Make sure you bring enough business cards.
50-75 people...with no experience, I would beg out. Depth of Field, I would focus on 2nd row. Strong enough flash to eliminate shadows in eyes? Have Spouse determine camera can see clearly every face...if person can see camera, it does not mean your camera sees full face...and so on.
See if Pro will charge for only Digital negative rather than $5, 10 or 15 for each ordered Photograph plus shipping. If so, when you email photo. Tell everyone that does not print at home how to obtain a print of this Memorable occasion.
PNagy
Loc: Missouri City, Texas
Fstop12 wrote:
Thanks everyone for your input. Everyone's perception is correct, I haven't done this before. It will be an outside shot with 50-75 people. I'm not sure I will be able to get close enough to worry about eyes. The lenses I have are an
18-300 and a 12-24 wide angle. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
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A very large group like that is tough even for a top pro SLR. Done right, it takes a medium format camera. I would do it with an SLR only if I had an assistant to keep people orderly while I took the extra eight minutes to shoot everyone's face individually zooming in from the same spot where I took the group shot. Each person's sharp, well focussed face would be pasted into the corresponding spot in the group shot. The faces will be sharper than with a medium format camera, but when the group is bigger than a basketball team I wonder about controlling the subjects long enough to complete the extra tasks needed for the job. If you don't do this and don't go medium format, I think the group shot will leave much to be desired.
Do it for free, then no one will dare to criticise and then more work will follow from which you can charge.
I have done several weddings, produced instant slideshows and have been asked how much I charge, I usually decline any payment. Since then I have done some paid for events.
you didn't say if it's a friend or business who is asking - i think you picture them in their boxers (Brady Bunch is great for advise!!) and go for it ... this is a large group - not a close up - you have enough info here to get it done .... post results!!!! All the best ....
Minimun $50.00.....that is what I charge....prints can be sold to everyone for 50% markup......I have done this for friends and not charged the 50.00 though, just a modest markup on the images....8x10 $6.00
That is probably a better idea.
cj
Loc: Emporium, Pa
Whistle and step ladder
In Dc, when shooting my special large group, I have a Marine Sgt barking. Obviously you cant do that even though it is very effective for me.
I also have Sgt tell them to all close their eyes on 3 open them. This does two things. They all open their eyes, and they are all looking forward to see what's going on. . .
http://jans.zenfolio.com/p116503123There's always a couple that wont be looking forward..
I have learned you can't make everyone happy. Especially those who say just burn it to cd for me... Nope I don't do that. Here is a quick "Why". My name is on that photo, you can print it at home and it possibly will turn green or blue within a year depending on printer, ink, elements. Then folks will want to know who did the shot? Not who printed it but who took the shot.
and
I have also learned to despise those orange safety t-shirts.
Good luck to ya, :thumbup:
OK, so I fudge a little bit. With multiple shots, if anyone has their eyes closed, I switch eyes or full heads.
cj
Loc: Emporium, Pa
Poison Ivey wrote:
OK, so I fudge a little bit. With multiple shots, if anyone has their eyes closed, I switch eyes or full heads.
lmao,,,,,, and this is a good thing. That telling them to close their eyes and when I say 3 open them seems to work quite often. :thumbup:
Here is another suggestion. After assembling the group in a shady spot out doors, give them this instruction.
!. If you can see the lens--the lens can see you.
2.Close your left eye; can you see the lens or the back of smeone's head? If yes, lean one way.
3. Close your right eye. What do you see ? Lean the other way.
4. Open both eyes. Can you see the lens . Good.
5. Close both eyes. On the count of three, open both eyes
6. One the count of 3.01, PUSH THE BUTTON. GENTLY.
Alyn
One (or two) more ideas to improve group shots.
Instead of one lump of people, try to separate everyone into smaller interacting groups.
To add more personality to your subjects, announce ahead of time there will be group photos, and encourage everyone to bring along something that reveals more about their personal interests.
Good Group Photo
cj wrote:
In Dc, when shooting my special large group,....
Your link gives a great idea of what that size group is like. Not something I'd try.
So as not to continue this thread I have decided that I am going to pass on taking the group shot. I do want to thanks everyone for their suggestions.
cj
Loc: Emporium, Pa
OddJobber wrote:
Your link gives a great idea of what that size group is like. Not something I'd try.
Its fun! I prep for it the night before with moonshine,,, :XD:
Fstop12 wrote:
So as not to continue this thread I have decided that I am going to pass on taking the group shot. I do want to thanks everyone for their suggestions.
You can do it. Go out and practice on a group of trees. Guestimate the size group, find a lump of trees together and start shooting. Now I have to tell you the trees eyes are always open so watch for that wide eyed open effect. Watch for motion on your shots.
You can do this with all the information on here and some tree practice. I know you can..
:thumbup: :thumbup:
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