How to PUT A GROUP AT EASE - request for tips

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

08/18/2005 06:46:11 PM · #1

Looking for your best tips to put a group at ease...

Tomorrow evening I'll be photographing a group of 4 Folk Musicians.

Location: One of the member's back yard / gardens.
Reason: Group want photo to send to potential clients and to use for general promotion.
Details: I will not be "paid" for this but it might lead to other similar opportunities. Group is made up of "retired" professionals who are starting to get out-of-town paying gigs. Expectations are not necessarily high.
Problem: I'm most comfortable shooting animals and things that sit still. I want to make my group comfortable--arrange them well--deal with whatever light the sky provides.

Help!

Canon EOS-60D

08/18/2005 06:49:28 PM · #2

My two cents, but probably worth far less...

The best thing I think you can do is to not "try" to do anything...let them just do what they do. Capturing them as they are, either playing or even just shooting the breeze and feeling relaxed (read=not posed) might be best for what they're doing.

Of course, try a few posed shots if you and they would like.

As far lighting, do you have a reflector or a flash for fill? One or the other (or both) might come in handy. :)

jpochard

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

08/18/2005 06:53:30 PM · #3

Since they are musicians, you might try putting on some music. If they have a recording, ask to play one of their's.

lucas

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC for Canon

08/18/2005 07:02:29 PM · #4

be sure not to make them feel that your nervous which will just make the nervous and not relax but stiff and woried.

08/18/2005 07:05:01 PM · #5

Flash--on camera only and fairly useless
Reflectors--bringing some foam-core but am afraid it won't be large enough

I think they're expecting "posed" but we can try different set ups--I think they'll be open to whatever I can manage in 20 to 30 minutes.

I have asked that they plan to bring their instruments outside: 1 guitar, 2 fiddles, 1 accordian (for the keyboardist)

There will be armless folding chairs available.

ButterflySis

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

08/18/2005 07:37:04 PM · #6

Originally posted by KaDi:

Looking for your best tips to put a group at ease..

Liquor?

Good luck with your shoot! I'd love to see your shots. And the Binghamton ones too... ;-)

08/18/2005 07:45:49 PM · #7

Originally posted by ButterflySis:

Originally posted by KaDi:
Looking for your best tips to put a group at ease..

Liquor?

Good luck with your shoot! I'd love to see your shots. And the Binghamton ones too... ;-)

Thanks!
Pot might be more appropriate for this age-group but I'm fresh out. =o j/k!

(As for other shoots: There was DC one weekend, Balloons and Cars the next, and then I went to post-process and found I'd gunked up my 80 gig hard drive with PSD files--still haven't straightened that out. Then I shot a fund-raiser concert. And next weekend I have a friend's wedding. Oh, yeah, and they make me work week-days for a living. Sumthin's gotta give! Photos from DC, Bingo-ville, and Folk Group coming soon--maybe Sunday? If my hubby can forgive.)

ButterflySis

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

08/18/2005 08:29:45 PM · #8

Originally posted by KaDi:

[quote=ButterflySis]Thanks!
Pot might be more appropriate for this age-group but I'm fresh out. =o j/k!

Sureeeee. ;-) j/k2

Originally posted by KaDi:

(As for other shoots: There was DC one weekend, Balloons and Cars the next, and then I went to post-process and found I'd gunked up my 80 gig hard drive with PSD files--still haven't straightened that out. Then I shot a fund-raiser concert. And next weekend I have a friend's wedding. Oh, yeah, and they make me work week-days for a living. Sumthin's gotta give! Photos from DC, Bingo-ville, and Folk Group coming soon--maybe Sunday? If my hubby can forgive.)

Hey, no prob. I figured you were busy because I didn't recall getting to see any DC either. Sounds like you are getting lots of shoot requests, which is great! Even better if they are paid. But either way the experience is what counts. No rush on the photos (although I can't wait to see them!), I know you're busy.

jab119

08/18/2005 09:19:37 PM · #9

bring an "assistant" with you to help with poses. I royaly suck when it comes to posing people. My wife is a huge help, she can pose people a lot better than I can

James