Need some advice: I have to shoot a group of 40 youngsters at an(indoor) pool side. I am planning on 3 rows. I have not been to the venue yet so I don't know what the ambient levels...

canon Lee

I have to shoot a group of 40 youngsters at an(indoor) pool side. I am planning on 3 rows. I have not been to the venue yet so I don't know what the ambient levels are. I do know that I will be shooting across the narrow side of the pool approx. 30' away. I have the option to use (AC) mono 1600watt lights/umbrellas, or (battery) 2 canon 580EX flash. I am concerned about running any AC near water. My limitations are that there is only a 4' walk around ! Ceiling is high like a gym. Ladder will fit sideways. I expect movement ( hi shutter speed) due to the group will be all children. Any suggestions will be most appreciated.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

canon Lee wrote:

I have to shoot a group of 40 youngsters at pool s... (show quote)

How many times are you going to post this question?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

canon Lee wrote:

I have to shoot a group of 40 youngsters at pool s... (show quote)

I think you are seeing the typical lack of responses from your generic titling. Ask a specific question rather than these kinds of generalizations and you will have a much better chance of attracting a response from knowledgeable members.
As for me, the liability of using AC powered lights near a pool would be an easy decision NOT to even consider.

Armadillo Loc: Ventura, CA

canon Lee wrote:

I have to shoot a group of 40 youngsters at pool s... (show quote)

Lee,

Consider this idea. Calculate where the Sun will be at the time of the shoot. Plan on using the Sun for your key light.

Position your strobes and extension cords outside the chain-link fence in such a way as to use the strobes as a fill flash. At your distance from strobe to subjects you will need all the light you can catch from the strobes, and umbrellas will only diffuse the light output.

Umbrellas usually cause a soft light source, but you will have the Sun causing harsh lighting, take advantage of Nature and add a touch of fill-in lighting for the shadows. Watch light reflections from glass windows.

Michael G

MtnMan Loc: ID

canon Lee wrote:

I have to shoot a group of 40 youngsters at pool s... (show quote)

Can you spread the kids throughout the pool? with a high f-stop they can all be in focus and it will be a much more interesting image.

canon Lee

Mac wrote:

How many times are you going to post this question?

LOL not that computer savvy . I posted it and saw that "new topic" wasn't there. So i thought I did something wrong. I suppose that I just didn't wait long enough or something. But its a good thing now, since you saw my question. By the way do you have any suggestions for that shoot? Love to know your input. I am just looking for some advice, not to be annoying others with my lack of computer skills.

canon Lee

Armadillo wrote:

Lee, br br Consider this idea. Calculate where t... (show quote)

HI Michael. I suppose I wasn't clear that it was an indoor shoot, much like a dim lit gym. I do appreciate your advice.

canon Lee

MT Shooter wrote:

I think you are seeing the typical lack of responses from your generic titling. Ask a specific question rather than these kinds of generalizations and you will have a much better chance of attracting a response from knowledgeable members.
As for me, the liability of using AC powered lights near a pool would be an easy decision NOT to even consider.

Thanks for your reply. I wish I had more info about the shoot, but it's the first time I will be shooting there. My question is asking for advice from you pros about how you would set up the shoot. Thanks again, I will try to be more specific. I am still learning " the how to" on this forum.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

canon Lee wrote:

LOL not that computer savvy . I posted it and saw that "new topic" wasn't there. So i thought I did something wrong. I suppose that I just didn't wait long enough or something. But its a good thing now, since you saw my question. By the way do you have any suggestions for that shoot? Love to know your input. I am just looking for some advice, not to be annoying others with my lack of computer skills.

Sorry, but no I don't. Most of my photography is outdoors and of non-humans. But MTShooter and MtnMan have given you some good suggestions.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

MT Shooter wrote:

I think you are seeing the typical lack of responses from your generic titling. Ask a specific question rather than these kinds of generalizations and you will have a much better chance of attracting a response from knowledgeable members.
As for me, the liability of using AC powered lights near a pool would be an easy decision NOT to even consider.

Especially with kids involved

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

canon Lee wrote:

I have to shoot a group of 40 youngsters at an(ind... (show quote)

I wouldn't worry about the water :lol:

mper812 Loc: Atlanta GA area

At 30 ft from your subjects an on camera added flash will do little or nothing to add much light to your shot. With three tiers of kids at that distance stopping down your F stop to F8 or smaller can help to insure focus but without enough light you will not be able to do this. On the other hand, some indoor pools have daylight ceiling lights and this may be the key especially if you use a tripod. Another approach could be multple battery slave flashes placed closer than 30 ft if possible. Another thing to keep in mind especially when subjects are this far away is to keep your ISO as low as possible to hold down the grain which will mess up the sharpness of faces at that distance. Good luck with the shot

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

RWR wrote:

I wouldn't worry about the water :lol:

Now that's the definition of IDIOT!

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Headline: "Photographer Electrocutes 40 Children".
You have how many millions in liability insurance? :twisted:

canon Lee

mper812 wrote:

At 30 ft from your subjects an on camera added fla... (show quote)

Thanks for your reply. You are the only one that has offered a suggestion. I won't be able to put the ( battery) flashes any closer, maybe one. I suppose the only solution is to pray for a high ambient level of light. Adding off camera flash would be out, and adjusting the camera's settings is the best I can hope for. I am wondering about facing the (battery) flash kicked up to +3 output and bounced off the water, If that might just add just enough light. Where are all the pros with their creative suggestions?