Group shots - lens distance

[Irishmul]

I have a series of group shots to do in the local school of each class. I'm limited timescale wise as classes will be moved in / out and other than a visit to the school I've no opportunity to practise with the groups. At present I'm limited to a 14mm lens.

I'm planning on shooting at f11 focussing on the middle kid, mid row with flash at present bouncing of ceiling and reflector in front on group. If remote triggers arrive that will all change.

I shooting with Oly 510, 14-42mm f3.5 lens.

What I'm trying to work out is how far away do I need to be to get 3 row of 12 people (kids) into frame?

Without remote triggers (using Metz 48) am I better just directly the flash at the group rather than bouncing and either diffusing or using EV comp?

Other than the obvious, run, anybody got advice on the above questions? and any suggestions gratefully recieved I've read some the of tutorials and studying others at present.

[OsmosisStudios]

Your 14-42 is actually a 28-85 equivalent lens, so it should be enough. I cant tell you how far back you'll need to be: while Im sure there's some math to figure it out, the easiest way is just to try it out.

[tiffythom]

I have to do the same next week, only team photos so I am really wanting some tips as well. I read that you should focus 1/3 of the way into the photo and get your camera as close to subjects as you can with the f/11 or better setting and use tripod & flash. But I haven't had the chance to try this out.