Indoor group photos with flash. Help !

[Tostman]

I have the hardest time shooting group indoor flash photos any suggestions would be appreciated.

[sk66]

External flash and bounce it.

[Tostman]

Thanks for the reply, is that why I'm having trouble with only a few people in the shot being in focus or is my dof to small ?

[sk66]

No idea..post an example with the exif.

[ChrisAdval]

if the ceiling is close to you enough I would bounce it from the ceiling, if its a none posed photo, if its posed like studio work I would setup off-camera strobs, or the models are influenced by you like for posed shots then I would do that instead of using on-camera flash... would depend on your situation.

[Tostman]

Thanks for you're reply.

[ccting]

I am looking forward to hear more about this issue..

[Islandcrow]

You'll have to tell us more about your issue. For example, if it's an issue with elements of your photo being out of focus, that doesn't really have anything to do with flash. Also, how large is the group you're working with? If it's an issue with inconsistent exposure across the group, it's because your light source isn't large enough or can't spread far enough. You either need to bounce the flash (which will effectively increase both range and size of light source), increase the distance between you and the group (allowing the light to spread and also soften), or preferrably use off-camera flash with multiple light sources.

As stated, examples will definitely help in giving you advice.

[ccting]

18 people, I have 3 X 560, 1 X YN465, 2 Lightstand, 1 tripod, 1 softbox, 1 2 in 1 umbrella, 1 beauty dish, how can i do it??

My observation:
a) I don't think shot-through umbrella can become a huge light source, and therefore, should I put on top of my camera? If room is small, then should I put far back to use as light generate to diffuse everything?

what else... I can do ;D. I always get underexposed portrait..

[sk66]

Originally Posted by ccting

18 people, I have 3 X 560, 1 X YN465, 2 Lightstand, 1 tripod, 1 softbox, 1 2 in 1 umbrella, 1 beauty dish, how can i do it??

My observation:
a) I don't think shot-through umbrella can become a huge light source, and therefore, should I put on top of my camera? If room is small, then should I put far back to use as light generate to diffuse everything?

what else... I can do ;D. I always get underexposed portrait..

IMO, 2 choices given what you have.
Position all flashes to bounce or you may be able to bounce 2-3 and use the remaining for frontal.

Use multiple flashes direct and not bounced.

In both cases lighting will be unmodified. For direct lighting set flashes further away and zoom them all the way in (widest).

18 doesn't have to be that hard lighting wise...you could make 3 rows of six and pack them in pretty tight. You could probably do that with 2 strobes but I don't think it will make for a very good pic.