Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Hi!
I have gymnastics team pictures coming up in a month. I was wondering if I could get some recommendations as far as what lighting I should buy. I currently have 1 AB400, a Giant softbox, a Cybercommander and 1 wireless receiver {my studio is small}. The largest group is 20, 3 year olds.

It was recommended that I purchase an AB800 and 2 soft silver plm umbrellas, 51". I will also have to get another wireless receiver as well as light stand.

My question is, do you think this is the best way to go? I really didn't want to spend so much but of course want my pictures to be awesome!! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thank you,
Lynda

There is a lot of qualification necessary to give you an actual recommendation. It will really depend on the environment, the look you want, and to some degree, your camera (specifically, what ISO are you comfortable with).

You may be fine with what you have, or you may want to get a PLM ( I would do a soft silver 64" PLM). Placed higher than you, and roughly centered on the group.

The light will be uninteresting, but lighting of groups is almost always uninteresting, as it is essentially impossible to light 20 people dramatically like you can one.

Again, depending on your location, you may need a separation light. A B400 may be OK, or it may take something bigger.

The specifics of these would be best discussed with our sales staff, as they will be able to fully qualify your needs.

I'm planning on shooting a slightly larger group and as a result I found an excellent article written by Rob Galbraith here: http://www.robgalbraith.com/multi_pageb ... 0046-10396

Overall Rob's article is an excellent review of the different PLMs and might give you some additional ideas. Just a word of caution... as a result or Rob's article I ordered another Einstein and two 64" Soft Silver PLM w/ White Front Diffusion Fabric. ;)


UPDATE - I just read this post: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4192 and it looks like the "silver" PLM mentioned in the Galbraith article pertains to the "Extreme Silver"