I have been asked, last minute, to replace a photographer who was to shoot a Sweet 16 Party which has a "Red Carpet" theme. I am no fashion photographer. I have 2 800W Alien Bees, assorted umbrella's, and a 60" octagonal softbox, and the stands to support them. The client is supplying the carpet and the backdrop, I am bringing a back drop stand. I also have both a Canon 580 and 420 Speedlites, and could shoot the Bee's to slave off the Speedlites in necessary. The venue is a large hall with a high white tiled ceiling. Any advice on how to us/place the Bee's using the softbox and/or the umbrella's would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Chas

Two quick thoughts.

Rambunctious teenagers around light stands & cords can be an accident waiting to happen. If you really need them sandbag the heck out of the stands and gaffer tape every inch of the cords.

Do you need lights? Will a simple flash bracket suffice if you have good ambient light to begin with?

Jim

chas wrote: I have been asked, last minute, to replace a photographer who was to shoot a Sweet 16 Party which has a "Red Carpet" theme. ...I also have both a Canon 580 and 420 Speedlites...

Picture in your mind the TV segments you've seen of the red carpet arrivals at the Oscars and such: lots of fast-paced, photojournalist- and papparazzi-styled shooting going on.

Your 580EX elevated on a bracket should be all you need for the "glam" look the girls will like.

I have done something similar on quite a few occasions. Easiest would be a 580ex on a tall flash bracket. I agree about cords and stands not being that teenager friendly.

I also got great results doing a "red carpet" style shoot for a masquerade ball using an ABR800 ringflash. The client loved the "stylized ringflash look". I used a 30" moon-unit much of the time, with about 25% of the shots being a "naked" ringflash and reflector.

Do you need to move around much for any of the party, or is it just a "static" setup in one location?

My standard configuration for situations like that is a 580ex on bracket and another off camera. When I can't put the OCF flash in front of the subject and control it's angle and pattern relative to the noses I just roll it around back and park it in a corner. If it worked for a room full of five-year-olds it will probably work for you too...