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Created and Maintained by: The Photoimaging Information Council |
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Articles |
| July 25, 2008 | |||
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1) Bring a megaphone. Not only will this make communication easier, but also a megaphone or bullhorn will establish you as the person in charge.  Mazur, who has taken many large group photos of celebs over the years, gains an extra organizing strategy with a bullhorn. © 2006 Dimitrious Kambouris / WireImage
2) To supports the major group portrait, try and get lots of side shots of smaller groups.
 Jim Dale, Glenn Close, and Blair Brown are among the prestigious group of veteran Broadway stars. © 2006 Dimitrious Kambouris / WireImage
3) Create a seating chart. This organization tool will let everyone know exactly where they should stand or sit, and consequently, they'll feel more comfortable. You can use a poster board with names on post-it notes so that adjustments can be made if necessary.
 Post-it notes are the best option to enable the photo shoot producer to accommodate likely last-minute seating changes. © 2006 Jill Enfield
4) Categorize alphabetically. If there is any possibility of egos, alphabetical seating will avoid that issue altogether.  5) Arrange by size. If you are shooting a group that ranges in age, organizing them by size is usually best. 6) Suggest a color scheme. It sometimes helps aesthetically if everyone is wearing the same basic color or same t-shirt.  Bebe Neuwirth and Ben Vereen good-naturedly pose for the group of press photographers as well as the small crowd of spectators that has gathered outside the theater. © 2006 Jill Enfield
7) Clear the foreground and sides. Make sure all clutter and debris is removed from the foreground and wings. 8) Use a subtle backdrop. Choose a subtle pattern for the backdrop that will not draw attention away from the group.  HP DesignJet 130
9) Make sure everyone can see you. Be sure to state loud and clear, "If you can't see me, I can't see you, and you won't be seen in the portrait." Repeat this sentiment throughout the shoot because people forget.
 Shubert Organization Chairman Gerald Schoenfeld is all smiles after the shoot is successfully completed, as is his friend Matthew Broderick. © 2006 Jill Enfield
10) Take many photos. Take as many photos as possible in case people blink. If you use digital, some heads can be moved from one group portrait to another, so that the best ones can appear in the same shot. 11) Develop a pattern of direction. In repeat shots, this will help everyone know when the shutter will be released. For example, say aloud, "one, two, three, SHOOT" over and over again, clicking the shutter release each time you say "SHOOT." The subjects will be able to synchronize their poses or smiles with when you are shooting.
12) Get contact information. Have everyone put their e-mail addresses on a list so that they can receive copies after the shoot.  In traditional Broadway hangout Sardi’s, Ralph Fiennes and Natasha Richardson take a moment to pose for the camera before they sit down to the commemorative meal. © 2006 Dimitrious Kambouris / WireImage
13) Always take your camera with you - you never know when you'll come across a great photo op!
 Passersby with cameras on hand are able to snap a few pics of the stars emerging from the theatre. This man, Robert Yap, was sure to bring his SONY Digital Point and Shoot camera, when he traveled up from South Carolina, with his wife's local dance troupe called Broadway Babies. © 2006 Jill Enfield
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