Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

I’ve been asked to take my grandson’s high school varsity soccer team photo. I did a big search on YouTube for information, but I didn’t really find anything very useful. I’m looking for ideas on team setup, lens choice, camera settings, etc. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Use a tripod. Use whatever camera / lens combo you own that gives something in the 24mm equivalent field of view. Use an external flash for fill. Use a relative small aperture for a good depth of field, say f/11 to f/13. Take lots of versions to pick one that is the best. With the flash, assure you're familiar with the cycle time / delay of the flash so you have the flash active with each shutter release. Assure you have fresh batteries for the quickest cycle time.

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

That’s exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

ELNikkor

I tend to use at least 35-50mm, as going wider can exaggerate the size of those in the front row. Tripod set at "tall". F11 should still keep everyone in focus. Depending on how many are on the team, you will want at least 3 rows, Sitting, kneeling, standing unless you do it on bleachers. (making a long line of players will make them small while the top and bottom of the frame will be all sky and grass!) Goalie on the end, holding a ball, coaches on the other end, one with clipboard, maybe a bag of balls, maybe a ball in the middle. Standing guys with arms at sides, (not the "fig leaf" pose.) All heads visible, not being blocked. Many shots because of blinkers, bad expressions, head-turners etc. Preferably not at noon on a sunny day, cloudy is better to eliminate squinting & shadows on eyes. Fill-flash if necessary. Speak with loud, commanding voice to get players to stop goofing around when you are ready to shoot. Good luck!

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

A Team Posing Chart* may also be useful to use.
Smile,
JimmyT Sends



*Credit to "another" UHH member.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Unless you feel completely comfortable I would gracefully decline.

Hip Coyote

I suggest you join the Facebook group called "Speed Light and Strobe Fundamentals" run by Tim Payne. They often have people posting group shots with analysis and details on lighting in similar circumstances.

I agree with other comments here as well. I would add to all that to use a ladder or minimally a step stool to get a different angle. You cannot go too wide or there will be distortion. Visit the site at about the same time you are going to shoot to get a sense of what you might have to deal with (bad background, etc.)

A very quick look at some of your other postings indicates that you have asked for tips on other group shots, etc. But I did not see postings of your final results. Doing so might help in case there are issues. The FB group I recommended insists you post the SOOC and the processed and you will get meaningful feedback there. You may want to try the SOOC and processed photo thing here as well to refine your shots.

Dannj

I’m inclined to agree. It’s not an easy task…whatever results you produce may not meet expectations.

Walt R Loc: eastern tn

Right On !!!

Walt

montephoto

Based on the question that you ask, along with the other group posing questions you have asked in the past, I agree with BillNikon.

A varsity sport photograph in high school should be a serious undertaking and I don't believe you are ready for the job yet. This is not a "put down" on you. Every photographer was a beginner once.

stan0301 Loc: Colorado

And - elevate your camera to at least the head level of the highest head - you don't want to be looking up at them - by all means avoid direct sun, and you don't want a background that is more interesting than they are

mmills79 Loc: NJ

Getting to know the location ahead of time would be a wise thing to do. Even take a few test shots so you have a feel for the space, positioning, and the lighting. Keep in mind that for a group situation like this, you are the primary choreographer and the director; which doesn't mean that you can't also use guidance from others just that, .....ultimately the set up and the decisions are yours. So try to avoid too much experimenting, have a concept in mind even if this is a first.

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

These are excellent suggestions. Thank you all so much!!! And, yes, I feel very confident that it will work out.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Wags you've received some excellent suggestions thus far...
Especially appropriate and germane from ELNikkor and Hip Coyote.

I work as a lighting assistant for high end commercial photographers in my market (Washington, DC) and can assure you that step ladders are SOP for Large Group Imagery... Often I'm holding these ladders steady for my client and also have their backup camera in hand ready to swap out with their primary as needed.

For League and Team Soccer there are several rules:
Always have the Soccer Ball in the image (even with Team Photos)
Always have player(s) faces in sharp focus in the image (no exceptions here)

Much of my revenue stream comers from League Soccer (of which I've an Avid Fan!).
If you truly love (and/or have played) the Sport your shooting you will typically best your competition.
Final Note: (As others have mention) If you are the least bit uncertain about your abilities then it may be in everyone's best interest for you to gracefully decline the offer. Continue shooting Soccer and please wait until you've gain considerable experience with team portraiture. Why? Sports Team Images are akin to Wedding Events, both of which occur in Real Time! You absolutely have to know for certain how to Nail It (and just how many extra images to capture to assure your deliverables)

Hope this helps Wags or is at least food for thought.
Wishing you much joy and success on your commercial photography journey.

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Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

Those are awesome photos! You really caught the team in those. And thank you for the support and comments. I’ve been shooting my kids and grandkids soccer games for a long time. I’m just looking for some thoughts on how to bests shoot a group pic. I’ll be sure to post some shots. Thank you!