Photographing Groups

The Potomac Exchange with the Ambassador of Japan.  Set up, two rows and three lights

Photographing Groups

As an event photographer, photographing groups is an important function I do.  It’s a fun challenge to figure out where, and how to organize the group.  Half the time it’s a spur of the moment to do the shot.  Other times, there is some planning of where to stage it.  And the most important aspect is lighting.  If it is a big group, it is preferable to have additional lights, 2 or 3 is optimal.  You want to make sure shadows don’t hit on anyone.  And more importantly, the extra light allows more depth, so everyone is in focus.  

Strategies for getting exceptional Group Shots

1.      Composition.  Whether you are using rows, steps, or the sitting, kneeling, standing spontaneous group, make certain no one’s face is blocked.  People need to be in between shoulders of people in front of them.  Before I shoot, I look from my camera perspective to see everyone’s face.   

2.      Light.  Natural light is best, if possible, with fill flash.  Bounced light or flash with a diffuser helps to eliminate harsh shadows and contrast.  

3.      Interacting with the group, helps to keep people’s attention so they aren’t distracted or are not looking away.  

4.      Eye Level is fine, but using a ladder or some elevation helps when there is a large group.

5.      Posing tips: try to have everyone look natural and relaxed.  Men is the front row should button their jackets.  If the front row is seated, hand placement should look natural in lap. Grabbing people around the shoulders makes that person look wider and sometimes makes their  clothes look awkward. 

6.      ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS shoot more than one frame.  That avoids having a frame with someone with closed eyes.  

It takes patience, ability to manage people, being pleasant, keeping people engaged with small talk and get it done quickly and efficiently.  

Ask me anything: larrylevin@verizon.net  Visit my website www.LLLevin.com

A few more images: Click on the images to see larger size.  

Chance group of top scientists, luckily they knew me and were happy to be in this highly esteemed group photo. One light bounced. 

Family in backyard, all natural light.  It was fun to keep everyone's attention. 

On a tour of a hotel, "Let's take a group shot"  Fun, natural, and not your usual situation. 

VP Pence with students.  Students were standing by so the VP just on in place. 

Consular Corp Gala shot from the balcony, one light. 

5 important Tips on Writing your Grant Proposal

 

This year I was part of a group of grant reviewers for the Humanities Council of Washington, DC (HumanitiesDC) and for the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities.  We were the first stage of reading, commenting, and rating the applicants for funding. An interesting process that allows for an unbiased and fair attempt to make recommendations on worthwhile non-profit organizations’ projects.  There are many grant opportunities for artists and organizations based in Washington, DC through these two organizations.  Each grant has a volunteer review committee that gives recommendations to the next panel for funding.  

 

As each reviewer reads each grant, they add comments and rating to a scorecard.  Previously, we would meet in person, but this year the group of reviewers met via an online meeting to discuss and compare notes.  It is great to hear other’s comments and reactions.  Most often we agreed to our ratings.  The power of group ‘think’ if something was missed and a rating would be changed.  It is wonderful to hear the reasoning from the talented and knowledgeable group assembled for this vital task.  

 

From this experience of reading grants this year and previously, here are some thoughts when you are preparing your grant proposal.

 

1.     Clear, concise, and cohesive writing is essential.  Is your objective and all your writing easily understood? Keep sentences to one thought.  (A thirty-word sentence is often hard to comprehend.)  In each paragraph, state your premise and give supporting information.  Simplify but give details.

 

2.     Provide a comprehensive plan and implementation of project/program(s).  Nice to have a mission statement but as important how that project or program operates.  If you don’t have a history, explain the history of items that you have completed.  This helps to prove that you are capable and deserving of the grant.  

 

3.     Get letters of recommendations, but as important, get testimonials from participants.  Success stories help to prove your project/program works and has a positive effect on the community you serve.  

 

4.     Provide biography of not only of yourself but staff and key personnel involved in your project. It’s helpful to disclose the education and job experience but why each person involve is suited to carry on their job responsibilities for your program 

 

5.     Budget, provide as much detail as possible.  It is even better to have Non-Profit accounting standards for all financial statements.

 

Your purpose is to provide quality information, in order for grant reviewers to fully comprehend and understand your mission. Additionally, you want to provide the confidence that you and your organization are qualified and accountable.

Top Tips When Hiring an Event Photographer

Senate Hearing on Alzheimer's 

Bosses, co-workers, members, clients, and constituencies judge images immediately.  Photos must capture attention, inform, and be remembered for their positive impressions.  Superior photography is vital for press releases, social media posts, newsletters, brochures, to market future events, also photos make nice mementos for event attendees. Here are some important aspects in hiring an event photographer. 

 

Choose Wisely 

A seasoned photographer is able to make consistent and technically excellent images in difficult situations.  Find a photographer who is flexible, creative and can positively represent your organization. She/He must be expert in photographic composition, lighting, and postproduction while remaining personable and diplomatic in relationships with your VIPs and attendees.  

 

Make Lists

Envision your needs ahead of time.  The types of images you need include individuals making presentations, group shots, audience reactions, product demonstrations, events, vendor booths, people working, award presentations, meet & greets and red-carpet events.  Think about staging, coordinating schedules so that all the right people are present for the photo, and timing (don’t schedule must need photos at the same time.)

 

Ensuring the final photo’s success requires effective communication of your visual needs and objectives.  Your image professional should assist you in developing “shot lists” and understand your “show flow.”   Timing and knowledge of what is going to happen helps to get every photo you need.  

 

Additionally, do your plans require specific graphical formats for publication? Let the photographer know your art director’s needs.  

 

Experience Counts

Your image pro’s experience can be critical to you in controlling the quality of the final delivered images.  Knowing how to solve last minute problems is a vital skill.

The photographer should approach event subjects journalistically. Images should appear “in the moment” rather than “contrived.”

 

Behind the scenes

Make certain your hired professional can function in chaotic situations while remaining unobtrusive at your event.  

 

The photographer should have the latest professional equipment.  Better files, color and image quality improve with the updated models.  Another aspect to the photographer is their ability to provide post-production of your final images.  

All files out the camera need adjustments to enhance quality.  

 

Details Matter

An experienced event photographer offers advance guidance to all aspects of the event. Helping people in the photos look their best. Working each situation to provide picture options.  Helping to determine if your staging is well lit or provide suggestions for better backgrounds.  High quality source lighting overcomes some challenging conditions, but pre-awareness of potential areas of difficulty ensures the most dependable result. 

 

Staging for a Panel Discussion

Will your event feature panel discussions? Using a backdrop? A clean background with your company branding can be a good investment.  Please when ordering it get a matte finish to minimize reflections. Have table distractions relating to expert panels been minimized?  Are microphones available in non-reflective materials? 

Panel Discussions:
clean backgrounds, non-distracting microphones and quality lighting

  

Summary

Delivering the quality of images, you deserve requires a photographer who understands what goes into planning and execution to provide you with exceptional images from your event.  

 

Your hired pro should respond in a timely manner, solve problems, and overcome challenges. Expect the unexpected and knowing how to deal with those situations is what the best image pros do.  Your choice will have the experience to capitalize on special moments that exceed your expectations and make your event memorable. 

 

Please send me your comments with your experiences and happy to answer any questions. 

 

Larry Levin

www.LLLevin.com

www.lllevin.blogspot.com

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