Help with Portrait Lighting

Photographers Comments
Im hoping some of you can help me. I have a photo shoot for Prom coming up in two weeks. I will be photographing a group of about 10 students individually and in groupings in a formal setting. Im having some issues however. These are the things I need help on.
A The hosts dress is orange, trying to find a nice backdrop colour to compliment that. Ive tried forest green, grey and white. Im thinking navy or brown might work, but havent tried it yet.
B Lighting placement. I have limited apparatus, but managed to light this shot with three fleurescent daylight bulbs. High to the left focused on the ceiling for soft bounce, low to the right at head height for fill and high next to the backdrop shining on the back of the head and shoulders for a back light. My model has black hair and thought that against a dark background, might like to highlight her hair for some definition. I also have limited space to work with as I am setting up in the hosts living room. To me this photo, which I thought was the best one of the lot for lighting, seems to be flat.
C Having a lot of trouble with DOF. I really want the background to blur, but for some reason it is not and I may be missing a step. I have the ISO setting at 1600 to get a faster shutter speed in case my model moves as Im pretty sure everyone will be excited and chaotic that day.

Lots of issues here. I really appreciate any help or advice from anyone. Im feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, as if Im forgetting something. Help is greatly appreciated!




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Hi Debbie,
the first thing to hit me was the strength of your hair light. Pull it back from your subject slightly so it doesn't leave strong hot areas of light. It should be just enough to seperate the subject from the background. The main light appears ok, except I would lower your fill light slightly and try to eliminate the shadows from under the chin. Not all of your subjects may be as slim as this fine looking fellow, and shadows under the chin are not very flattering. Alternatively use a reflector to bounce the light back up to fill in these areas. I find the creases in your backdrop quite distracting for portraits, and feel that a smooth area may be more complimentary. Try to fill the frame more with your subject. Move subject further forward away from backdrop to blur the background out more. And lastly try to avoid brown with orange. I fear this will clash too much. Greys or light blues would be a better mix.
Good luck....

__________________
Regards....Phil

If it moves shoot it. If it doesn't move, still shoot it.

Okay, that is all very helpful. I'll give it all a go...thanks so much Phil.

I have in the past been in a similar situation ... not the best Lighting and at an unfamiliar location. Everyone wore something different, and there was a constant clash of color due to the subjects clothing and Hair.
In the end, I moved all outside into the shade, hung a Black Cloth Backdrop (no creases) and ended up with a better result than fiddling with Lights I did not understand. Good luck with the assignment. Cheers

Okay Brian, appreciate your input. I tried the brown backdrop, didn't look too bad, but might not work with everyone else. The light blue was really pretty and should go with everything and be fairly neutral. I'm visiting with the host in two days to see their facility. I may just use your alternative. Hope the weather is good. Choices, choices. Just want to be prepared so everything runs smoothly since I only have an hour with my customers and then they are off in the limo to their Prom.
Thanks so much for your help.