Large Groups

[Mike Keller]

How many White Lightnings are you using for these shots?

[Albert Yanowich Jr.]

One

Except for this shot... two here.

"Sample 68" photo - Albert Yanowich Jr. photos at pbase.com

Albert

[Mike Keller]

OK, I have to ask how high you're getting this one light. Is it almost over the camera? I've done this with two WL's, I have Ultra 1200's, but I set them up for cross coverage.

[Noel_Carboni]

LOL, I like how you've got all the kids in Sample 1 looking anywhere but into the camera lens, Albert.

I've only ever done large group shots outdoors without extra lights. Aim the folks into the sun, not too early or late, and hope for a bit of luck with a cloud to soften the light a bit. It helps to be able to get above eye level of at least the folks in front.

What's a REAL pain is when one has to put absentees into the photo digitally. At least a dozen of the heads (including my own) in this photo are from later exposures.

This was with a Canon EOS-20D, 17-40 zoom @ 28mm, f/10, 1/200, no flash, shot to JPEG.

Group photo

Also, don't forget to tell everyone to find a space where their whole face can be seen by the camera. It's surprising how many people don't do this without being told.

-Noel

[Dennis_Vied]

Originally Posted by Noel_Carboni

LOL, I like how you've got all the kids in Sample 1 looking anywhere but into the camera lens, Albert.

LOL, indeed. These are rug rats, curtain climbers, and house apes. I doubt if he had a lot to do with where they were looking. Just anywhere but to the rear works.

[Albert Yanowich Jr.]

Originally Posted by Mike Keller

OK, I have to ask how high you're getting this one light. Is it almost over the camera? I've done this with two WL's, I have Ultra 1200's, but I set them up for cross coverage.

Hi Mike,

I mount the light 2 ft. above camera. If I'm on a ladder... then the light's on a 15ft. stand duct taped to the ladder... still 2 ft. above camera.

I quit using 2 lights about 15 years ago... cross shadows hide people and I got tired of it. Although coverage is not as good towards the back... simply blending two different exposures of the same shot in PS brings up the EV in the back rows.

Albert

[Albert Yanowich Jr.]

[quote=Noel_Carboni;458194]LOL, I like how you've got all the kids in Sample 1 looking anywhere but into the camera lens, Albert.

LOL... yep... it's pretty much what you see is what you get

I've only ever done large group shots outdoors without extra lights. Aim the folks into the sun, not too early or late, and hope for a bit of luck with a cloud to soften the light a bit. It helps to be able to get above eye level of at least the folks in front.

A ladder is a part of the job with groups as large as this... it's the only way to keep from getting hidden heads. Into the sun you get squinty eyes

What's a REAL pain is when one has to put absentees into the photo digitally. At least a dozen of the heads (including my own) in this photo are from later exposures.

I do that very seldom As you know... it takes too much time.

This was with a Canon EOS-20D, 17-40 zoom @ 28mm, f/10, 1/200, no flash, shot to JPEG.

Group photo

Also, don't forget to tell everyone to find a space where their whole face can be seen by the camera. It's surprising how many people don't do this without being told.

Actually... many adults go out of their way to "hide themselves" It's amazing how many don't want to be seen in a group shot.

As far as no flash? I've only shot one group like that in my life... and it happened last fall because my whitelightning literally "blew up"

The sun had just disappeared behind the bleachers... so I set the Kodak at 400 iso and took the shot. Not too bad
GJHS Football 2007-08 photo - Albert Yanowich Jr. photos at pbase.com

Albert

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