Advice on large group portraits

Matthew Williams

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Mar 26, 2004, 11:54:54 AM3/26/04

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Hi!

I'm looking for some tips on getting good results when photographing groups
of 30-45 people. The photos will be taking indoors in a hotel / conference
room type venue.

I currently use film and do a little portrait photography - but never this
many people! I was thinking of buying a decent flashgun (Metz 45CL1?) and
am also considering gong digital at some point soon (Nikon D70). Any
thoughts?

Regards,

matthew

Nick G

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Mar 26, 2004, 1:51:25 PM3/26/04

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"Matthew Williams" <matthew....@care4free.net> wrote in message
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Get a whistle.

One you are happy that people are in the right place, a sharp blast will get
them all looking towards the camera.

--
-Nick G

** Vidi Vici Veni **

Marvin Margoshes

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Mar 26, 2004, 2:05:41 PM3/26/04

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"Matthew Williams" <matthew....@care4free.net> wrote in message
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The best photographers of groups I've seen know how to keep people
entertained.

Jeff Cable

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Mar 26, 2004, 4:07:08 PM3/26/04

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On 2004-03-26 16:54:54 +0000, "Matthew Williams"
<matthew....@care4free.net> said:

What format are you shooting and what lenses do youy own?
--
Kind regards
Jeff

Alex

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Mar 26, 2004, 5:40:59 PM3/26/04

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On Fri, 26 Mar 2004 16:54:54 -0000, "Matthew Williams"
<matthew....@care4free.net> wrote:

>I currently use film and do a little portrait photography - but never this
>many people! I was thinking of buying a decent flashgun (Metz 45CL1?) and
>am also considering gong digital at some point soon (Nikon D70). Any
>thoughts?
>

From National Geographic's Photography Field Guide: Try taking a few
shots right before or right after everyone is ready for the picture.
Frequently, you'll get some interesting photographs.

Charles T. Low

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Mar 27, 2004, 9:17:00 AM3/27/04

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Matthew,

No one noticed (but me) at a wedding when the photog had two bounce flashes
aimed up at the white ceiling (large commercial things) for an indoor group
protrait. When they failed, and he jiggled a few cables without success, he
reverted to available light (indirect daylight, windows), using probably a
one half second exposure, asking everyone to hold very still but not
explaining why.

The photos from before and after the flash failure were different, but both
very good, and no one (but me) ever commented on the lighting.

So, my very broad generalization is that he was a very experienced and
knowledgeable photographer, and that there are usually alternate solutions
to any problem.

Direct flash is so uninteresting, but most people looking at such a portrait
don't actually object - they just notice that more interesting lighting
looks better, but they're satisfied with the straight-on lighting if that's
all they see.

Multiple flashes from different directions often throw shadows, with groups,
with some of the people in the back rows being in partial shade, so that's
not good either.

Let us know what you discover and how it works out.

====

Charles T. Low
ctl...@boatUNdocking.com - remove "UN"
www.boatdocking.com/BDPhoto.html - Photo Contest
www.boatdocking.com/Photos/ - gallery
www.ctlow.ca/Photo/ - essay (Manual Camera Adjustments - but it's really
all composition)

====

"Matthew Williams" <matthew....@care4free.net> wrote in message
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Matthew Williams

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Mar 27, 2004, 11:27:56 AM3/27/04

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Thanks for the advice.
All of the large group photos I have seen recently were taken outdoors.

I think I will probably jut go for direct flash. As you say, most people
won't mind -
I think it is too easy to become a perfectionist. There will also be a
number of smaller
groups, so I will try and do 'nicer' lighting for these. I am also getting
more and more
tempted to buy a D70 (I've been eyeing it up even before it became
available),
so at least I can see the results and reshoot if required.

The actual event is not for a while yet, but I was asking now so that I can
decide
whether or not I will need any new kit.

matthew.

"Charles T. Low" <ctl...@boatUNdocking.com> wrote in message
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howard

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Mar 27, 2004, 12:30:39 PM3/27/04

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"Matthew Williams" <matthew....@care4free.net> wrote in message
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Get them to form a pyramid (circus type), all naked, and all
looking upwards, then set off the fire alarm.

That should get you an interesting shot, hmmm ?

RSD99

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Mar 27, 2004, 8:28:52 PM3/27/04

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EVERYONE else has given the WRONG answer!

See the current (April; 2004) issue of "Shutterbug" magazine ... the article beginning on
page 106 is titled

"How To Photograph Big Groups" ...

[I am *not* associated with "Shutterbug Magazine" or PRIMEDIA ...]

"Matthew Williams" <matthew....@care4free.net> wrote in message
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Matthew Williams

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Mar 28, 2004, 2:15:47 AM3/28/04

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Unfortunately I'm based in the UK. I will see if anyone stocks it though...

"RSD99" <rsdwla...@gte.net> wrote in message
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>]