Ahh yes, when clients insist on shooting in the afternoon under the blazing sun, you gotta do what you gotta do. In this case, the plan was to put the sun behind the subjects, and blast them with light.
For lighting, I had the Godox AD200, a fairly formidable light source, as well as a Godox TT685N. Unless you're Annie Leibovitz, group shots aren't so much about creating the most beautiful, dramatic light, as getting an even spread across the subjects, and against the afternoon sun during a heatwave, that requirement is even more pertinent.
The AD200 with beauty dish, illuminated them pretty well, from upper right of camera, but it meant going to full power, because the light had to be feathered for a more even spread across the group. The TT685N to the left, did an impressive job as fill light. Luckily, the makeup artist was on hand to do some reflecting, and boy, was I glad to have that. In fact, I have a new found respect for reflectors. They are extremely powerful when using them to fight the sun.
As you can see above, we did a handful of shots on the day, including one in the nearby forest, but I'm not crazy about the harsh, dappled light in the background. Notice also the quick n dirty "yellow brick road" photoshopped into the upper two images. I'm not a 3D compositor, but hopefully it is decent enough for a local panto group promo. Anyway, the main shot featured was my pick of the day.
I can't say I'll be in a hurry to light a group against the blazing sun again any time soon, but it's nice to know I can do it with the AD200.... Just about. I would have liked to darken the background a pinch more, but I was already at full power on the Godox. At that point, a faster shutter speed would only serve to darken the whole frame. Might just have to buy another AD200!
Nikon D750. Nikon 50mm 1.4G.
Godox AD200, TT685N, both in beauty dishes, 5 foot silver reflector.
ISO 100. 1/1000, F5