Part Six in our “Posing Large Groups” series–the last post of the series! We’ve talked about triangles, building from the center, color balance, posture and blinkers. Whew! For the sixth in the series, it’s last but DEFINITELY not least. In fact, this is probably the most important thing to remember in posing groups: you’re in charge. That does NOT mean you get to carry around a whip and bark orders in German (although, to be honest, sometimes you’ll feel like doing that). It means that you have to remember that everyone….seriously, everyone…is looking to YOU for direction. Here are the things I do to make sure I not only remain in control but that people have a good time too (er, they don’t have a BAD time):
1. Speak loudly enough that everyone can hear you.
2. Smile. Genuinely.
3. Introduce yourself at the very beginning (if you don’t know everyone there) and tell everyone that you’ll be asking them to stand in certain positions. I always ask people to “help me out” by paying attention if/when they hear my voice so that everyone can get to the dance floor/bar/wherever sooner.
4. Have your cameras settings figured out BEFORE placing people so you don’t have a group of 20 people staring at you uncomfortably while you play with your gear.
5. As you ask people to stand in certain areas, either point very clearly or place yourself in the spot to show them where to go. Regardless, the directions you give should be clear and concise. Mimic the pose if you have to.
6. If you must futz with people once you’ve gotten everyone in place, tell them what you’re doing. Even something like “Everyone can relax while I check the settings on my camera” will help people feel more at ease. Then when you’re ready to shoot, tell them you’re ready, have everyone stand up straight….and shoot.
7. Tell folks you’ll be taking a few shots to make sure there aren’t any blinkers. This will prevent the “smile, see the flash go off, relax completely” syndrome that seems to happen when group photos are taken.
8. Smile. Genuinely. Again.
9. When you’re finished, thank people for their time and tell them they’re free to go. If you need to keep some people for additional pictures, make sure to tell those people to stay BEFORE you tell everyone they can go.
So that’s it! Hopefully you’re feeling a little more confident about doing your next group shot. Practice practice practice. And don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Have fu!
Happy shooting from Vantage!
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