Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I will be doing a shoot that will require me to take individuals and group shots. I plan on using my 32x40 softbox with an AB800 for key, and a medium octobox with an AB800 for fill when doing the individuals. I plan on using one light source centered on group for group shots.

My dilemna is that I do not think that I can get soft enough and even light with the medium octobox or medium softbox that i have. My plan is to replace the softbox that i have with a larger octobox or the 64" PLM and use it for key light when doing the individuals, and then move it to the center position for groups and turn off the fill light. Would i be better off going with the umbrella or larger octobox? And if umbrella, should i get the silver(with or without white diffuser) or white one? I really don't have experience with umbrellas except for small ones that have blown away during outdoor shoots. This shoot will be indoors for the record.

The widest beam spread will come from the shoot through version, however, that may or may not be the one I would recommend. How many people would be in the group?

The number of people in the group "can" be somewhat irrelevant. For instance, a group of 2 standing 30 feet apart would have a different solution than 10 people standing shoulder to shoulder or 30 people lined up in 3 rows. However, large groups can generally be arranged in rows such that they can be reasonably lit with a single light source. In addition to what TS said, other options to consider include a single large umbrella and a silver PLM with a front diffuser. If you have more than a couple of rows, be aware that you will also need to address the light falloff issue.

it will be a dance studio. i don't anticipate each group shot being more than 12-13, maybe as little as 7-9. I'm wanting a modifier that will give me the best possible light for a single light setup for groups and then double as my key light for individuals.

Being that they are dancers and building on what Big Iron Cruiser said, will they be lined up ala' class photos in the group pictures, or will they be in a dance pose?

the dance instructor will be doing the posing for me, but i will have input on where they will be standing according to my light meter. I'm sure that it will be small posed groups not exactly in rows, but posed as dancers would be-not as a baseball team lined up in rows.

edit: my background of going to be set up at 12' wide.

Given that you want the modifier to serve multiple purposes, the 64" PLM with a diffuser could be the best option, particularly since you're indoors where you don't have to overpower a lot of ambient light. Some of the newer bodies can produce great images at ISO's up to 1600 or more, which essentially allows us to do bigger things with smaller light sources.

thanks bigiron-
thats the info that i was looking for. I will have multiple lights set up am looking to still keep it simple(as possible) :roll: . If i get the 64" PLM and use it with AB800 #1 for my individuals along with my second AB800 with my medium octobox for fill, that will take care of that setup. When i do groups, I plan on turning off the center fill and moving my key light(AB800 with 64" PLM) to the center of the group for those shots. I will also have one AB400 setup for a background light or hair light. I have another AB400 with 32x40 softbox that I plan on using in another shooting area off to the side for close ups with another background. it sounds a bit complicated, but i believe that i have it figured out. i planned on using the 32x40 softbox for key and make it double up for the groups, but started doubting whether or not the 32x40 softbox would be enough by itself for groups. It works great when photographing one person, I've been using it for some time now.