Unsure where to take shots for a group of 19 people

[bobbyd]

Can anyone help me with some ideas.

I have to quote a gentleman for a family portrait. In total there is 19 people. Due to the fact I do not have sufficient lighting I mentioned about doing an outdoor shoot.

I then toddled off to our Botanical Gardens ( Adelaide, South Australia) with the wife and kids to take some test shots on areas. All be it, my inexperience, I was taking shots and came up with shots that were too shaded, or too bright. I was unable to find a happy medium.

Has anyone done a similar sort of shoot, or any ideas on where to take these shots.

Kind Regards
Darren

[northman93]

Your idea of going out and taking some test shots is a great idea. I'm assuming that you're taking them at the same approximate time you're actually taking the group shot?

If you are you might consider placing the group at a position where the sun is coming in at an angle and not directly into the subjects eyes, causing them to squint. You might also shoot them in open shade, where they are in the shade next to an object (building, tree, etc). Consider using a reflector to give a "catch light" in the eyes.

Hope this helps

[bobbyd]

Thanks for the reply. I went at the time I thought would be good to have all the people there. As the ages range from 2yrs old up to 60, I thought mid morning would be a good time. I thought of the reflectors and have chased a supplier here in adelaide for 1, but they are only 80cm or 110 cm. My thinking is that a reflector would not light up 19 people altogether. I so much want to do this job, as to the lead on for each family for future jobs is great.

But I suppose to I am sceptical on myself as to do the job well enough, as these photos are important to the customer. Another bonus he is going to display the photos at an upcoming 60th birthday of theirs. Hence even more advertising for myself.

As you can see from the pics in the different situations.

If anyone else has any ideas I would love to hear from you.
Regards
Darren

[JimFX]

I think you will be quite lucky to have a great photo of the family without some kind of light modifiers or strobes to give the group a little visual punch. Doing it outside is a great idea since most of your light is already there and as northman said, put the light at an angle so that they are not squinting. I would place 2 flashes on stands just behind and above me. I use Nikon SB800. The sun is already doing most of the work, all you need the flashes to do is add some punch to the group.

The photo with your family in the tunnel of trees is almost there, just needs a little extra from a flash. I would avoid the semi shade as in the last photo because you cannot control where the shadow and sun fall on your subject.

My .02
JimFX

[Photog]

Try the open shade, with a fill flash. Or sun behind, as a hair light, with fill flash. (watch your lens on this one, make sure no light is hitting the front element)