Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Hi Support,

I have one of the large (main) with a b800 and medium (fill) b400 softboxes that I typically use in my setup. I will need to shoot a group of people (approx. 15) in the group, so they may be stacked in 2 or 3 rows. I wanted to ensure that I have good lighting across the group. I didn't necessarily wanted to order another large softbox. I hope you don't mind that I ask quite a few questions, but I have to come up an option quickly and get it ordered in the few days.

Here are my questions:
1) Would you recommend that I use one of the PLMs in substitution for the large softbox and use the large softbox as a fill?
1.a) If so, what size of PLM (84" or 64" should I go with) and b model would you recommend for it?

2) Or keep the Large softbox (turning it side ways) to span across a good portion of the group, and incorporate the PLM as a fill light to cover any shadows/gaps?

3) Would I need a heavy duty stand to hold the PLM?

4) Since I am using Alien Bees, would I use the 7mm with Buff Speedring?

5) Do you recommend a diffusion fabric cover?

Thank you very much for your time and assistance!

The PLM is a good choice. I would probably do a 64" soft silver. This will give more output than a softbox, but still have more coverage than an extreme. Generally speaking, coverage and intensity usually trump softness and "quality" when it comes to large groups. An 86" PLM will not yeild much in the way of extra softness at the distances you will probably be using. However, an 86" may be useful for other applications, and would not be particularly detrimental to use here. But remember, the larger the PLM, the more wind it will catch, so plan accordingly (smaller PLM, assistant, go inside, etc).

I would also use the softbox as fill.

If you go with the 64", it is not a bad idea, but you may get by with a 10' stand if you are not in a windy environment and the stand is secured. I would highly recommend a 13' if you decide to get an 86".

It is not an absolute necessity. The purpose of the speedring is for optimal focusability. Extreme silver will benefit the most. Soft Silver will have marginal benefit, and white would not have any focusing benefit with the speedring, as white cannot be focused. Either the 8mm or the speedring version will work fine for your described use.

Not for the purposes described above. However, I do recommend one, as you may find it useful in other situations.

Please remember that technique is subjective, as the desired results will be subjective. Every person who responds (here or elsewhere) can give you a different answer.

Thank you Technical Support for responding. For the PLM, what Alien Bee would you recommend if going with 84" or 64" in group photo?

At 12 feet, a B800 will give you f/11 with the soft silver. A B400 would give you f/8. A softbox would give you f/7.1 on a b800 vs f/5 on a B400 at 10 feet. I would probably use the 400 with the PLM as my main and 800 on the softbox as fill. Again, this is subjective, and dependant on several other factors.