High School Faculty Photo

[OhSnapPhotos]

I have been asked to photograph a local high school faculty. The new assistant principal is the mother of one of my wedding clients and she seems like she could be the source of a lot of business in both my professions (banking and photography).

I have been trying to branch out from just wedding photography since I prefer portraits and less stressful occasions, and I think getting doing a good job for this school could be the start for more opportunities (school dances, prom, awards events, sports events that aren't already contracted by the county, etc.).

But I'm not sure how to go about taking the shot or if I've even got everything it would take to do it properly.

I believe they want to pose in front of the building at the top of this webpage
LINKS
basically resulting in a shot that looks pretty much like this only with 50+ adults in front of it.

In looking at the site first hand, and in thinking over posing and shooting large groups, I'm thinking I'm going to need to get up high. That's where I'm encountering some issues, because I really don't know how to make that happen.

So, does anyone have any advice for how to pose and shoot this shot? Or any alternate suggestions for location that I might be able to suggest? Or would I be better served by graciously bowing out of this opportunity (rather than trying it and not producing the desired results)?

I will be shooting around 50 staff members (maybe more, there are 50 teachers on staff). Around 8 in the morning in mid- to late-October. Very limited time with the teachers becasue they are having a staff meeting/training session that day and have to get to it.

I use an Olympus e510 or e-1 and have the 14-54mm f2.8-3.5, 50mm f2.0, 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 lenses and a fisheye attachment.

They are looking for something around a 20x24 inch print.

I drive a small car that I don't think would give me enough height by standing on and that I can't fit a very tall ladder in.

I told the principal I would try to be in touch by Monday or Tuesday with an answer as to whether or not I thought I could do it.

I appreciate any and all comments!

[raenme]

You don't say whether they will have a portable stand or merely stand single or double file. If they (school maintenance) set up a small bleacher stand, say three or four rows then I would ask if I could borrow a small step ladder, say a four footer (maintenance should have these in all sizes). If they are just going to stand double or triple file, then you may not need one.
I would first ask if they had any preference as to where they would like the picture taken (never assume), then ask which setup would they prefer (as noted above). Pre-prepare or scout location a couple of days before for outdoor or indoor shoots, i.e. time of day (lighting etc) if a.m. of p.m., overcast, sunny et al.. how will natural light affect photos (angle of light etc). Will you need reflectors/ secondary light to eliminate shadows..Of course, shoot in raw. Good luck

[OhSnapPhotos]

At this point, my understanding is that all the faculty will just be standing on the ground.

However, I have an email in to the lady who called me with these same questions you've asked - do they have risers, will I be able to get a janitor to set them up, how many people exactly, do they want the photo in front of the school or is there somewhere else, is there an indoor alternative location if it happens to be raining that day, can I come out and view both the desired outdoor location and the alternate indoor location, etc etc.

I have not heard back from her yet. As an aside, I'm afraid my .com emails are no longer getting to clients and are instead being sent to spam folders - GRR!

I really feel like there is a lot being left to chance with this assignment - will the janitor set up risers, will the weather and light work, will I be able to get enough height if I need it.... I don't like leaving things to chance. I'd like to KNOW before I ever commit to this that it can be done in a way that will please the customer and me. And if it can't, I'd like to bow out gracefully instead of ruining my professional name.

[raenme]

Be the consumate professional; make a courtesy call (preferably by landline). Explain that you're trying to firm up details about the best location(s) on site, weather conditions, how staff will be dressed (muted dark colors or bright colors ... it's a bear when you have a fruit salad in front of the camera!) Ask who you can contact from maintenance if the shoot will require additional equiptment etc. If worse comes to worse, we all have at least one friend that has a pickup and large ladders AND willing to be a gofer for the day.
This sounds like a great opportunity don't let it slip.

Also explain that by testing lighting conditions before the actual day of the shoot; you can assure the staff that time expenditure will be at a minimal. In effect, you will be prepared for any contingency.