Tips for groups/oh god, what did I get myself into?!

[tirediron]

Oy vey! I just got another message, saying we are going to change the location to outdoors, and hopefully get the shots wrapped up in 15 minuets because the kids won't want to stand in the snow longer than that. I did NOT scout a location because we were planning indoors, and I am not confidant I can do the whole thing in 15-20 minuets. They are again, offering to pay me, which I am not comfortable because I have NEVER done a large group before, and my outdoor lighting work is laking anyways AND I dont have the equipment necessary to light a group outdoors either.

This sounds like a good time to back out right??? But if I back out, they get no pictures at all, even bad ones....

This is where you have to take charge! Doing this in fifteen minutes is completely unreasonable. I would tell them to plan a minimum of one hour (I would actually only plan to use 30-40 minutes, but I always err on the safe side), and you need a day to find a location. Explain to them that professional photography involves a LOT more than standing there and saying 'Cheese', and if they don't have the time to give it, you're sorry, but you won't be able to help them. They're trying to control away from you here, and you've got two choices, walk away (NOT the recommended course of action), or stand up like you've got a pair and take charge. If you're not used to doing it, it can seem a bit daunting, but it's not difficult and the truth is, as soon as you show the first concrete sign of leadership, there's about a 99.999994% chance they will back right down and let you do your job. If they don't, chances are you don't want to work with them.

 

[JustJazzie]

Are you beginning to wish you were being paid for this?

Can you mount your speedlight in one of the softboxes? Using a softbox for fill is a good way to cut the dark shadows in their eye sockets and under their chins. If it's a bright day with snow, "underexpose" just a bit (by your camera's light meter) and use flash fairly near the camera.

Or maybe you have a white umbrella for a diffuser.

Too late. I just tested saying I can't do outside. I don't even want to be paid for this. I'm not sure you could pay me enough. ;-)

 

[JustJazzie]

Oy vey! I just got another message, saying we are going to change the location to outdoors, and hopefully get the shots wrapped up in 15 minuets because the kids won't want to stand in the snow longer than that. I did NOT scout a location because we were planning indoors, and I am not confidant I can do the whole thing in 15-20 minuets. They are again, offering to pay me, which I am not comfortable because I have NEVER done a large group before, and my outdoor lighting work is laking anyways AND I dont have the equipment necessary to light a group outdoors either.

This sounds like a good time to back out right??? But if I back out, they get no pictures at all, even bad ones....

This is where you have to take charge! Doing this in fifteen minutes is completely unreasonable. I would tell them to plan a minimum of one hour (I would actually only plan to use 30-40 minutes, but I always err on the safe side), and you need a day to find a location. Explain to them that professional photography involves a LOT more than standing there and saying 'Cheese', and if they don't have the time to give it, you're sorry, but you won't be able to help them. They're trying to control away from you here, and you've got two choices, walk away (NOT the recommended course of action), or stand up like you've got a pair and take charge. If you're not used to doing it, it can seem a bit daunting, but it's not difficult and the truth is, as soon as you show the first concrete sign of leadership, there's about a 99.999994% chance they will back right down and let you do your job. If they don't, chances are you don't want to work with them.

This is mostly what I Said and offered to do an indoor shoot as planned, but gave them the option to back out if it's really not what they want. I hate the cold, and I can't work my camera in gloves. *sigh* I just think outdoor pics in 6 inches of snow is way beyond my comfort level

 

[SquarePeg36 6]

No good deed goes unpunished.

 

[JustJazzie]

No good deed goes unpunished.

Lol
Isn't that the truth?!
She said they will still go ahead with the indoor pictures, so now I'm back to issue number 1, figuring out how to make them all smile!

 

[Braineack]

Make yourself look ridiculous. That or swap around heads, like I do, from multiple frames.

 

[JustJazzie]

Make yourself look ridiculous. That or swap around heads, like I do, from multiple frames.

I'm pretty sure I do that without trying, especially in groups, and around people I don't know well. ;-)

I just downloaded a funny sounds app, it includes at least 10 different fart and burp sounds. Hoping I can at least fall back on that if all else fails.

 

[vintagesnaps]

I wonder if maybe you ought to talk to your friend... Her mother-in-law seems like she wanted the photos done outdoors from the get-go and I don't know if she's going to be happy with how this is turning out any more that you seem to be at this point.

You've mentioned a number of concerns you seem to have and questions on what might work best, etc. so maybe this isn't something you're quite ready to take on yet. I can see how you might feel like you need to go ahead and try to do this but maybe it would be better for them to find someone else. They may not want to hurt your feelings or cancel on you any more than you feel like you shouldn't cancel on them, but they may be just as happy if they go ahead and make other arrangements.

 

[JustJazzie]

I wonder if maybe you ought to talk to your friend... Her mother-in-law seems like she wanted the photos done outdoors from the get-go and I don't know if she's going to be happy with how this is turning out any more that you seem to be at this point.

You've mentioned a number of concerns you seem to have and questions on what might work best, etc. so maybe this isn't something you're quite ready to take on yet. I can see how you might feel like you need to go ahead and try to do this but maybe it would be better for them to find someone else. They may not want to hurt your feelings or cancel on you any more than you feel like you shouldn't cancel on them, but they may be just as happy if they go ahead and make other arrangements.

Maybe you aren't aware, but they only have ONE time slot available for this as the brother is leaving the country. I'm not sure where they are supposed to come up with a photographer the day before the event, and two days before Christmas.
I gave them two oppertunitys for an "easy out" where they could back out without hurting feelings if they wanted to, or were set against indoor shots. She seems very adamant about making this happen, so even if the MIL isn't pleased in the end, it sounds like others will be satisfied. And honestly, isn't a "mediocre" picture, better than none at all?

They KNOW I am not a pro, I have made my limitations very clear and hopefully set their expectations where they should be.

You still haven't answered my original question which is "when does one learn, if they pass up oppertunities to try?"

Perhaps instead of being so negative and just telling me to give up, you could offer some useful tips to help me- just maybe, succeed?

 

[beachrat]

Bleh.
This is gonna be easy.
Pic a spot,goof around with the light a little bit,check your exposures a few times,line em up and mow em down.
The MIL is looking for one nice picture of the whole gang that looks good to her,and you'll get a whole load of them.
Relax ,do what you know how to do and stop over thinking it.
At all.

 

[medic2230]

Make yourself look ridiculous. That or swap around heads, like I do, from multiple frames.

I'm pretty sure I do that without trying, especially in groups, and around people I don't know well. ;-)

I just downloaded a funny sounds app, it includes at least 10 different fart and burp sounds. Hoping I can at least fall back on that if all else fails.

Nothing and I mean NOTHING sets the mood for a family Christmas picture like a burp and fart from behind the camera.

 

[JustJazzie]

Trying to pack up my gear for tomorrow, what's my list missing?
Lights, triggers and modifiers
Backdrops & clips
Backdrop stand and all my light stands (just in case!)
Two computer chairs with the backs removed for posing stools if needed.
Camera & lens with freshly charged battery
Backup camera and lens' with three backup batteries
Flask ;-)
Emergency memory card
Pez dispenser topper for the camera (to hopefully help kids look)
Lens cleaning kit
Tripod
EDITED:
Extra batteries for triggers

Sooo, what am I missing here?

 

[pgriz]

Looks good. Don't forget the cool. And if you don't feel confident, fake it. As far as they are concerned, your gear (and knowledge) beats anything they can scrounge up. So as the one with the mostest, go forth and actuate!

 

[JustJazzie]

Looks good. Don't forget the cool. And if you don't feel confident, fake it. As far as they are concerned, your gear (and knowledge) beats anything they can scrounge up. So as the one with the mostest, go forth and actuate!

Right! The cool! I'll throw some ice cubes in the vodka then.

Hmm, never thought about it that way! Good point!

 

[limr29 2]

I've just read the past two pages and they have done nothing to revise my original advice: hip flask. You may not drink, but some of the other adults might be grateful to take a nip from it