Need quick advice Please and thanks! Choir photoshoot!

[kennephoto]

Hey everyone I have a choir I am photographing this Saturday the 13th and I was hoping to get your opinions on what lens I should rent for this. I was thinking about the Canon 16-35L Canon 14L or maybe the Sigma 12-24. The choir is about 50 kids and the director wants the something different than the typical riser shots, anyone got any ideas on large group shots? Thank you in advance to potential replies!

[AdamJ]

Will it be on a FF body? If so, I would think the 16-35mm would be wide enough even for whatever creative options you consider. If you use anything wider, you would need to be careful with the stretching effect towards the frame edges which can be especially unflattering with human subjects.

[Standard]

Depending on how the choir will be situated, ie. how they're sitting and being positioned, and the distance you have to work with, I would use either a 24L II or 35L on a full-frame. I prefer either of these over the 16-35L when doing group shots. The 14L will work but it will change the scaling quite a bit as it will take in more of the surroundings and reduces the individual faces. As AdamJ mentioned, you'll also need to frame the entire choir closer to the center line so as not to distort any individuals standing on either sides. You will also need a good, sturdy tripod and remote (or set the camera on timer).

[kennephoto]

Yes on my 5d Mark II, thanks for the quick reply. I havent used anything wider than 24mm on full-frame so Im not sure how wide 16mm is.

[neuroanatomist]

I havent used anything wider than 24mm on full-frame so Im not sure how wide 16mm is.

16mm is 50% wider than 24mm.  For example, at 10' distance, 24mm frames a 15'x10', and 16mm frames 22.5'x15'.

[kennephoto]

So it sounds like we're leaning towards the 16-35? I just dont think 24mm is going to be wide enough for creativity.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

You did not ask about lighting.  Do you have lights?  A single flash will not light a area wider than 24mm, so you will need multiple lights for creative settings.

[kennephoto]

I have a 580ex ii and light stands and a pair wireless triggers

[picturesbyme]

Exactly. How do you plan to light them? (I see you answered already.. this happens if I do several things in the same time.. )
You said the director don't want the usual stuff... so I'd think you'll need the idea first, then the tool/s to make it happen... or you want the tool/s first and see what happens?
How about a shoot from above.  Will this be indoors or out?  Any nice location nearby..?

[IIIHobbs]

I say work with what you got. Renting something new, for this is likely to be unsuccessful for you. Use the equipment you are familiar with in a way that you know will give you a good result. Trying to go wide to get this in one shot is likely to disappoint everyone. A multi shot pan or scan may allow you to creat a higher resolution image with your 50 or 40. Investigate your location and set up the group in a way that will allow you to capture the best images.

[kennephoto]

Ha well maybe I shouldn't have started a thread, I'm starting to lose some confidence in doing this. A photographer friend referred me the shoot because she was busy and the director is doing this rather last minute. The photos need to be submitted by the 15th. Can you light a group of 50 with 2 580 exii's? I know theres several places in the high school he thought to take photos and there was an outdoor area we brainstormed.

[picturesbyme]

Don't give up..
I'd find 2-3 helpers (friends, family) ... go to the locations... and do some tests.

[TAF]

50 kids and the director wants the something different than the typical riser shots

What sort of choir is it?  If a church choir, perhaps you could do the shoot outside, and arrange them in a cross arrangement, while photographing from above (perhaps the roof or from the announcers box at a nearby football field if available)?

Or maybe if they're into peace songs, in the shape of a peace symbol?

That sort of thing...

Outdoors makes lighting a bit easier (sometimes).

[kennephoto]

Its a high school choir and the photos are being submitted to the MMEA organization. I like the idea of the football field or something to that effect. I know there is a music room, a theater with balcony, and a cafeteria that has a upper level over looking.

[picturesbyme]

Its a high school choir and the photos are being submitted to the MMEA organization. I like the idea of the football field or something to that effect. I know there is a music room, a theater with balcony, and a cafeteria that has a upper level over looking.

That's what I was talking about... shoot from high up.
Get them around the tables. You can play with colors, formations.
You can even do one table at a time.. then put them together..
It's really more fun than frustration...