That's funny!

I've not shot a large group but might offer a couple of suggestions.
As previous folks have stated, go scope the place out and decide best
way to pose them. I would then diagram it on paper and ask your wife
to get them together. When the time comes you won't have time to do it.
Might take some of that off your shoulders. And yes the ladder is important. Best of luck.
JW

I think you are asking about a good choice for a $600.00 camera. There are a lot of choices that only you can decide. I currently own a d200 and a d5100. My preference is the d200. I like the feel but really like having most settings available without having to go through a bunch of menus.
That's a long way around to saying the refurbished d7000 is an excellent camera and can be had for about $600 refurbished. It handles great and just seems to feel right.

I think a simple "thank you" would be appropriate. I have often thought
about that same thing. jw

Sorry to ramble but there is one other thing. Who ever said that when you look at famous artist's painting "you don't ask what brush was used". I agree with that statement but would believe that in the era that most beautiful images were made with brushes, the artists discussed their equipment (oils, brushes, easel etc).

Will someone.....anyone explain to me how Driving X brand of car or using any other product is relevant. When I see a beautiful image I may very well ask what kind of Camera was used. I'm not trying to belittle the photorapher's ability. I am truly interested in camera make and model and the settings used. The normal response is usually something like this. "I shot this with my xxxxxx and it was set xxxxxx" while all the time looking very proud and wanting to continue the conversation. It is quite natural, as someone already pointed out for a photographer to be interested in all of these things.
If anyone on this forum can take an old Kodak 2 meg digital camera in low light and make a beautiful 20x30 inch print, I'll take back everything I've said. Equipment matters....

I can't see why it would matter if someome asks "what camera did you use". Seven pages used for something no one learned anything about. Sorry if this comment offends someone but just had to speak my mind

Charles....I too love old structures. The older the better. If you still have the original image, could you try to crop it with the shack on the right and a little less sky?
I would just like to see how it looks. Thanks.

Don't think really "salvaged" but I do believe you have done a good job of making something of it. I like it.

What?

One of the things I've done while shopping for equipment is to narrow my selections to the 3-4 I've decided on then cpmpare the on this site. Lots of great information.
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras

Forgot to mention one thing (probably more). Ask them not to wear white shirts as your eyes are always drawn to the lightest part of the image. I don't know if this a rule but find my exposures are better when white is not worn in a group.

Hopefully you will take several images at the shoot. I have forgotten how many will be in the group but i'm sure at least one person will have their eyes closed. So....take several. If you can do the shoot on a somewhat cloudy day that would be good. Bright sun can mess with your shots. Normally, I would start with aperature priority and with a group would use f11. The shutter will automatically pick the correct speed for exposure. Look at your shutter speed and make sure it doesn't get too slow or you may end up with a very soft or blurry picture. Shoot on a tripod if you can. If you use a tripod they recommend turning off VR. If your shutter speed gets too slow you can raise your ISO. If it's cloudy but not real dark I would try ISO 400. Also, go to your camera controls in your menu and increase your sharpening. The other thing to consider is the background. It sounds as though you have time so find a spot that doesn't have a bunch of clutter and distractions. I know this is long winded but just wanted to try to help. Would enjoy seeing your family portraits when you are done.

Tramsey....You've had a ton of good advise here. I'll add my 2 cents worth. 1st I would set out on aperture priority at f8 and the shutter will automatically set an acceptable speed. I would start my ISO (in this particular portrait) at 400 and check the image on your lcd. Also, play with the white balance. Your colors seemed somewhat off and you were on auto wb, I think. If you are shooting raw, you can easily adjust you wb in photoshop. Don't give up. I've been at this a long time and still not always happy with images. Good luck going forward.

I absolutely do not believe a Pro Photographer's license should be required. Exactly what would it do and who would issue it. I have a great deal of photography knowledge (not bragging just study a lot) but would not consider myself a Pro by any means. It's rediculous to even consider it. Just my 2 cents worth.