Capturing a 20th high school reunion, need advice/tips!

[kimmeraz]

In 2 weeks, I will be attending my 20th high school reunion (gasp! It can't be!!!)
I have been asked to be the official photographer for the event. I'm kind of nervous. It's bad enough that I haven't seen these people in 20 years, but now the pressure is on to capture the memories of this night. I have never photographed an event other than my own family reunions, and I'm really not sure where to start.
I know we'll need a group portrait, but other than that, is it just a matter of working the room and mingling to get the best shots? I need a plan!
Thoughts??

[SusanH1970]

What equipment do you have?

[kimmeraz]

I have a Nikon D700, a 28-70 2.8, an SB 600, a Nikon D50, a 28-200 lens, an 18-55 kit and a 50 1.4 (old, no auto focus, but still a kick ass lens). I have a couple other lenses, but they suck and I won't be bringing them.

[kimmeraz]

make that a 24-70 2.8...oops!

[zona5101]

Do you know anything about the room/hall you'll be in? Are the ceilings tall? would you beable to use bounce flash?
As far as a plan...other than the one group shot are you only doing candids or do they want individual formals too?

[kimmeraz]

I don't know anything about the location of the event. All I know is that it's at a community center. I don't even know how many people will be attending. Zona, you mentioned individual formals. I've never been to any class reunion, are individual formals part of the norm? Also, is it typical to do couples photos? Should I just basically make the rounds doing shots at all the tables and as many candids as I can do?

[zona5101]

I've seen where there has been a photog with his gar set up and folks could get shots done. That is probably more of an income opportunity on the part of the photog.

If the ceiling ins't too tall you can bounce your flash.

The big one is the group shot. The candids and requests will just happen - your on the right track.