School Band/Orchestra Group Shots

[sbsbennett]

I've been asked to do the band group shots next year for the school at which I teach. I have a photography club which has done cheerleader, school dance, and athletic pix, but not big groups. I shoot with a Canon 40D (I know, I need to upgrade) and have a few different lenses which may suffice, i.e., Tamron 17-50 or Canon 10-22, but am trying to do the best I can with it. What would be a better lens for large group shots. I have a set of three AB800's to spread lighting around.

Thanks,
Steve

[Fred]

It might come down to how far away can you be from the group. In some cases where I photograph Choirs/Bands/Orchestra's, I am limited to the room size where they want to be photographed. I know in some schools I am right up against the wall and use a 17-40 Canon lens on a full frame camera.

With the crop factor on the Canon 40D, you may need to use the Canon at the widest it will go. If you have plenty of room, then use the sharpest of those lens and zoomed in as much as possible to minimize distortion on the outer edges of the image.

I'm sure you will do great!

[sbsbennett]

That is pretty much along the lines I was thinking, but wondering if the 10-22 would give too much distortion. I may need to get and older 1D Mark II or 5D to do it right, but then I can't use the 10-22, as it is an EF-S lens. Or I thought the 14mm prime might work as well.

Steve

[BrassPremier]

indoors/outdoors?

[Snarfy]

Your setup will work fine. With an effective 16-80mm (10-22 & 17-50) you've got plenty of range to shoot a number of ways. The 40D is a great camera, don't worry about the body either.

Concern yourself more with the lighting and focal distance. If you shoot inside an auditorium with stage lights: bring a tripod and worry about finding the right spot in the seats. If you shoot it outside, worry about the relative position of the sun and getting yourself elevated (ladder).

[texkam]

Here's how Plano West did it. Unfortunately, I never saw what the results looked like.

[sbsbennett]

Thanks everyone. I will probably do it indoors, perhaps in their large band room. I have done small group shots there using a ladder to elevate myself and shoot down on them. Sounds like I can keep saving for the 5D Mk II, then and not spend more on a lens for this. Good thing. I have access to six strobes, so I think I can work out the lighting, maybe even add some gels in corners to frame the background.

Steve

[sbsbennett]

Mark, that octobox threw enough light for that size group?