of risers (or bleachers) or a wide set of stairs, so to create multiple levels. Also, a hill would be a decent solution. If you could get hold of a cherry picker to get you up in the air (or even the top of a building looking down) you could stand them all close together looking up at you.

As far as lighting goes... natural light would likely be your best bet. If using flash (at least two strobes with WIDE brollies) I'd use it to augment natural light, not to be the only light source.

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

01/08/2008 11:36:39 AM · #5

And remember to take LOTS of photos. People will blink, look away, yell at their kids to smile, etc, so more shots equals more chances of a "good" one to work with. Even so, with 60 people you're almost guaranteed to get someone doing any of the above no matter how many shots you take, so use the clone tool or copy in a "good" shot of them from another photo.

Message edited by author 2008-01-08 11:37:19.

01/08/2008 11:40:46 AM · #6

There is a simple way to avoid a lot of that. Have everyone close their eyes til the count of three... count and shoot.

01/08/2008 11:41:22 AM · #7

Thanks! Yeah its a bit more difficult because i live in wisconsin so cant really do an out doors photo with all the snow

01/08/2008 11:42:48 AM · #8

Originally posted by Mundtphotos:

Thanks! Yeah its a bit more difficult because i live in wisconsin so cant really do an out doors photo with all the snow

What kind of location will you be using and what kind of lighting do you have at your disposal?

Message edited by author 2008-01-08 11:43:25.

01/08/2008 11:44:34 AM · #9

Its in a park pavillion like a hall and i dont really have much light the ones that are there i think are floresent

01/08/2008 11:53:37 AM · #10

So, this pavilion is open air?

01/08/2008 01:58:49 PM · #11

no its all closed in its an indoor pavillion

01/08/2008 02:24:38 PM · #12

oooh, you're gonna need a tripod and lots of patience.

Here's the thing:
You can't crank the ISO up because you'll lose detail in noise. Especially important with THAT many people.
You can't open the aperture all the way up because you need a relatively deep DoF and also need to get the lens to it's sharpest point.

So, you either have to add light or run a longish shutter speed.
The longish shutter speed can be done. But you will have to let everyone know that if they move they will be blurred.