I enjoyed taking photos of my daughter's friends before they left for a Chinese restaurant in downtown Atlanta for dinner. Parents would drop them there, then they'd stroll over to the Prom venue--afterwards, they would Uber back to a friend's house for an after-party. This is NEW territory for this mom. From what I've gathered, the kids had a great time!
I thought I would write something about this shot, though, for all those aspiring photographers of "groups"--social events are hard to capture because when you want to have a group shot, you are likely to have some side photographers (parents with phones) hanging around you and so the eyes of the ones you are capturing will be looking at their personal photographer.
I was not hired to do shots for the group, but I did offer my services since some of these kids are used to me capturing them for XC events/races (and my kid (in the blue/floral dress) was there)!
If you look closely, there is one kid not looking at me. In only ONE shot of over 100 I took that day (not with him in all of them), he looked at me. He was looking at his parent--every time. For me, it's so hard to be bossy, but as a photographer, I did say over and over again, please look at whoever is taking the photograph (so I'd let parents take them first, then I'd do my final shot--ALL of the kids got it so easily, EXCEPT this one kid--please note, he is delightful--not his fault!).
So in group situations, you don't get the opportunity to rule, and every once in a while you get the shot you want, but if you are going to do a job, you'll have to keep the "others" away until you're done--otherwise, you are likely to get a stray look (when it's hard enough to get all eyes open at once!). Ha.
Also, to get great shots of couples or friends as candids, I made sure I snapped on my 35mm with a wide aperture to take shots of the kids while they moved to a new location for a group shot--parents were making their way over and I was just catching the kids as they went from point A to point B. I ended up with some nice memory shots.
Happy Easter to those who celebrate! I'm making ribs and reading my Cousin's book, "We Were the Lucky Ones" by Georgia Hunter. I really have to recommend it.
Lovely backdrop to your group shot Daryl. You have done vet well and I am sure they will be thrilled with all your images. I know where you are coming from with people looking away to other people using phones etc. I did shots for my great niece's prom and it was very hard work to get them to look at me! They all look gorgeous especially your daughter! How quickly they grow up! Fav!
It's a great group shot and fun to read what it took to make it happen. Other parents will be so pleased with the quality of your work -- you are a good person to volunteer!
Nicely done, the over-exposure of the background concentrates the eye on the bright colours of the group. To focus attention I guess you need a prop - remember the phrase "watch the birdie!"
@laroque so true and the flash engaged on this one I think, which actually helped because there was a lot of shade there. My editing was too quick, but it was free. :)
what a wonderful photo of a lovely group of young people - you did well with just one not looking - I can't get either of my daughters to look on command hahahaha
April 18th, 2017
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so sophisticated! Nice group shot.