Squad Photo help please

[extremenovice]

Hi folks, I'm actively involved in a local junior football team and have been asked to take a squad photo to be available for the parents to buy as a little fundraiser for the club.

All parents have given permission so thats not a problem

I'll have 16 kids and a manager standing or kneeling down in front of a goal with only grass and a distant treeline for a background.

I attempted some shots yesterday but they all appear to be blown and really are unsuitable

I'll have to attempt a retake next week

What settings should I be using to get a decent shot with my Panasonic Lumix FZ8 in these conditions?

Any or advice is greatly appreciated

 

[mrtoad]

no one seems to care...

i have a lumix FZ7..although that really is not quite important

what are you metering settings and do you understand the effects of under exposing on the menu to correct for back lighting

 

[david1701]

no one seems to care...

i have a lumix FZ7..although that really is not quite important

what are you metering settings and do you understand the effects of under exposing on the menu to correct for back lighting

Bit harsh there,

I for one don't know how a panny meters so can't help with the OPs actual question.

I'd stick it in manual and do a few test shots first. Remembering to keep the DoF up enough for the whole group to be in focus.

Guessing you are shooting ambient only as you don't mention flashes?

 

[mrtoad]

Bit harsh there,

I for one don't know how a panny meters so can't help with the OPs actual question.

I'd stick it in manual and do a few test shots first. Remembering to keep the DoF up enough for the whole group to be in focus.

Guessing you are shooting ambient only as you don't mention flashes?

absolutely..harsh?...so i apologise
i thought the metering would be too spot-ish and not picking up the background

i am chastised