I'm freaking out man!

[ctcook]

So, my cousin asked me to take some high school dance pictures for her group of 6 people. I called her today to iron out the details for Saturdays shoot to find out that the group went from 6 to 18!!! I agreed to do the shoot, but told her I'd have to charge a nominal fee to cover some of my time. I told her $10/couple I know I sold myself really short, but didn't want to drop a bomb on their budgets. At least that's what I told myself. Anyway, lesson learned. Now I'm scrambling to think of places where we could go to accommodate a group that size, pose ideas for larger groups, what if it rains or there isn't enough light?

I'm rambling so I'll throw out the question now, what are some good poses for larger groups that are still fun and creative?

p.s. her sister just called me and asked me to shoot her pictures same day, two couples. I'm definitely going to make sure it's clear that after this time, no more favors, full price.

[jdepould]

I was just talking to my girlfriend an hour ago about something similar.

Her brother wants some family pictures, and asked about how much I'd charge them.

When it comes to family, my philosophy is simple. Do it for free (cost), or don't do it at all. I took a few pictures at her niece's birthday party last month, threw them up on a page, and told them to call me if they want prints.

[ctcook]

I like that philosophy. I'll probably just give them a CD with a copyright release. Thanks for your input.

[NgaiHill]

I don't have any experience photographing large groups but a couple of ideas to throw at you are - somewhere with steps, you can stack people up them which stops them from spreading out and causing space issues. The other one is, is there a playground nearby? Lots of bright colours to add interest, fun and funky, and the potential to stack them there on stuff as well. Will give the other couples something to play on while you photograph each couple individually to begin with - assume thats what you're doing.

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by ctcook

I like that philosophy. I'll probably just give them a CD with a copyright release. Thanks for your input.

I wouldn't go THAT far, though I think you might just mean "personal use license." While it doesn't apply directly to this, PhotoAttorney Carolyn Wright has a good way of handling that kind of thing: How to Provide a Photo License to a Friend | Photo Attorney

Basically, I'd just be like, print it, throw it on facebook (preferably a "web version"), whatever, just don't sell it.

On the topic of actually shooting it. Can you get your hands on a ladder/second story window? Getting the camera up higher is another way to get large groups.

[ctcook]

Originally Posted by NgaiHill

I don't have any experience photographing large groups but a couple of ideas to throw at you are - somewhere with steps, you can stack people up them which stops them from spreading out and causing space issues. The other one is, is there a playground nearby? Lots of bright colours to add interest, fun and funky, and the potential to stack them there on stuff as well. Will give the other couples something to play on while you photograph each couple individually to begin with - assume thats what you're doing.

I'm thinking of using the courthouse steps they also have beautiful white columns. There is a few playgrounds around I'll have to check that option out as well. Thanks

[ctcook]

Originally Posted by jdepould

I wouldn't go THAT far, though I think you might just mean "personal use license." While it doesn't apply directly to this, PhotoAttorney Carolyn Wright has a good way of handling that kind of thing: How to Provide a Photo License to a Friend | Photo Attorney

Basically, I'd just be like, print it, throw it on facebook (preferably a "web version"), whatever, just don't sell it.

On the topic of actually shooting it. Can you get your hands on a ladder/second story window? Getting the camera up higher is another way to get large groups.

Yes, wrong term. I plan on creating web versions (low res with logo). Then find out what they would like printed so I could provide one time licenses for those images. There is a printer close by that I've developed a relationship with and I will hand deliver the licenses to him. In addition to the court house steps I'm considering a location that has bleachers close by that I can climb up, but it doesn't have the best background. I'll have to start looking for a ladder. Thanks for the advice.

[ctcook]

So, with the hardware I have available to me I'm thinking of doing the groups with either the 35 1.8, or the 18-55. Then I'll use the 55-200 for the individual couple shots. Does that sound like a good plan to you?

[vinith98]

My view here would be that when it comes to people related to you, do it for free. You said that your dealing with a huge group, and I am sure that you will find it a bit difficult to manage, now say things go a bit wrong you will be blamed at since you charge them. Incase you did it for free they would have not complained much.

Just my view.

[ctcook]

Yes, I know exactly what you're thinking. Believe me the thought did cross my mind to do the larger group free, but that's a lot of work and I think that for $5/person there can't be too much complaining.