I am planning to take a picture of a group of 15 people (indoor with Flash sb600) what would be the best lens for this shot?? I am planning to position as close as I can.// thanks any tipos for this kind of project..would be really appreciated.

thanks.

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I would use your 50mm @f5.6 or about and bounce the flash off the ceiling if you can. You didn’t say how many rows of people you are going to have and if you want full body pictures. You might want to shoot down on them just a little so no one is hidden from view. If the 50mm is not wide enough and you can’t get back far enough to get everyone in, then use your 24-70mm and try to keep it as close to 50mm as you can. If your ceiling is white and 8-10 feet high your bounce flash will work great. Get one or two people to take a couple of test shot before you get the group together so you’re ready to go when they are. Have fun with your shoot.

Bill

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See if you can get a simple umbrella and stand set up and use an on camera extension to fire the flash...you can go TTL and the extension on the camera will allow you to move the SB600 off camera center and reduce the redeye effect..

You can also use the Nikon CLS system and place it off camera....

There are several good videos on line on you tube on how to use the CLS system if you are unfamiliar with the system.


Be sure to set the setting to Flash with Redeye on your settings for the strobe.

(assuming you can't bounce flash it as suggested above)....

Also, for this type of portrait, depending on how important..you might want to ask around if you can get two strobes, or rent one at least ot give you better lighting coverage and depth than a single one flash....

as well, if you can't get an umbrella, consider a on camera soft box...or even a white plastic bag over the lense to soften the light if you are only able to use a single SB600..

I agree with the poster above..take several pics with the one subject before....once you get the entire group..it's going to be a nightmare hearding the cats...people hate pics...be sure you ping off at least 10-15 (min) to be sure you get everyone's eyes open, etc. etc.


dc

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Taking into account room dimensions and ambient light would be important for sorting out the flash lighting. I would agree that bouncing the flash off the ceiling or or using some other method to diffuse the light is going to be key. In a small room with light colored walls and ceiling the flash can bounce and soften nicely. In a big, open room with high ceilings it's a harder thing.

I would see about having the SB600 on another tripod or stand have it fire into a reflector or a nice bright white wall behind you. I've been known to use the built-in flash as a CLS Commander and have it fire the bigger unit that's aimed at the ceiling, out of line of the actual shot. This can give pleasing lighting without generating a lot of red eye.

What lens you should use depends on how close you end up. If you're fairly close, then the 50mm is probably perfect, since it offers a normal angle of view on an FX sensor.

This sort of thing can be fun if everyone is patient and having a good time. Otherwise it's like herding cats.

SP

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Basically this is an informal portrait... nothing fancy..is something that the family group is right there and want to take advantage of the opportunity..but my main cocerns is about depth of field, and light ...I am planning to use the 50 mm lens but now that you mention difusing the light I don't have a difuser device which one is the best to acquire..??

thanks.

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