LIGHTING TEST

Looking at different ways to create the main group image for this body of work it is my intention to create a relaxed informal group image shot in the style of a Vanity Fair magazine cover. The key feature of these images are the way in which despite being a large group, each individual is correctly lit and all the characters are of equal standing. 

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However......

Traditionally these large scale magazine shoots are set up in studios with multiple lights and large sets. Working with only 5 studio lights I found that a better result was achieved by dividing the group of 25-30 people into smaller manageable groups of 5 or 6 and lighting these groups properly then comping the various groups together to create the larger master group.

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To test lighting set ups I experimented with different lighting strengths and positions to evenly light smaller groups. Below are the test shots done to try different things out while the image above is a composite of different groups in various positions to see if the theory works. 

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Having done this I feel my lighting set up using 5 lights and a dark background set up approximately 20 feet behind the group works well while by positioning the camera only 3 ½ feet off the ground I gain a viewpoint that is both interesting and works well with the location. The position of the lights and camera settings were noted and when editing these together in Lightroom and photoshop a clear plan was formed for the final group shoot and the best way for me to achieve what I want.