need advice on setting up for portrait shots in senior center

[sully75]

I would not start using flash on a project if you haven't used it previously. Practice on your friends.

I really recommend window light.

[Valdecus]

I'd start using natural light for this project, too. Even window light requires some practice, so maybe you want to start by simply placing your subjects in open shade. Then, add a simple reflector (gold/silver/white) to bounce some direct sunlight back onto your subject.

If you'd like to use flash in the future, a good place to learn more about (small strobe) flash photography is the Strobist website at
http://strobist.blogspot.com/

Cheers,
Andreas